Model based coaching vs. performance/game based coaching

What is model based coaching? Model based coaching is taking one "stroke" (for example the full forehand with back swing, followthrough and all the biomechanics that go with it) and teach that stroke to every level of player. The player is expected to "model" or copy that stroke for every situation. One problem is teaching a full forehand to a novice player often leads to frustration for the player because tennis is an open sport. Diving coaches can teach a model successfully, tennis coaches however... Why is model coaching so prevalent? Model based coaching is easier, coaches have more confidence in what they are saying if they can fit everything into a "box". Check out Part 3 of my discussion with Louis Cayer, one of the top coaches in the world. He goes into detail about some of the differences between Model coaching and Performance/Game Base coaching..

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Taylor Dent Advanced Split Step

If you're an intermediate level player looking to the next step in your ability to attack the net effectively, you're going to need to improve your split step. WHAT IS A SPLIT STEP? Why: A split step is an important skill for a tennis player. It will improve your ability to be prepared for your opponents shot and will allow you to change direction quickly will balance. How: With your legs at an athletic height, push off from the ground from the balls of your feet. Both feet should push off together, you won't need to come off the ground more than a few inches. When: The timing of your split step is crucial. Right before your opponent is about to hit their ball. As you do the split step, your body is weightless, when you see what direction the ball is going it's easier to move your body quickly in different directions as you touch the ground. My tennis tip for the day: improve your split step to take your game to the next level. Watch this clip in slo-mo of Taylor Dent's Selective split step.

Louis Cayer Interview Part 2

Can top pros still change their technique? Louis Cayer tells us if it's possible. Plus Louis discusses "Timing & Feeling" and it how it differs from model based coaching. Louis has trained doubles teams ranked #1 in the world including the current #1 Daniel Nestor as well as a doubles gold medal for Canada. Check out his DVD on training doubles, it's the best on the planet.

The Backhand Hitting Zone of Marcos Baghdatis

The Baghdatis two-handed backhand is sweet. I watched him come out of cross court exchanges by hitting nasty down the line backhands giving his opponents major problems. Check out the length of Marcos' backhand hitting zone. A hitting zone is the distance your strings travel towards the target. The hitting zone is a fundamental every player learning the game must have in order to control the height and direction of the ball. My tennis tip of the day: a laid back wrist is the first building block of a long hitting zone.
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Marcos Baghdatis in Vancouver

Marcos Baghdatis just won the Vancouver Open a couple of weeks ago. The biggest difference between Baghdatis and most of the players in the draw was his ability to stay calm under pressure. Not only mentally but physically. There were many times during his matches that he was in trouble and he just looked like you knew he would find a way. When he needed a big passing shot on a pressure point he was relaxed during the shot and came up with goods when he needed it most. When coaching high performance players, make sure the player "performs" when they need it most. Look at their muscle tension during their shots, not just the stroke pattern.

Louis Cayer Interview Part 1

I had a chance to spend some time with Louis during his stay in Vancouver while working with some of the LTA players. I've never seen a coach improve players better and faster than Louis. His depth of knowledge of the pro game is unbelievable. He's worked with many players including Greg Rusedski, Shahar Peer and Andy Murray. He is the developer of the game based approach and has presented topics at every ITF world conference for the last 20 years...

How Federer Beat Nadal on Clay in Madrid

Was Nadal playing hurt? We'll never know for sure but much like Fed relies on his forehand, Nadal relies on his physicality, and if it's a bit off, well that's it, bad day at the office..

For the first time I felt like Nadal had all the pressure and Fed played more relaxed, like a guy # 2, trying to do the impossible and beat Nadal on clay on his home turf.

I did notice another difference from Federer. He had a plan...

Plan #1. When Serving.

When is Nadal forced to hit the LEAST amount of his freakish topspin? When returning.. Federer had a good first serve % and he jumped on Nadal's less spiny returns early in the point. Instead of passively allowing Nadal to get into a rally.

Plan #2. When Returning.

I noticed Federer instead of trying to guide returns to the BH of Nadal, looked like he was trying to drive returns deep up the middle. This gives Nadal little time to recover from his serve and the possibility of weaker reply (less angles and time). The rallies we shorter and Fed played the match more on his terms.

Very nice to see Nadal lose in front of his homies..

This changes everything going into the French...

ITF Review of DVD

Just got a great review from the ITF on a DVD I produced with Wayne Elderton on the development of young players..

"This DVD is one of the best, if not the best, DVD on the market that focuses on total development of players on at this early stage. This is a highly recommended purchase for all coaches working with players in this demographic"

Link to review is here

Promo video: