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Tóm tắt nội dung (trích từ tài liệu gốc): Vol. 9, No. 2 High-Performance The NewsletterforTennisCoaches QuickStart Tennis and its Link to High Performance by Anne Pankhurst, B.A. (Hons.), Manager, Coaching Education T he QuickStart Tennis format is derived USTA from the first stage in the Progressive Development of a High Performance The QuickStart Tennis format creates opportunities for children to learn the fundamentals of every stroke. player. This is a vital stage. The manner in which children 10 and under can be taught and find success on the court significantly improves the chances of retaining them as lifelong players. Fun and
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Vol. 9, No. 2
High-Performance The NewsletterforTennisCoaches
QuickStart Tennis and its Link to High Performance
by Anne Pankhurst, B.A. (Hons.), Manager, Coaching Education
T he QuickStart Tennis format is derived USTA
from the first stage in the Progressive
Development of a High Performance The QuickStart Tennis format creates opportunities for children to learn the fundamentals of every stroke.
player. This is a vital stage. The manner in
which children 10 and under can be taught and
find success on the court significantly improves
the chances of retaining them as lifelong players.
Fun and relevant competition formats give young
players the opportunity to play and progress--
and perhaps one day become champions!
Support for the philosophies behind the
QuickStart Tennis format is evident in the large
number of tennis nations that introduce, retain
and develop young players through programs
such as Mini Tennis. Many of the world's best
players began their careers playing a mini
version of the game. But just as importantly,
many young players have stayed in the game
because they learned to play in a way that was
fun and relevant to them.
QuickStart Tennis is tennis scaled to fit the
size, age and abilities of young players. It is
based on six important variables that need to
In This Issue be used in combination to ensure success. The Age of Children
variables are age, court size, net height, racquet
USTA High Performance Coaching size, ball speed and bounce height, and scoring The QuickStart Tennis format encompasses
systems. Proper management of these variables two age groups: 5-8 years and 9-10 years. These
Program Update 2 will allow QuickStart Tennis to achieve its goals, groupings are based on the characteristics of
which are as follows: young children at these ages.
In Remembrance of a Coach 3 � To increase the number of players ages 5 to 10, � Height and physical size: Between ages
� To increase the retention of players ages 5 to 10
Biomechanics of the Serve 5 5 and 10, children grow relatively slowly,
and beyond, although some do increase in height quite
Lower Body Training 10 � To improve the technical, tactical and physical rapidly between 8 and 10 years of age.
� Limb length and strength: Young children have
development of players ages 5 to 10, shorter arms and legs, which affects their ability
� To develop future champions, and to cover distance and to control a racquet.
� To improve the wellness of youth playing tennis.
continued on page 4
USTA High Performance Coaching Update
by Paul Lubbers, Ph.D., Director, Coaching Education, USTA Player Development
S ince the USTA High Performance Coaching Program's SELECTION
inception in the fall of 1999, more than 850 coaches
have successfully participated in and completed this The USTA Coaching Education Department staff will select
educational program intended specifically for coaches work- coaches for admission into the program. A committee composed
ing with players who are striving for excellence in competitive of the members of the USTA Player Development staff, as well as
tennis (i.e., sectional juniors to collegiate players and young a PTR and USPTA representative, will assure the stated selection
professionals). This program has a bright future and contin- philosophy is being met and will review the selection process.
ues to attract those coaches who are actively coaching
America's top junior players. With this in mind, the following In selecting coaches for the program, the USTA Coaching
section provides an overview of the USTA High Performance Education Department will be fair and equitable in choosing the
Coaching Program. most qualified applicants who have the qualifications listed below.
The playing background of each coach also will be taken into
MISSION STATEMENT account. Consideration also will be given to coaches from diverse
ethnic and socioeconomic groups as well as geographic location.
The USTA Coaching Education Department is committed to
providing coaches with one of the highest-quality coaching edu- CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
cation experiences in the world through participation in the Certified: Each applicant must have achieved a USPTA P1 and/or PTR
High Performance Coaching Program. Professional level.
