My Coach - December 2010 issue

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

68 Cultivating a coaching career 70 B ackhand exchange: comparing the forehands of Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco.

72 A life’s journey: tennis has provided a lifetime of highlights for coach Bill Bowrey.

73 W hat do you see? Learn from Sam Stosur’s high volley.

75 Coach corner 77 Coach drills

Australian Tennis Magazine | December 2010

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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

Cultivate a Coaching Career The weather’s fining up. Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner.

There’s no better time to look into becoming a tennis coach. By Daniela Toleski

D

MyCoach

o you feel like a career change? Do you enjoy teaching, the outdoors and love tennis? Well a career as a tennis coach may be perfect for you.

The Tennis Australia coaching pathway has something for all prospective coaches, from volunteer/school teacher level delivering MLC Tennis Hot Shots, through to the intermediate/advanced level, running a successful coaching business at a club or coaching high performance players to the state or national level.

“No matter what interest an individual may have in tennis coaching, there is a course available to suit their needs,” says Tennis Australia’s Coach Education Manager Patrick McInerney.

“Tennis Australia also teams up with Deakin Prime to deliver the Master Club Professional coaching qualification which provides successful participants with a Diploma of Management.”

A coaching career has many rewards.

Passion for the game

“No matter what interest an individual may have in tennis coaching, there is a course available to suit their needs.”

Making the decision to become a tennis coach may be an easy one if you have a passion for the game.

Your involvement could make a difference to the development of juniors and you could progress these juniors to the advanced level one day.

Monique Mallett, who recently completed the Tennis Australia Junior Development coaching qualification, started coaching at the Scoresby Tennis Club and hasn’t looked back.

“If you are passionate about coaching and working with children then go for it,” she says.

“Coaching can attract a wide variety of personalities but in my opinion coaching

suits somebody who is active and engaging.

Somebody who is confident in their knowledge and has a real passion for the game.”

Mallett suggests there is no better way to develop as a coach than learning from established coaches.

“Make sure you work with a qualified coach who is able to provide you direction and guidance to further your coaching development,” Mallett says.

There is a major focus in the delivery of Tennis Australia coaching courses in “learning through doing”. This means course participants spend a significant amount of time on-court in a small group with specialist

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Australian Tennis Magazine | December 2010

learning facilitators while undertaking their training.

“From what I have heard from friends overseas, Tennis Australia’s coaching courses are among the best in the world. There is variety and the opportunity to develop your skills further, whether you want to be a junior development coach or wish to coach those at an elite level, Tennis Australia offers flexibility and choice,” Mallett says.

Skills required Having a good understanding of the game can only help you to be a better coach and assist your students to excel. “I do think that

coaches need to have some level of playing ability before coaching as they then can understand the fundamentals of the game and can gauge the level of players quite well and see where the students’ development should be,” Mallett says.

Communication too is an essential component to coaching and in essence is a prerequisite.

“Having good communications skills is what allows you to discuss and coach in a way that the students will understand,” Mallett says.

“If a person possesses all the essential knowledge but cannot convey the message to a group or individual player then the knowledge is wasted. Additionally, being able to listen to and answer questions and concerns is a big factor when coaching.”

a Rewarding career

Coaching courses/ qualifications

Coaching role Assessment Age

Intro to MLC Tennis Hot Volunteer/MLC Tennis Participants Shots Coaching Course Hot Shots/school receive a

teacher certificate for

attending: no

assessment

Minimum age is 16 (can complete earlier but will not receive certificate until participant turns 16)

Trainee Coaching Course FPMS/red, orange Participants

stage receive a

certificate for

attending: no

assessment

Minimum age is 16 (can complete earlier but will not receive certificate until participant turns 16)

Junior Development Less than 12 years Range of Coaching Qualification old – FPMS/red, orange assessment tasks – FIRST LEVEL and green stages RECOGNISED WITH THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION in NCAS

Minimum age is 16 (can complete earlier but will not receive certificate until participant turns 16)

Seeing your students develop their skills and improve week in and week out is something that will provide you an indescribable reward.

“Coaching has given me a greater Club Professional Intermediate/advanced Range of understanding of the game as well as effective Coaching Qualification players and run a small assessment tasks strategies when teaching,” Mallett says.

(CPCQ) club

“It has been a great confidence boost and

parents often comment on my patience and

control of the classes.”

Advertising your business is integral to your business success with certain periods in the Master Club Professional Running a business Range of year providing the best moments to showcase Coaching Qualification More efficiently assessment tasks your services.

“Particularly during the time of the Australian Open, flyers are handed out to the High Performance State/national Range of local area and to the local schools,” Mallett Coaching Qualification level assessment tasks says.

“Doing a coaching course was extremely beneficial and now being qualified I can honestly say I came out a better coach and am able to teach my students better.”

For more information on becoming a tennis coach, go to tennis.com.au/coacheducation.

Tennis Australia Coaching Pathway

Minimum age is 18 (can complete earlier but will not receive certificate until participant turns 18) No age requirement

No age requirement

Tennis Australia Coaching Pathway

Master Club Professional C

Master Club Professional Coach#

Club Professional Coach Club Coach Professional Coac Junior Development Coach High Performance

Key

Trainee Coach*

Trainee Coach*

MyCoach

Junior Development Coach

Entry Progress

Intro to MLC Tennis Hot Shots*

* Short Course # Diploma of Management (Deakin Prime)

Intro to MLC Tennis Hot Shots* Australian Tennis Magazine | December 2010

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Verdasco netpost view

Nadal netpost view

Backhand Exchange

Swing Phase – Backswing

Swing Phase – Backswing (cont.)

Swing Phase – Forwardswing

There are many similarities in the preparation of Nadal and Verdasco. Flexion of the knees give a sound base of support, shoulders are beginning to turn side on to the path of the oncoming ball. Nadal is deeper in the court than Verdasco.

A notable difference is that Nadal’s grip on the left hand is an eastern backhand grip whilst Verdasco’s is a continental grip; this difference is more obvious at impact.

Verdasco, who is closer to the baseline has a lower centre of gravity (COG) in preparation for making contact lower than Nadal, who is more upright (knee’s still flexed) in preparation for a higher relative contact. As the speed of the game has increased, the necessity and instances of open stance backhands has increased as seen in these images.

The players have commenced the backswing with a circular swing, which increases the distance for the generation of racquet head speed.

The separation angle, the difference between the alignments of the shoulders and hips, is about 20˚ for the twohanded backhand.

Note the commitment of Nadal and Verdasco to get into position with the right leg (outside leg) behind the oncoming ball and the associated loading of the outside leg.

Loading refers to the force going through a body segment.

The grip differences of Nadal and Verdasco are evident here with Nadal’s eastern backhand grip of the left hand causing the racquet face to be more closed.

Verdasco’s continental grip of the left hand causes the racquet face to be approximately square.

These images illustrate the shoulders rotating further than the hips to store elastic energy for the forward swing.

Nadal and Verdasco have their eyes fixed on the oncoming ball.

Verdasco, who is hitting a waist high ball, has a lower COG. Nadal, who is deeper in the court has extended his legs more to hit a shoulder height ball. Notice how both players have extended their arms and created space at the end of the backswing in preparation for the forwardswing; this maximises the distance the racquet travels to generate racquet head speed.

The racquet and hands are below the level of the ball as part of a low to high racquet trajectory, the hitting hands are more likely to be visible on the hitting side of the body with two-handed players.

MyCoach

Preparation Phase

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Australian Tennis Magazine | December 2010

Swing Phase – Forwardswing (cont.)

Nadal and Verdasco demonstrate increased trunk rotation which is a critical factor in racquet head speed. The following three things occur: n Increased forward rotation toward impact. n Increased rotation of the shoulders compared to the hips. n Increased speed of rotation.

Impact Phase

Follow-through Phase

Follow-through Phase (cont.)

