A SECTION DEDICATED TO TENNIS AUSTRALIA COACH MEMBERS
MyCoach
49 Pursuit of perfection
Every top-level athlete strives for perfection but the additional pressure can also have a crippling effect.
52 Ever wonder ...
Why do players call trainers to the court? And what are the most common body areas treated by their physios?
54 A defined approach
Coach Scott Rawlins has guided his charges through the most unexpected challenges.
55 What do you see?
Doubles stars Daniel Nestor and Max Mirnyi showcase superior net skills.
56 Coach Talk 57 Coaches’ Corner
Australian Tennis Magazine | April 2012
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A SECTION DEDICATED TO TENNIS AUSTRALIA COACH MEMBERS Tennis Australia Coach Membership T: 03 9914 4191 F: 03 9650 1040 Email: coachmembership@tennis.com.au Website: www.tennis.com.au/membership While every top player strives for excellence, managing that process can be a coaching challenge.
Pursuit of
perfection
DR JANET YOUNG reports it’s when this perfection turns negative that an individual suffers additional pressure that effects their performance. “Today I left as a winner. (It) was perfect … Pete Sampras is perhaps the greatest player we’ve ever had. To be on the same level as Pete, my former hero in a way, is already very nice, but I’m not there yet. I haven’t won Paris, Davis Cup, the Olympic Games, many other tournaments I’d like to win again. But, you know, if I don’t win them, it’s okay too. I’m having a great run. I just want to enjoy my tennis and not just put myself under pressure all the time. I’m just happy with such a good run, especially at Wimbledon, the most important tournament of my life. I’m loving every moment of it”. – Roger Federer, 8 July 2007, after defeating Rafael Nadal to win his fifth consecutive Wimbledon singles title.
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n a recent publication, Flett and Hewitt (2005) suggest that a number of champion tennis players, including John McEnroe and Serena Williams, share “a demonstrated history of extreme perfectionism” (p.17). One may well ask, is this a good or bad thing to be characterised as a perfectionist? What does it mean to be a perfectionist? How does one become such and can/ should one change? This article explores these issues by examining several myths about perfectionism and highlighting implications and recommendations for tennis coaches.
Myth #1 Everyone knows what perfectionism means Perfectionism has been loosely defined as the setting of excessively high personal standards of performance (Burns, 1980; Pacht, 1984) to a more recent, and formal, conceptualisation as “a personality style characterised by striving for flawlessness and setting of excessively high standards of performance accompanied by tendencies for overly critical evaluations of one’s behaviour” (Stoeber & Otta, 2006, p.295). While no one single definition of perfectionism has been agreed upon by perfectionism researchers, it is universally accepted that the central aspect of perfectionism is the setting of, and striving for, high standards.
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A perfectionist sets and strives for a high standard, but as
Myth 2 Perfectionists are all alike While perfectionists share the characteristic of setting and striving for high standards, Australian Tennis Magazine | April 2012
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they differ on a variety of other interrelated characteristics. This has led researchers to categorise perfectionists as one of two types, ‘positive’ (also labelled normal, adaptive, healthy, functional, active) or ‘negative’ (also labelled neurotic, maladaptive, unhealthy, dysfunctional, passive) perfectionists (Stoeber & Otta, 2006). To briefly summarise the features depicted in Table 1, negative perfectionists set extremely high standards however, being overly critical and intolerant of mistakes, they are never satisfied with results (believing results could always be better). In contrast, positive perfectionists accept personal and situational limitations, and the inevitability of making mistakes, and in doing so, enjoy their purposeful pursuit of excellence. It has been suggested that the critical distinction between positive and negative perfectionism lies in an individual’s demand for perfection (Gotwals, Dunn & Wayment, 2003). As summarised by Zinsser, Bunker and Williams (2001), there “is always value in striving for perfection [in sport] but nothing to be gained by demanding perfectionism” (p.302).