Coaching Experience: Each applicant must have at least 5 years of experience
PHILOSOPHY OF COACHING coaching high performance players.
Sectionally-Ranked Players: Each applicant must be able to verify having
The High Performance Coaching Program is based on a been and/or currently serving as the primary coach of a specified number of
philosophy of coaching that puts the athlete first and winning sectionally-ranked players.
second. This means the overriding priority of a coach is to help Nationally-Ranked Players: Each applicant must be able to verify having been
young players reach their maximum potential as people through and/or currently acting as the primary coach of a specified number of nationally-
a commitment to excellence in tennis. Players should be treated ranked players.
equitably and with respect for their inherent individual worth. Coach of Successful Players: Each applicant must have coached players
The long-term welfare and happiness of players should be valued who have gone on to play at all levels of the game, including collegiate and
more than the results or rewards of the moment. professional tennis.
Active Coach: Each applicant must currently be active in coaching high
GOALS performance players in the United States.
Sport Science Competency Test (Level One): This online test must be suc-
1. To provide opportunities to help coaches in their efforts to cessfully completed by all applicants (www.playerdevelopment.usta.com).
develop the next generation of American players.
EDUCATION AND TESTING
2. To offer an educational program that is built upon current
science-based USTA High Performance Coaching The education of coaches is founded on the established
Competencies. Coaching Competencies. The program will be based on a problem-
solving approach meant to teach coaches education and sport
3. To create a collaborative learning environment that is science concepts in a practical, easy-to-apply manner.
based on open dialogue and a practical, problem-solving
approach to learning. There are three phases to the education and testing compo-
nent of the program:
4. To provide the opportunity for coaches to interact and net-
work with other coaches both during and after completion Preparation Phase: Coaches will receive a study guide and
of the program. detailed information on requirements for the "Interactive Phase"
and projects that must be completed in advance.
INCENTIVES FOR PARTICIPATION
Interactive Phase: Coaches will come to a site for five days of
The rewards for the coach who completes the program are interactive learning experiences, including small group discus-
significant. They include personal and professional growth, being sions and practical on-court work.
involved in a program that is on the cutting edge of coaching, and
becoming a part of a publicly-recognized group of America's lead- Application Phase: Coaches will be asked to apply their
ing coaches. In addition, there is ample opportunity for the knowledge from the previous sessions. They will be given a project
coach to interact and network with other leading coaches to be completed and submitted to the USTA Coaching Education
throughout the United States. Department for evaluation.
The intent is to provide ongoing benefits to those high per- After completing all three phases of the program, coaches
formance coaches who participate in the program. Our goal is to will receive their certification from the PTR and/or the USPTA.
provide opportunities to help these coaches in their efforts to
develop the next generation of American players. Applications for program dates are available by writing to
Coaching@USTA.com or by going to the USTA Player
Development Website (www.playerdevelopment.usta.com) and
downloading the program application.
2 Vol. 9, No. 2 THE USTA NEWSLETTER FOR TENNIS COACHES
In Remembrance of a Coach
by Paul Roetert, Ph.D., Managing Director, USTA Player Development
This past September our
good friend and colleague,
Mike Nishihara passed away
while playing tennis.
Mike (or "Nish," as we knew him)
served the USTA as the Head Strength
and Conditioning Coach for Player
Development for three and a half
years. As I thought back to his many
contributions while preparing for his
memorial service, it struck me that he
exemplified those special qualities we
look for in effective and caring coaches.
Therefore, I thought it might be
appropriate to look at these specific
qualities particularly as they relate to
our own coaching.
� First and foremost, Nish was a Photo Credit?????????
coach. He truly cared about the long-
term development of his athletes.