Nadal and Verdasco have their eyes fixed on contact. Their right arms are fully extended at impact, the grip differences between Nadal and Verdasco are more evident with the left arm. Nadal, eastern grip, has an extended left arm. Verdasco, continental grip, has a bent arm at impact.

Verdasco who is closer to the baseline (lower COG) makes contact at approximately waist height. Nadal, further behind the baseline (legs more extended), makes contact at approximately chest height.

Observe the similarities in these images. Nadal and Verdasco have kept a stable head position with their eyes fixed on the impact position, even after the ball has left the racquet.

Note the extension through impact and the players’ body position behind the ball. This demonstrates the commitment of these players to get into position for the stroke rather than just reaching for the ball and trying to control the shot with their hands.

The players have rotated so that their shoulders are nearly facing the net.

Nadal and Verdasco have finished front on to the net with a wide base of support for balance and stability. They push off the outside leg (right leg) to recover their court position.

The follow-through also allows the racquet time and distance to decelerate without the braking forces of an abrupt finish which could have potential for injury over time.

In summary, the similarities between Nadal and Verdasco are compelling, the notable difference being Verdasco’s continental grip with his left hand compared to Nadal’s eastern grip with his left hand.

Geoff Quinlan Tennis Australia – National Academy Manager Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) Human Movement Tennis Australia High Performance coach Australian Tennis Magazine | December 2010

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MyCoach

The comment that “technique isn’t important” is often made in coaching forums, with a rationale that many top players demonstrate varying techniques. But closer examination shows that while style components of swing may differ, the fundamentals are there for all top players. These are explored in this month’s feature analysis, comparing the backhands of Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco.

A life’s journey

the Challenge Round in Adelaide against the Americans in 1968 remains a prevalent memory.

“I defeated Arthur Ashe in the fourth singles. We had lost the match by then, but ... I managed to beat him,” he says.

“It was just a great atmosphere to be around t y en owre alia Tal B l guys like Roy Emerson, l i r r ust e: B nto Nam Tennis A oach Me John Newcombe and : C Role opment Tony Roche and working l e v De hard to try and win the Davis Cup for Australia. That was a great highlight for me.”

Bowrey went on to etch his name in history as the last amateur to win the Australian Championships in 1968 at Kooyong and he Once tennis becomes a part of feels the honour each time he returns to Melbourne. your life it is hard to remove “Winning the Australian Championships it from your identity, but Bill was a great thing for me personally because Bowrey wouldn’t have it any it’s given me a lot of prestige and it also opened a lot of doors for me in my career,” other way. he says.

Coaching was a natural progression when he sport introduced Bill Bowrey to Bowrey’s playing career ended, with his first playing, travelling the world, coaching and most significantly meeting his wife role coming in America. “At that time the game was booming in America and there was Lesley. a lot of coaching opportunities,” he explains.

“Lesley and I learnt off the same coach at Bondi here in Sydney, Don Ferguson,” he says. “I coached there for three years and then the opportunity came to come back to Sydney and “That’s where we met originally, although become the first professional [coach] at the we didn’t start dating until a bit later, til late White City Tennis Club. teenagers and early 20s, but it’s been a life’s “It was one of the top clubs so that was a journey for us.” great opportunity to come back and have our Both Bill and Lesley have experienced all children educated here in Australia. And we aspects of the game. They played as juniors, like the lifestyle, we wanted to always live in played interstate tennis, then represented Australia.”

Australia in Davis Cup or Fed Cup, played Bowrey remained with White City for 17 professionally on the tour and then when they years, before working with Tennis Australia as retired progressed to being coaches. national coach for almost a decade. Playing “That’s why it’s such a great sport, here I a key role in the development of Australian am at my age still able to be involved with tennis meant Bowrey was often travelling tennis,” he says. with teams overseas.