Myth 3 Perfectionism is not associated with sporting excellence The accuracy, or otherwise, of this myth depends on whether one is referring to positive or negative perfectionism. It is true to say research supports that negative perfectionism is an antecedent to burnout among young tennis players (Gould, Ulry Tuffey & Loehr, 1996). It is, however, equally true that research (e.g. Bloom, 1985; Hardy,
Table 1: Key Differences between the Positive and Negative Perfectionist (adapted from Burns [1980], Hamachek [1978] and Pacht [1984])
Positive perfectionist
Negative perfectionist
■■ Ability to view him/herself successful even if not the ‘perfect performance’ – enjoys his/her accomplishments
■■ Rarely satisfied with achievements – tendency to see him/herself as a failure
■■ Ability to accept personal and situational limitations – realistic in monitoring and evaluating own performance ■■ Motivated to excel and focuses on doing things right ■■ Relaxed but careful attitude; confident in abilities
■■ Preoccupied with, and overly critical of, results. Inability to accept mistakes ■■ Motivated by fears of failure and concerns about disappointing others ■■ Tense and anxious about tasks; compulsive tendencies; doubts abilities and concerned with quality of performance
■■ Disappointed with failure but renews efforts and commitment
■■ Self-worth dependent on results
■■ Completes tasks on time
■■ ‘Black and white’/ ‘all or nothing’ thinker (perfect or failed; good or bad)
■■ Balanced thinker Jones & Gould, 1996; Gould, Dieffenback & Moffett, 2002) supports many of the most successful world-class athletes are positively perfectionistic in their orientations. These latter research findings have led sport psychologists to propose the positive form of perfectionism is indeed “a trademark feature of high performance athletes” (Gotwals, Dunn & Wayment, 2003, p.19).
Myth 4 Perfectionism can be traced to parental influences in childhood Undoubtedly parental factors have a strong impact early on in instilling values and thereby shaping a child’s character (Bloom, 1985; Csikszentmihalyi, 1996). However, other factors such as the role of significant
■■ Tends to procrastinate
others (such as coaches and teachers) and the impact of society’s values and cultural influences need to also be considered.
Myth 5 ‘Once a perfectionist, always a perfectionist’ Since perfectionism is learned, most individuals can develop, moderate and/or change such an orientation (Hamacheck, 1978). Granted some individuals will require assistance in this process (such as work with a sport psychologist) but change is generally possible, and in some cases, desirable (such as a possible case warranting change may involve a player who invariably ‘drops his/her bundle’ on the first mistake he/she makes in a match,
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Positive perfectionism, which Rafael Nadal generally demonstrates, allows for inevitable limitations.
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Australian Tennis Magazine | April 2012
■■ Pacht, A. R. (1984). Reflections on Perfection. American Psychologist, 39(4), 386-390. ■■ Stoeber, J., & Otto, K. (2006). Positive conceptions of perfectionism: Approaches, evidence, challenges. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 10(4), 295-319. ■■ Zinsser. N., Bunker, L., & Williams, J. M.(2001). Cognitive techniques for building confidence and enhancing performance. In J.M. Williams (Ed.), Applied sport psychology: Personal growth to peak performance (4th ed., pp.288-344). Mountain View, CA: Mayfield. Dr Janet A Young is a Tennis Australia Club Professional Coach / Exercise and Sport Psychologist. Reprinted with permission from the ITF Coaching and Sport Science Review www.itftennis.com/coaching/sportscience
Coaches play a key role in managing players’ own expectations.
continually berates him/herself on his/her standard of play and suffers badly from the strain of competition.
References
Recommendations for coaches
■■ Burns, D. D. (1980, November). The perfectionist’s script for self-defeat. Psychology Today, 34-52.
Table 2: Recommended Approaches for Coaches to Adopt and Pass onto Players (adapted from Stoeber and Otto, 2006)
Recommended approaches ■■ Focus on doing one’s best rather than worrying about mistakes and errors. ■■ Enjoy striving for perfection rather than being afraid of falling short of it. ■■ Appreciate what has been achieved rather than pondering or stressing about the discrepancy between what has been achieved, and what might have been achieved, if everything had worked out perfectly.
A balanced and happy player will use perfectionism to their advantage.
■■ Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1996). Creativity: Flow and the psychology of discovery and invention. New York: Harper Collins. ■■ Flett, G. L., & Hewitt, P. L. (2005). The perils of perfectionism in sports and exercise. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 14, 14-18. ■■ Gotwals, J. K., Dunn, J. G. H., & Wayment, H. A. (2003). An examination of perfectionism and self-esteem in intercollegiate athletes. Journal of Sport Behaviour, 26, 17-38. ■■ Gould, D., Dieffenbach, M. S., & Moffett, A. (2002). Psychological characteristics and their development in Olympic champions. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 14, 172-204. ■■ Gould, D., Tuffey, S., Udry, E., & Loehr, J. (1996). Burnout in competitive junior tennis players. The Sport Psychologist, 10, 341-366.
MyCoach
Several implications for coaches can be drawn from the above discussion. Most significantly, it is important for coaches to be aware, and mindful, that perfectionism in themselves and/or their players does not necessarily represent a negative or dysfunctional characteristic. It can also be positive and normal, and indeed, a key quality for sporting excellence. In adopting these suggestions, coaches will embrace the benefits from the pursuit of perfection but avoid the perils of demanding perfection. Striving for, but accepting being less than perfect, is the perfect way to go – just ask Roger Federer!
■■ Bloom, B. S. (1985). Developing talent in young people. New York: Ballantine.
■■ Hamachek, D.E. (1978). Psychodynamics of normal and neurotic perfectionism. Psychology, 15, 27-33. ■■ Hardy, L., Jones, G., & Gould, D. (1996). Understanding psychological preparation for sport: Theory and practice of elite performers. New York: John Wiley. Australian Tennis Magazine | April 2012
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EVER WONDER …
What are the most common body areas that physiotherapists treat at the Australian Open? 40 35
Men Women
30 25 20 15 10
Quite often players can continue to play through this injury, although their serve accuracy and speed can diminish depending on the severity of injury. Clinically, a high rate of recurrence has been noted amongst players who have not completed an appropriate rehabilitation program after their strain has settled down. Why does this happen to some players and not others? There are many external and internal factors that contribute to any injury. In strokes requiring significant power there are many body segments involved. There may even be a compromise elsewhere in the kinetic chain (tight hip flexors or anterior shoulder structures or reduced trunk rotation) leading the player to extend
EXERCISE OF THE MONTH …
MyCoach
E
ccentric exercise should be a regular component of strength training for any athlete. In recent years, eccentric exercise has also been used in the rehabilitation of tendinopathies and muscle strains. As noted rectus abdominus strains are a rising concern in the world of tennis – they are fast becoming a debilitating and potentially recurring injury. The following exercise has been implemented within Tennis Australia’s National Academies and AIS programs for end stage rehabilitation and also prevention. Always check with your physio before doing this as part of your rehab program. 52
Australian Tennis Magazine | April 2012
Sit on a bench with someone stabilising your feet and with your back facing off the end of the bench as in the pictures. With your arms across your chest slowly lower your trunk off the bench until you are below horizontal. Take care not to arch your back or poke your chin out. Start off with 2–3 sets of 6–8 repetitions. Once you can do that progress by placing your hands by your ears and doing the same repetitions. This can be further progressed by reaching arms above your head and making sure you touch the ground as you lower your back down. Depending on your stage of development you can advance this further by increasing repetitions and/or adding some weights.
