I Stage 4
This is a critical stage of development for the athlete/tennis player, as it sets the foundation for learning to be a competitive junior. In addition, this stage can determine if an athlete has an opportunity to compete at a high international level in the future. This is the stage where “you make or break an athlete” by doing the right things at the right time of the athlete’s development. The development of perception skills is fundamental to long term success in the sport. Although the skills may not be mastered until a player reaches Stages #6 (Learning to Be a Pro) or #7 (Living as a Pro), players, parents and coaches can work on these skills both on and off the court. Setting the foundation for the pursuit of excellence
Guiding Principles for parents & Coaches:
General Objectives:
• The development of an individualized annual training and competition plan is essential. • Athletes are encouraged to become responsible and autonomous. • With results becoming more important, it is essential that athletes continue to focus on performance goals in competition. • Using a consistent individualized quality daily training program with consideration of international standards, the athlete is given a program based on their long term development and their developmental age. • As travelling and competing become more prevalent, the priority remains on the overall development of the player. The emphasis on the athlete’s long term development over short term results continues to be maintained. • The coach’s role becomes even greater as he/she takes on increased leadership in the overall planning of a player’s developing career. • The annual competitive plan should strive for a 3:1 win-loss ratio. Evaluation of this plan should include a regular review of the athlete’s win-loss ratio. • Decisions and choices of competition must include age appropriate number of matches, favour long term athlete development not short term wins and participation in one practice match per week. • Ongoing testing and evaluation of the individual athlete’s physical development is critical. This should be incorporated into the program three times per year.
• Monitor player’s growth spurt through frequent anthropometric measurements in order to optimize the development of flexibility, speed, strength and aerobic endurance in all the physical skills. • Consolidate learned skills from practice and apply in competitive situations. • Balance the increase in training demands with lifestyle issues. • Become increasingly competent in the selection and care of tennis equipment. • Continue to develop and refine technical skills in practice. • Consolidate a specific game style emphasizing the execution of skills in a game situation. • Use the sport sciences in the areas of physical preparation and psychological routines to produce the ideal performance state. • Introduce the concept of recovery and pre- habilitation through sleep, good hygiene, sport massage, hydro -therapy, nutrition, and effective warm-up in all aspects of preparation. • Develop necessary decision making skills to practice and compete effectively.
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