Coaching

ker Gordon Asked 12 years ago

As a coach on the side line what sort of things should i be looking to say to my player

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi,

The first rule is to keep it simple and only give them a maximum of 3 things to think about. Since there is only a minute between games they don't have a lot of time to process a lot of information.

Try to keep it to things like where to serve and what types of serves are working. What type of returns are working and which direction you should aim for on particular strokes. Tell them how you think they are winning their points.

I often also ask them how they feel which will hopefully get some feedback if there is anything in particular that is troubling them. It is difficult to tell what is going on in their heads. For example they may be worrying about one particular serve of their opponents that you didn't really take note of. They may have only seen the serve once but have spent the rest of the game worrying about it. As a coach sometimes it is difficult to feel what is really on the opponents serve.

But if there is one thing I would stress again... keep it simple.

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ker Gordon Posted 12 years ago

thanks for the Great advice and one more question, When is the best time to call a successful time out because last time i called it far too late(9-4 in the 5th set)

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago
I think calling a time out is when you think you can change the tempo or swing of the match in your favour. If you have had a bad run of points and you think with a little time you can change it around enough to win the game then that is a good time.

If you feel mentally weak at the time, with doubts about yourself that is also a good time to call a time out and gather your thoughts.

You are probably right that at 9 - 4 in the fifth set it is probably too late.