Post Surgical
No Presenting Illness/Injury
Wrist
Unspecified
Disabled
Thigh
Upper Arm
Forearm
Shoulder
Lower Leg
Trunk and Abdominal
Neck
Medical
Knee
Lumbar Spine
Paediatric
Head
Congenital
Foot
Hip and Groin
Elbow
Chest
Thoracic Spine
0
Ankle
5 Pelvis/Buttock
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njury trends at the Australian Open have been fairly consistent over the last few years. The majority of treatments tend to involve blister care and medical treatments. Aside from those, the top areas for acute injury during the Open are: the lumbar spine, ankle and neck in the men’s game and the lumbar spine, thigh (note all those thigh wraps on the girls) and abdomen in the women’s game. In the past, there has not been much focus on abdominal strains within the tennis literature. However, clinically we have noticed a marked increase in the incidence of rectus abdominus muscle strains on the non-dominant side in tennis players. This is most often felt during the service action, especially on impact and is attributed to the repetitive action of the serve involving trunk flexion and rotation. It is normally located at the level or below umbilicus. Strains of the oblique muscles are less common. The rectus abdominus is strap like in appearance and is commonly known as the “6 pack” muscle. Its primary function is to flex the trunk. In the late cocking phase of the service motion, correct biomechanics requires rotation and extension of the trunk to enable the player to get into a shoulder over shoulder position. The rectus abdominus works eccentrically to get into the stretched position before the explosive “stretch shorten” cycle which enhances the contraction phase of the muscle that pulls the trunk forward. Trunk flexion is a major driver of the somersault action, which (builds angular momentum and) contributes to 20 percent of the racquet head speed at impact.
more to get into the appropriate position. Fatigue, muscle imbalance and poor technique could also contribute, as could external factors such as windy conditions or a change in racquet. References Biomechanics and Tennis, Elliott, B., 2006, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 40; 392–396
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■■
Biomechanical Issues of Abdominal and Groin Injuries in Tennis, Knudson, D., 2007, Medical Science in Tennis; 12 (2); 9–11
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Abdominal Wall Injuries: Rectus Abdominus Strains, Oblique Strains, Rectus Sheath Haematoma, 2006, Johnson, R., Current Sports Medicine Reports; (5); 99–103
MASSAGE …
Is it as effective as we think?
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hroughout Australian Open 2012 there were a total of 1586 massages given to players. Clinicians, coaches and players alike believe that massage is an integral preparatory and recovery strategy for players. The mechanical pressure of massage is believed to assist with physical recovery by increasing the following: ■■ compliance of muscle ■■
joint range of motion
■■
blood and lymph flow
■■
realigning soft tissue fibres
■■
decreasing passive and active stiffness.
It is also suggested that massage can reduce hormone levels of cortisol, and increase those of endorphins and serotonin allowing for a reduction in pain. Additionally it improves perception of wellbeing. There are also suggested neurological benefits such as a decrease of muscle tension. Clinically our experience shows that by increasing the compliance and length of soft tissue we gain improvements in joint range of motion thus aiding injury prevention. Realigning soft tissue fibre and breaking down adhesions with the use of deep and frictional massage is also believed to assist in injury prevention.
There are theories as to how massage has a neurological effect in reducing muscle spasm through large nerve fibres (fast) being stimulated to block the smaller pain stimulating nerve fibres (slow). Unfortunately, there is little scientific data to support the supposed additive effects of massage highlighted above. However, the use of massage is supported through our clinical reassessments of range of motion as well as the subjective positive reports of players following treatment. Indeed if massage is only yielding results based on players’ positive perceptions of wellbeing that in itself may be the difference between a win and a loss. References Fit to Play & Perform – Rules of Recovery (Part 1); Peterson, C., & Nittinger, N.; ITF coaching and sport science review, 2011: 55 (19); 3–5
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Increase in blood flow hastens the recovery of muscle by removing waste products after exercise, delivering protein and other nutrients for muscle repair. Furthermore increased blood flow enhances the amount of oxygen carried in the blood, which aids performance. Increased lymph flow would have a similar effect on recovery by assisting with post exercise swelling and stiffness.
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Implementation of Recovery Strategies: 100 – Point Weekly Recovery Checklist; Bird, S.P.; International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training 2011 16(2) 16–19.