� The fact that he had several
unopened pay stubs on his desk prob-
ably didn't qualify him as a great
money manager, but it does show
that he did his work because he loved
it, not because of the money. He had Mike Nishihara working with coaches during the 2007 USTA Tennis Teachers Conference.
a true passion for his work.
� Professional tennis players such as Pete with players and/or putting them through following up, and making sure all
Sampras, James Blake, Martina Hingis, their paces. He was a man of action. players were doing what they were
Jelena Dokic and many others sought � Nish worked with players of many dif- supposed to be doing.
him out for strength and conditioning ferent ages and levels. Although he � His incessant whistling was just some-
training and advice. His reputation grew treated every player as an individual, he thing we all put up with around the
because of his knowledge and because did not worry about someone's status. A office. It showed what a happy person
others recommended him. These are 12-year-old developing player received he was. This happiness rubbed off on
signs of an expert in his field. as much attention as the No. 1 player in many of his co-workers.
� Nish attended many conferences, studied the world. In that regard, he treated � Serving is a well-known tennis term.
the latest information and visited with everyone equally. However, in Nish's case, it meant so
other experts. He was always concerned � Working with such a variety of levels and much more. He was always ready to
about improving himself. ages requires excellent communication serve others, and by doing that, he
� In my mind, I can still hear him saying skills. Nish was loved by coaches and play- became a leader and a great coach.
"Hey, you know what we should do..." ers alike because he cared so much about
followed by some new idea about them and also because he communicated The sting of losing Mike has not worn
improving our facility, a player's train- with all of them on a regular basis. He off, but the lessons we have learned from
ing program or playing schedule. He was was a true motivator. him bring solace and strength. It is my
always full of new ideas. � The true indicator of a leader is that hope that we can all learn something from
� I don't remember having too many meet- he needs little direction. Since the day Nish and that we might apply some of
ings in my office with him. He was always he was hired, Nish showed his inde- these principles and virtues in our daily
moving, ready to share his knowledge pendence in developing programs, work with players.
THE USTA NEWSLETTER FOR TENNIS COACHES 3 Vol. 9, No. 2
continued from page 1
QuickStart Tennis and
its Link to High Performance
� Cognitive development: Young children, mentally, are still
developing skills such as concentration, understanding and
motivation, but they also have a need for success in a quality
and supportive environment.
Court Size
Children under the age of 10 do not have the physical stature
of an adult; therefore, the full court area is "out of proportion" to
their size. So to adapt the game to them, QuickStart Tennis
employs courts with dimensions that young children can cover
comfortably.
For children 8 years old and younger, the court dimensions
are 36 feet in length by 18 feet in width. The recommended court
size for children ages 9-10 is 60 feet in length by 21 feet in width
for singles and 27 feet in width for doubles.
Net Height Ball Speed and Bounce Height
For children under 8 years of age, the net height should be Young players have slower reactions and less experience so
reduced to 2 feet, 9 inches. For children ages 9�10, a regular ten- their ability to anticipate is reduced. This means that the use of
nis net that is 3 feet at its center can be used. a regulation tennis ball creates the following challenges for
children under 10:
Racquet Size � The ball moves too fast through the air for their tracking skills
A key factor for success with any player is the ability to con- (the speed of a regulation tennis ball relates to a full-size court);
trol the racquet--in other words, controlling the length of the � The ball bounces too high in relation to the height of the child,
lever. Children under 10 clearly are not as strong and their arms
are not as long as adults'. Thus, full-size racquets simply don't so the child adapts his or her grip to make contact (often
"fit." The length of the racquet is "out of proportion" to a child's above the shoulder); and
arm length, the weight of the racquet is at the furthest point from � The regulation ball is too "heavy" for a smaller racquet.
a child's body when the arm is extended and a child's small hands
will not fit around the racquet grip. Young players need to play with a ball that matches their
needs and abilities in terms of speed through the air and travel
For success, young players need a racquet that is the proper distance, as well as bounce height and "feel" on the racquet.
length and weight, with a grip size that fits their smaller hand.
The foam ball or very low compression felt ball (Red ball)
Children ages 5-8 should use racquets 19 inches, 21 inches or is used on a 36-foot court for players ages 8 and under.
23 inches long, while children ages 9-10 should use racquets 23
inches or 25 inches long. The transition ball (Orange ball) is used for players 9-10
years old. The ball can be hit within the confines of the 60-foot
court, so the player can rally, serve and volley with great success.
continued on page 9
4 Vol. 9, No. 2 THE USTA NEWSLETTER FOR TENNIS COACHES
TECHNIQUE Biomechanics of the
Tennis Serve
by Paul Roetert, Ph.D., Managing Director, USTA Player Development, and
Bruce Elliott, Ph.D., The University of Western Australia
In past High Performance Coaching Newsletters (Vol. 1, No.
3; Vol. 5, No. 1 and Vol. 7, No. 1), we have offered some
descriptive frameworks of the serve. These past issues can
be found on www.playerdevelopment.usta.com. In this article, we
will outline some key mechanical variables of the serve based on
the three major force-producing actions (leg drive, trunk rota-
tion and upper arm internal rotation). The research that this
article is based upon stems from work done by renowned
biomechanist Bruce Elliott, from The University of Western
Australia. Much of his research can be found in an ITF publica-
tion entitled Biomechanics of Advanced Tennis.
The study of biomechanics allows us to quantify and examine
human motion in order to enhance performance as well as to
prevent injury. The most important component of analyzing a
player's performance is to focus on the key elements of a certain
stroke so that we as coaches can utilize the information to
improve stroke efficiency and effectiveness of the players we
coach. In this article, we will provide you with some biomechan-
ics findings that are based on recent research, but more impor-
tantly, we will provide you with some "ranges of acceptability" for
each of the mechanical variables of the serve. Although there are
a variety of ways in which we can analyze the technique of the
serve, we prefer to evaluate from the ground up.
+Leg drive
+ Trunk rotation
Upper arm internal rotation
There are other joint actions that contribute to optimal racquet
speed at contact, such as:
� upper arm elevation and forward movement,
� elbow extension,
� forearm pronation, and
� wrist flexion.
For the purpose of this article, the leg drive, trunk rotation
and upper arm internal rotation are all important and will be the
focus of the sequence pictures. One word of caution prior to con-
tinuing on: The key mechanical variables that are listed below
are based on serves of physically mature professional players.
How we apply these components as we teach and coach young
players may, in fact, be different since their physical strength,
size, and motor skills differ from what is seen in an adult.
Top to bottom: Roger Federer, Justine Henin, Andy Roddick.
5 Vol. 9, No. 2 THE USTA NEWSLETTER FOR TENNIS COACHES 1
2 3 4
5
6
7
Lance Jeffries
Leg Drive TECHNIQUE
Research has showed us that leg drive needs to be an integral part of the service action. A good leg drive can help 8 Vol. 9, No. 2
transfer forces from the ground up to the next segments of the body. Cues to look for when examining the concept of
leg drive are:
1. Top players typically flex the knees approximately 70 degrees (� 10 degrees). This puts the knees in a position of
110 degrees of flexion as evidenced in photos 1 & 2.
2. A good leg drive involves a contribution from both legs. To see if the back leg provides enough contribution, we look
for "back hip vertical velocity." In other words, does the back hip end up slightly higher than the front hip follow-
ing knee extension? (photos 3 & 4)
3. The forearm position at maximum external rotation is another good indicator of a strong leg drive. Research indi-
cates a forearm position of approximately 170 degrees (� 10 degrees). This is specific to a mature service action.
(The forearm will be almost parallel with the court.) ( photo 3)
4. Finally, the relationship of the feet to the ground tells us if there was sufficient leg drive as well. A strong leg drive
typically will lead to the player leaving the ground as shown in photos 4 & 5.
