USTA Teaching and Coaching

Philosophy Webinar Amy Jensen jensen@norcal.usta.com Manager of Player Development USTA NorCal

-

Steve DeVries Coaches Commission Chair Director of Tennis - Green Valley Country Club

USTA Teaching and Coaching

Philosophy

Purpose of this Presentation: - to briefly illustrate the USTA Development Camp progression, and what to expect from your camp experience. - to help Coaches, Parents and Players have a full understanding of the USTA Teaching and Coaching Philosophy and how it can help guide a players development. -

Player Development Mission:

The mission of USTA Player Development is to develop world-class American players through a clearly defined training structure and competitive pathway as well as through the implementation of a comprehensive teaching and coaching philosophy. -

Development Camp Progression

Development Camp Progression

Development Camp Progression

Development Camp Progression

National Pathway

Steve DeVries A local from Fairfield, Steve grew up playing around this area and dominating the Norcal Juniors as #1 in the 18’s before moving on to UC Berkeley where he played #1 all 4 years, earning All-American 3 times. During his college career he was awarded the prestigious Rafael Osena Sportsmanship award and graduated with a double degree in Social Science and Business Administration. After leaving Cal, Steve played the ATP Tour for 9 years. DeVries enjoyed his greatest success while playing doubles. During his career he won 4 doubles titles and finished runner-up an additional 5 times. He achieved a career-high doubles ranking of world no. 18 in the world. Steve was the USTA Boys 14 High Performance Coach and a USTA High Performance Pro Coach for up and coming tour players. He was the primary coach for top US Pro Robby Ginepri, helping him from a ranking of 650 to the top 25. Steve is currently the Head Tennis Professional at Green Valley Country Club in Fairfield, California. He is a USTA Faculty Coach and the Chair of our NorCal Coaches Commission .

First a Teacher Second a Coach

Coaching Philosophy We believe that successful players never stop

learning skills and developing their game.

Coaching Philosophy Our coaching philosophy is based on teaching

and developing the fundamental skills that enable the player to have the most complete game possible.

The Five Principles of our

Coaching Philosophy

1. Patience

2. Progressions

3. Parameters

4. Planning & Goals

5. Problem Solving

Principle 1- Patience Teaching tennis takes tremendous patience,

passion, and discipline from the coach and player.

Principle 2- Playing

Progressions

The Framework- Everything that is taught must follow ordered

progressions based on the fact that the game of tennis is played

first: with the mind and eyes, secondly: with the feet and

last: with the hands.

EYES/MIND FEET

HANDS

Principle 2- Progressions

1. Hands first 2. Feet second 3. Eyes & Mind third

In teaching the game, the progression should be taught in the opposite order:

EYES/MIND

FEET HANDS

Progressions

Closed Static Environment Open Dynamic Environment Simple Skill Complex Skill Hand Feeding Racket Feeding Live Ball Hands Hands & Feet Hands, Feet, Eyes/Mind Predictable Dependent (on last shot)

Principle 3- Parameters From the onset of training, teaching must be

executed carefully within the parameters of proper technique and with appropriate progressions.

Forehand Parameters

Grip between Eastern and Semi-western (ages 8-13) Racquet taken back above the hand Proper unit turn Appropriate loading and use of stances

Square Semi-Open Open

Proper point of contact for grip Appropriate finish between over the

shoulder and waist

2-Handed: Grip on bottom hand close to

continental / top hand close to eastern 1-Handed: Grip close to eastern Racquet taken back above the hand Proper unit turn Appropriate loading and use of stances

Square Semi-Open Open

Proper point of contact for grip Appropriate finish between over the

shoulder and above the waist

Backhand Parameters

Continental grip Ready position slightly to

backhand side Shoulder turn Outside foot load Step (depending on time) Racquet face slightly open Contact usually between steps

Volley Parameters

Grip - close to continental Toss - important, full extension Stance - foot-up, foot-back,

parallel or split stance/slide or no slide Use of Ground - on balls of feet,

use of back leg to push Knee Flexion- in sequence with

ball toss, hip/trunk counter rotation Hip/Trunk Rotation Cocking, arm position in relation to body Shoulder over shoulder, lead

shoulder down as back leg/shoulder move up and forward

Serve Parameters

Principle 4- Planning and Goals

Development Plan-Developed by the player and coach based on clearly defined performance goals

Periodization Plan-Comprehensive yearly plan that prioritizes competition, training, and rest

Practice Plans- Practices should be planned using the appropriate progressions with a clear goal that is communicated to the player

Principle 5- Problem Solving Great players are problem-solvers. Players need to

learn to think and problem solve independently. The coach’s job is to show the player the correct path.

Key Takeaways

Coaching Philosophy Fundamental skills Most complete game possible

5 Principles 1. Patience 2. Progressions 3. Parameters 4. Planning & Goals 5. Problem Solving

Resources: - USTA Philosophy online http://www.usta.com/About-USTA/Player-Development/Coaching-Philosophy/

- USTA Coaching Education http://www.usta.com/About-USTA/Player-Development/Coaching-Education/CoachingEducation/

- Player Development http://www.usta.com/About-USTA/Player-Development/player_development_home/

- 12/Under Tennis in NorCal http://www.norcal.usta.com/juniors/TAUT_competition/

- Junior Tournaments and Jnr Team Tennis http://www.norcal.usta.com/juniors/?intloc=headernav

- NorCal Camp Calendar http://www.norcal.usta.com/juniors/development_camps/

- Parent Education http://www.norcal.usta.com/juniors/parent_ed/ -