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The Mechanisms of Massage and Effects on Performance, Muscle Recovery and Injury Prevention; Sports Medicine 2005; 35 (3)235–256.
FROM THE STANDS …
Why do players call the trainers to court?
51 times, up 13 from last year. Both the junior boys and girls had 15 court calls, while the wheelchair men and women had one apiece. The majority of court calls this year were for blister management, thigh strain, lumbar spine and ankle injuries. Anne-Marie Montgomery is Tennis Australia’s AIS girls and Fed Cup physio as well as the National Physiotherapy Manager for Tournament Services. Australian Tennis Magazine | April 2012
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MyCoach
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e have all seen trainers being called to court. Sometimes the injury is an obvious one like Kim Clijsters’ ankle sprain in the fourth round against Li Na in this year’s Open. Sometimes they are considerably less obvious. The court call rule states that players can only call a trainer to court for an acute injury or an exacerbation of a pre-existing injury. They can only receive a medical time out if the injury is deemed to be treatable, that is that the treatment will make a difference to their symptoms. The WTA has a limit on the amount of court calls a player can have per year and a fine system is in place if this privilege is abused. This was introduced a few years ago to limit the amount of “tactical court calls” as we are all aware that it does not take much to change the momentum of a match. Grand Slams, however as they are run by the national federations, do not impose any limits. During Australian Open 2012 we had 68 court calls for men, the same number as 2011. The women called the trainer to court
A defined approach Federation standard tennis courts, including Pat Rafter Arena and two showcase courts, representing all playing surfaces (hardcourt, clay and grass), providing world-class training facilities.
Club s wlin ra l i a l i a a t s R u t ot is A stra e: Sc Tenn nnis Au cise Nam e ion: t T er a , x c ach lifi h, E Qua al co coac n t o e n i e s es entr opm Prof n is C evel n D e t T n ree Hot and Tale Deg ensl nnis nce C Te : Que t L a Scie i M la ach alia stra Deaf d co ustr s Au i A n s Hea n i nd’s e n a l T n s , e ch een r: T r coa d Qu Othe ento or an ach m t a s t t i l Sho Faci ed co pair ning Lear aring Im He and
The Queensland Tennis Centre may be known as the home of the Brisbane International, but it is also the home base for many juniors in the state.
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at Rafter and a group of Australian tennis legends officially opened the Queensland Tennis Centre in 2009 and it first hosted the highly acclaimed combined men’s and women’s event, the Brisbane International. After the closure of the Milton Tennis Centre in 1999 an international-standard tennis facility was a welcome return for Brisbane.
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Rebuilding No one, though, could predict that Mother Nature would take a turn for the worse in January 2011 as floods ravaged the state. The Queensland Tennis Centre wasn’t immune to the destruction and also succumbed to this unimaginable natural disaster. Just days after some of the world’s top tennis players had gathered to contest the Brisbane International images of the state-of-the-art facility showed it damaged beyond repair. During this period the local community support, national fundraising efforts and assistance from Tennis Queensland and Tennis Australia helped the Queensland Tennis Centre to recover and rebuild. Located on the banks of the iconic Brisbane River in Tennyson, the Queensland Tennis Centre has 23 International Tennis 54
Australian Tennis Magazine | April 2012
Institute of Sport in Canberra last year, two of Rawlins’ athletes were selected to attend. This camp provided a perfect insight into the sacrifices and dedication required to be an elite player.
Recognition Inspiration
There’s nothing quite like the positive influence some of the world’s best athletes can have on aspiring athletes and Tennis Australia Club Professional coach Scott Rawlins has this, and a National Academy, as an added advantage to inspire his crop of athletes. Inspiration is a key element with tennis and up and coming juniors from the state help even younger athletes to follow in their footsteps and make their own way through the tennis pathway. “Goal setting and revisiting this quite often helps to build good work ethic,” Rawlins says. “Also we are lucky enough to have the National Academy Queensland at the same center, so I often get my players to watch sessions of those players, to inspire them.” Rawlins also heads up the Active Tribes junior coaching program, which is based on the MLC Tennis Hot Shots philosophy of using modified courts and balls to give children the chance to serve, rally and score from the beginning stages of their tennis development.