Bowrey first started playing tennis aged During this time he was also the chairman nine at the Glebe Police Boys Club, where of selectors and responsible for wildcards for Australian tennis legend Lew Hoad also all the major events in Australia. “But I spent played. a lot of time on the road. And eventually the He rubbed shoulders with Rod Laver travelling became a bit too much ... so that’s and Fred Stolle as he trained and played when I resigned from the national coach job,” alongside both, while Davis Cup was of he says. utter importance for Bowrey. His match in

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Australian Tennis Magazine | December 2010

“I still worked for Tennis Australia on a part-time basis as tournament director for the satellite circuit and the futures for both men and women.”

His various roles saw him take Pat Rafter around the satellite circuit and Lleyton Hewitt, Mark Philippoussis and Jelena Dokic were part of the teams that he took to the French and Wimbledon juniors, as well as the tournaments leading up to these events.

In fact, one of Bowrey’s selection decisions in a way launched Hewitt’s career.

“One of my claims to fames as a selector was that I gave Lleyton a wildcard into Adelaide as a junior and there was a bit of criticism about me giving him a wildcard but he won the tournament, and that was something that kicked on his career but it was sort of a fortunate decision by me and he certainly paid me back in spades,” he says.

Having spent time under the watchful eye of the great Davis Cup captain Harry Hopman in his Davis Cup squads, Bowrey had absorbed valuable insights into discipline and positive attitudes, which he adopted in his own coaching philosophy. “He was always a good man to follow with the method of how to do it,” he says.

These days Bowrey is involved in a mentoring capacity as Tennis Australia Talent Development Coach Mentor, along with Ian Barclay, Gary Stickler and Rob Kilderry.

“What I like to do is try and pass on my knowledge and ... I try to give input to save time and help the coaches to fast track their ideas,” he says.

By recognising the coaches that are producing good players, Bowrey hopes that success will breed success in the not too distant future.

Bill Bowrey (far right) wit h fellow Talent Developmen t Coach Mentors Gary Stic kler (left) and Ian Barclay .

What do you see?

By the Stroke Master

The net is the place to finish a point with a volley. The more comfortable volley is when the oncoming ball is between waist and shoulder height.

Low volleys are difficult but so too is the high volley. Sam Stosur, known for her doubles and all court ability, sets up well for this high volley.

Racquet and hitting arm remain in front of the right shoulder to ensure impact is made out in front.

Left arm acts to counterbalance the forehand swing.

Dynamic balance is evident as Stosur prepares to move forwards through the volley.

MyCoach

Wide base of support allows Stosur to remain balanced while her shoulders rotate and align to the oncoming ball.

Australian Tennis Magazine | December 2010

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Where Science Meets Art What’s new in tennis medicine?

Bone stress in the bottom of the arm bone (humerus)

A

new injury has emerged in tennis in recent years, affecting the dominant arm just above the elbow.

It can be seen in junior players as young as 11, who are practicing and playing a high volume of tennis, all the way through to top 10 professional players in their mid to late 20s. Players describe soreness on the inside, outside and the back of the elbow. It’s typically worse on serve but can then affect other ground strokes, becoming increasingly ‘heavy and achy’ with continued play. The player often reports difficulty in lifting their bag after a match and these symptoms can last a few hours after training or a match.

Players are occasionally and mistakenly given the diagnosis of tennis or golfer’s elbow. Physical examination actually reveals bony tenderness in the bottom part of the arm above the elbow with no sign of any tendon problems. The diagnosis is confirmed by an MRI scan which shows signal changes in the bone marrow consistent with bone stress.

Some players have found that by continuing to practice until they experience mild discomfort, the bone gradually strengthens, allowing them to undertake progressively higher training and playing loads. Generally though the treatment involves rest until the symptoms are no longer felt with hitting, while consideration should also be given to increasing shoulder and core strength as well as the analysis of a player’s stroke technique and a review of his/her equipment.

ever wonder …

What that injury to the non-dominant hand of a player using a double-handed backhand is?

MyCoach

W

hen hitting a double-handed backhand, the nondominant wrist and hand are moved in such a way (a combination of ulnar and palmar flexion) that it exposes structures, particularly on the little finger side of the wrist to potential injury. A tendon in this area, extensor carpi ulnaris, runs in a groove and is held down by a strap. In some instances, especially where there has been a sudden increase in training load or a change in technique, this strap is susceptible to tearing. The tendon subsequently slides out of its groove and becomes irritated and inflamed. This can also happen as the result of a very late backhand contact.