Future talent As the head coach at the centre Rawlins brings with him a wealth of experience, having been a coach for 15 years. “I enjoy the challenge of working with highly motivated and talented players, and also the friendships that come along the way with other coaches,” Rawlins says. Having started playing tennis at the age of four himself, Rawlins has an interest to develop the tennis skills of young children and is also a Tennis Australia Talent Development Coach for elite under 12 athletes. Already he can see a number of athletes that are on the right path to further their careers with the sport. “I have a good bunch of 10–12 year olds at the moment, Oscar Woods, Sara and Uma Nayar, Jordan Saba, Ivana Daskalovic, Josh Mackenzie and Moerani Bouzige to mention a few,” Rawlins says. At the inaugural National Talent Development Camp held at the Australian
Having coached nationally and internationally and also having worked with some ITF, ATP and WTA players, Rawlins has a flexible coaching style which allows him to successfully coach both children and adults of all ages and skill levels. In 2011 Rawlins was nominated as a finalist in the Tennis Queensland Awards for the category of Coaching Excellence in MLC Tennis Hot Shots. This nomination was a testament to the great work he and his team have put in at the Queensland Tennis Centre to grow participation and enjoyment in tennis, particularly at the grassroots level. Rawlins has been instrumental in developing, running and growing the MLC Tennis Hot Shots events, which are run at both the Queensland Tennis Centre and the UQ Tennis Centre throughout the year. “We have launched a new progression chart for our centre, which gives all the players a clearer and more defined pathway,” Rawlins says. With this in place Rawlins is hoping to Scott Rawlins’ athlete provide his Oscar Woods (centre) had the athletes with chance to meet Ian Barclay at the the necessary National Talent Develop ment Camp at the AIS in 201 ingredients to 1. make it on the big stage. “It’s all about honesty and setting the right example on and off the court,” Rawlins says. And who knows maybe one day he’ll be the coach in the stands with his athlete striving for glory. “I would love to be part of a Grand Slam player’s development in one-way or another,” he says. “Having said that I still enjoy working with my team both on court and off court, also with my players, and seeing them improve.” “Application has to equal expectations.”
What do you see? By the Stroke Master
With 77 and 43 career doubles titles respectively, Daniel Nestor and Max Mirnyi are an experienced duo. Below we look at their combination at the net.
Hands are centered and the racquet head is up in preparation to intercept an oncoming volley.
Eyes are focused on his opposite opponent to counteract their net movements.
Continuous forward movement through the volley to establish a strong net position.
Both players will cover the middle of the court and force their opponents to create an angle.
Both players will continue to move forwards to control the net.
MyCoach
Wide base provides suitable balance for a reflex volley.
Australian Tennis Magazine | April 2012
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Coach Talk
Find-A-Coach: a great tool as part of your marketing plan F
ind-A-Coach on the Tennis Australia website is one of the most effective ways for players and parents to find a qualified tennis coach. Tennis Australia Coach Membership provide tools such as this to assist coaches in creating a marketing portfolio for their business. It is essential in the current competitive market to brand, promote and differentiate your business to stand above the rest to the consumer. To ensure you are making the most of Find-A-Coach and your Qualified Coach Membership, visit tennis.com.au/coaches/ login and enter your MyTennis ID and password. You can update your contact details, facilities/schools and list of coaching services. These details will all appear on tennis. com.au when your postcode is searched, making it easier than ever to direct customers straight to you. If you would like to view other marketing tools available to you at subsidised prices please visit tennis.com.au/coaches/membership/ benefits/marketing.