Treatment often involves immobilisation to allow the strap to heal in its proper place to stop the tendon from sliding out or occasionally surgery to fix the strap back onto the bone. Where prolonged periods out of tennis are not practical (i.e. with professional players) then early mobilisation after a cortisone injection to reduce the inflammation can help the player to be back competing, with minimal or no discomfort, within four to six weeks. Please note that it is essential to consult a suitably qualified sports physician before determining the best of the above courses of action.

Dr Tim Wood is Tennis Australia’s Chief Medical Officer.

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Coaches’ corner

The future – who will get there first?

In business and in elite sport there are three basic types of people.

By Wayne Goldsmith.

T

hose who are innovative, creative, rule breakers, risk takers – leaders: people who have a vision of what’s possible and make the future theirs.

‘right’ way, to keep doing things ‘the way they have always been done’.

• Those who watch the leaders and innovators The rate of and copy them. success in most organisations • Those who don’t care about the future – usually depends they just keep repeating what they do now on who is over and over and over and over and over … winning the battle between Which one are you? these two You see these three same types of people in groups: the competition at the Olympic Games as: people driving the change The Gold medallists – the ones who lead the process and the sport to new heights – break records – do the people trying to impossible. They saw the future as a vision – stop it. saw it clearly and made it happen.

The finalists – the ones who did ok but lacked the vision, energy, innovation and originality to be the best of the best.

Inspire people to dream. Encourage people to think differently. Then coach them on how to turn their dreams and thoughts into reality.

The turn ups – the ones who were just happy being there. They usually watch what everyone else does, copy it and that way at the next Olympics they are still four years behind the field.

Fight hard. Everyone who is different and who challenges the way things are done now experiences resistance. Some of the greatest thinkers and philosophers and artists of all time have written about their fights with people of limited imagination and no vision.

Keep fighting hard for the future you believe is possible.

Which group are you a member of?

So, some more lessons for coaches: There are no rules. Teach people to be different, to challenge ideas, to be innovative and creative.Throw away your coaching text books and Ten Ways to be Successful guide books – there are no rules in being successful.

Don’t teach people what to think – teach them how to think.

Resist the temptation to copy successful people. It is often not what they do that made them successful but their uniqueness as people that got them to the top. By all means observe them, learn from them, listen to their ideas but ... improve on them and do it your way.

Read the full version of this blog at sportscoachingbrain.com/the-future-whowill-get-there-first or sign up for regular email posts from Wayne Goldsmith at sportscoachingbrain.com.

Australian Tennis Magazine | December 2010

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MyCoach

The same types of people turn up in every club in the world – leaders, copiers and “just happy to be here”.

The future is like a voyage of discovery – it belongs to whoever gets there first. And the people who get there first are not afraid to travel into uncharted waters or journey to places not on the map: they seek the unknown and undiscovered.

Everyone who has excelled – in any walk of life – is different. They are a-typical. They are unique. The think and act differently, they try new ideas and occasionally, they come up with new directions and change the world.

They are not ‘normal’ – they are special.

And usually standing in their way are people who believe that it is important to be ‘normal’, to not be different, to do things the

Aussies leading the way : Gold medallists Mark Woodforde, Todd Woodbridge and Anastasia Rodionova.

Coach Talk Top 8 reasons to register for the 2011 Australian Grand Slam Coaches’ Conference Park from 13–19 January 2011.

Learn from the best in the business

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here are only a few of weeks until the Early Bird rates close for the 2011 Australian Grand Slam Coaches’ Conference. What can the 2011 event offer you?

Something for everyone

Delegates have an option of choosing their afternoon streams, making the 2011 Coaches’ Conference the most diverse yet.

Choose between the ‘Community Tennis’ and ‘Champion’ streams, and tailor the conference to suit your specific needs.