New content on Bounce V
MyCoach
ideos from the 2012 Australian Grand Slam Coaches’ Conference are now available on Bounce. Qualified coach members can view a selection of presentations, on-court sessions and interviews from coaches and speakers from Australia and around the world. Watch now at tennis.com. au/coaches/login.
Stay up to date with the latest news!
B
ecome a fan of Tennis Australia Coach Development, MLC Tennis Hot Shots and Cardio Tennis and be kept up to date with all the latest news, photos and upcoming events. To find us, log on to your Facebook account and search by name.
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Australian Tennis Magazine | April 2012
Have you sent us your First Aid certificate?
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ennis Australia is committed to improving the quality of coaches at all levels. To ensure the safety and integrity of our sport, the Coach Development team is in the process of streamlining certification into Coach Membership. This started with the requirement of coach screening in 2009–2010. The next development for qualified coach members will see First Aid introduced as a compulsory requirement of Coach Membership from 1 July 2012. If you already have a current First Aid certificate, please forward a copy to coachmembership@tennis.com.au or Tennis Australia Coach Membership, Private Bag 6060, Richmond Vic 3121.
Coaches’ corner
The digital impact An athlete’s experience will be enhanced as coaches integrate technology to their coaching programs.
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eter Apin, Tennis Australia Club Professional Coach has an ever growing business base in the Upper North Shore of Sydney, New South Wales. Peter has successfully integrated the use of iPad technology to deliver all his programs from adult coaching to holiday clinics and MLC Tennis Hot Shots and has taken the time to share the benefits of its use.
What prompted the use of the iPad within your business? Most of my coaching is done at various locations around my local district. I carry a reasonable amount of gear so carrying additional electronic equipment to conduct any sort of analysis becomes cumbersome. I love the idea of showing people videos of professionals or themselves playing strokes or points but the whole thing is not feasible with current software and equipment. From my point of view, it’s all relatively expensive and impractical for my needs. That is, until the iPad.
How do you incorporate an iPad into your coaching business?
software, you just set-up and go with instant feedback as you are coaching.
What is a specific example of how this technology has helped? Recently one of my students was having issues with his serve; I found he was looking to where he was hitting, rather than the impact zone. In a matter of a few minutes I had taken the video, shown it to him at normal speed and freeze frame, listened to his gasps of amazement and then returned to hitting. That’s why I use the iPad.
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n 2011, and in a Grand Slam first, IBM announced the release of the Official Australian Open Program iPad app, allowing fans to get even more involved with the action on court, off court and online. The IBM-powered application was created in partnership with Tennis Australia to give fans real-time access to match, tournament and venue information, as well as an electronic version of the official Australian Open program. This application was instrumental in taking fan engagement to new levels, and successfully enhanced the brand of the
Australian Open around the world. iTunes have subsequently released a range of applications, assisting coaches around the world, not only in tennis, but cricket, hockey and basketball. When used correctly; iPads or other smart technologies can significantly enhance any coaching business. To compliment your transition into the ‘digital age’, Tennis Australia Coach Membership also has a range of local area marketing online member benefits including branded, personalised websites, and access to ‘Find-A-Coach. To discuss these benefits in further detail, call the Tennis Australia Coach Membership team on 03 9914 4191, who will be able to assist you with these products and how to work them into your marketing plan.
The main function at the moment is showing video sequences of the professionals playing various points, predominantly at the Australian Open. Tennis Australia very kindly reformatted for me a whole series of ultraslow videos for use on Mac software. The other function is to record my pupils hitting sequences of one or more strokes. It can be shot handheld or on a tripod with a telephoto lens. It’s fantastic to compare the professional strokes with the students’ efforts.
What are the benefits of other coaches using this technology?
MyCoach
Apart from being portable the iPad screen is larger than an iPhone or video camera screen and therefore easier for everyone to see, particularly when the eye sight starts to fail. It is quick to control and very easy to manipulate. Even though the software on the iPad is fairly basic, it’s all you need when you’re ‘on the road’. You don’t have time to fiddle with video manipulation Australian Tennis Magazine | April 2012
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