Catch all the action of Australian Open 2011

All coaches who register for the full Coaches’ Conference package will receive official Australian Open accreditation allowing ground pass access to Melbourne

Some of the most respected tennis professionals in the world will be presenting at this year’s conference including: • Ken DeHart PTR and USPTA Master Professional coach • Scott Draper ATP professional, Australasian PGA Tour player, Tennis Australia Head National coach • Professor Bruce Elliott Professor of Biomechanics, University of Western Australia • Frank Giampaolo Owner/Director, The Mental, Emotional Tennis Workshops, The Tennis Parent’s Workshops and author of The Tennis Parent’s Bible • Michele Krause Cardio Tennis Manager, Speakers Team Director • Michael Mahoney Vice President and General Manager, Midtown Tennis Club, Chicago.

Networking as far as the eye can see

Coaches from all over the world travel to Melbourne to attend the Australian Grand Slam Coaches’ Conference every year, making it a great opportunity to share tips with coaches from all backgrounds.

Find yourself in the middle of the action

There’s no hotter place to be than Melbourne in January, and with the Coaches’ Conference at Melbourne Park just a stone’s throw from the CBD you will be right in the heart of all the summer action.

Learn some new tricks

Sessions at the conference will cover a whole range of subjects from the latest tennis programs and coaching techniques to the most industry relevant marketing and management tips, giving you the tools to improve every aspect of your coaching business.

Pick up the latest tools of the trade

Day one of the event will feature the Tennis Industry Trade Show, giving all attendees exclusive access to some of the best products and services in the industry, allowing you to snap up some great deals for you and your business.

Value for money

The conference remains the same price as last year – $399 for early bird members.

This includes morning tea and lunch on all days, a welcome BBQ and cocktail hour on the first night and an official breakfast on the second day. Your accreditation also includes ground pass access to the first three days of the Australian Open and unlimited access on the Melbourne tram network. Plus, the cost of attending the conference is fully tax deductible.

Tennis Australia Coaching Courses and Qualifications – November & December

MyCoach

Course Intro to MLC Tennis Hot Shots Coaching Course

Club Professional Coaching Qualification

Location

Start date

Applications close

Parkes, NSW Leongatha, Vic Bendigo, Vic Bega, NSW Adelaide, SA

27 Nov 29 Nov 30 Nov 10 Dec 12 Dec

5pm, 12 Nov 5pm, 22 Nov 5pm, 24 Nov 5pm, 3 Dec 5pm, 3 Dec

Perth, WA

4 Dec

5pm, 5 Nov

* For application forms and schedules please visit the Tennis Australia Coaching Course Calendar at www.tennis.com.au/tacourses. * The Tennis Australia Coaching Course Calendar is continuingly updated, so please check to see if any upcoming courses have been added since this print. * For further information please contact your local Coach Development Coordinator.

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Australian Tennis Magazine | December 2010

Offence–defence Rob Urquhart, Tennis Australia Master Club Professional coach Focus: approach, volley, split step Stage: encourage (10–12 years), enhance (12–15 years), cultivate (15–17 years), performance (17+ years) Equipment: spot markers, modified balls, buckets Time: 7–10 mins

Objective Approach, split step, volley, anticipated pass. Different compression balls should be used for different stages, encourage (orange), enhance (green), cultivate (green), performance (yellow).

Different balls at different stages are used to ensure the players have enough time and can control the activity before progressing.

B

B

A

A

A

• Player A starts on the service line and bounce hits an approach shot to player B. • Player A moves into the net position does a split step and hits a volley return from player B. • Players play the point out in half court.

• Winner of the point runs to the net, picks up a ball from the bucket and returns to the service line to feed approach.

• Only score a point to the player who is feeding.

A

B

B

B

Description 1

B

Description 2 • If players perform activity correctly and with consistency you can challenge them by changing the ball from orange to green.

Key

A

Coach

Coach feed

Ball direction

Player

Thrower/Catcher

Player movement

Spot markers Drop down lines

MyCoach

A

Buckets Hoops

Australian Tennis Magazine | December 2010

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