Trunk Rotation
Trunk rotation is another critical component of a successful service action. The large muscles of the trunk are the
next link in transferring forces from the lower to the upper body. Cues to look for:
1. As highlighted in photos 2 and 3, a shoulder alignment of approximately 35 degrees (�10 degrees) from a horizontal
position at the end of the backswing is ideal. (photo 2)
2. The trunk should rotate more than the hips during the loading phase. Therefore, look for a separation angle of
approximately 20 degrees at the end of the backswing. (photo 2)
3. At impact (photos 4 and 5), shoulder abduction will be approximately 100 degrees (� 10 degrees).
4. The key to an effective trunk rotation is characterized by a shoulder-over-shoulder action (cartwheel action).
(photos 2-5)
Upper Arm Internal Rotation
The final major force producing joint action is upper arm internal rotation. This shoulder rotation allows for forces
to be transferred from trunk to the upper arm. Cues to look for:
1. Research indicates that the internal angular velocity of the upper arm of top players typically is in the range of 2000-
3000 degrees/sec. That may not mean much to you; however, the main thing to focus on is that the upper arm moves
vigorously. (photos 3-5)
2. Another thing the players in these pictures have in common is that the elbow points outward and up in the follow-
through phase of the swing (photos 5 and 6). This is quite common in good servers, but not all players (even those
with good internal rotation) have this type of follow-through. (photo 5)
3. The final component of good technique in the serve is the non-alignment by approximately 35 degrees (� 10 degrees)
of the racquet and forearm at impact. This often can best be observed from behind the player. (photo 4)
There are many different ways to evaluate proper technique of the service motion. We wanted to provide you with
a set of guidelines to systematically study this stroke, using a summation of forces from the ground up approach. For
more detailed information about this article and to see live video of Federer, Henin and Roddick's serves, please go to
www.playerdevelopment.usta.com.
THE USTA NEWSLETTER FOR TENNIS COACHES
continued from page 4
QuickStart Tennis and
its Link to High Performance
Scoring Systems
The scoring system for QuickStart Tennis, whether using a The USTA has incorporated the Quickstart Tennis format into its
36-foot court or a 60-foot court, takes into account the mental Jr. Team Tennis League so more kids will experience a more successful
and emotional development of children. In tennis the best-of- introduction into the game.
three principle--first to two--is a basic concept. Young chil-
dren can learn and accept this principle from the start if coaches Useful practices include:
use it frequently during practices and competitions. When
designing competitive events, it is important to remember that � Utilizing more helpers--other coaches, parents, junior players
young children do not concentrate for long periods of time and in the club--so that the children can learn in small groups of
they struggle with the concept of winning and losing. Physically, four to six. Young children learn best in small groups!
they get tired far more quickly than adults, and they become
emotionally more stressed by competition. So children playing � Teaching a greater variety of activities in the same session
a full three-set match at 7, 8 or 9 years of age is not recom- because:
mended. Considering a child's development and needs/abilities, � Using a visual teaching style enables young children to be
a specific scoring and competitive system was instituted for shown the process and the outcome of what they are learning.
QuickStart Tennis. � Giving many opportunities in structured play.
� Using circuits of different activities.
Formats and Competition � Helping children teach each other as a method of learning.
Many tennis coaches frequently use ball baskets to feed
� Children should play best-of-three (first to two) from the outset.
� 5-8 year olds should play best-of-three games, with each game the balls to children who stand in lines, taking turns hitting a ball
before moving to the back of the line. This method of coaching
first to seven points (for concentration and emotional reasons). is not recommended as part of QuickStart Tennis for a number
� 9-10 year olds should play best-of-three sets, with the first two of reasons:
1) Young players do not concentrate or remember for long. So
sets using a format of first to four games and the decider, if
necessary, being a game of first to seven points. the long period of time between hits is lost time.
� Children should play in small teams, where the points they 2) Young players need to practice frequently and in different
score count as a point for their team.
� Any competition should use round robin, compass draws or ways to develop their skills.
similar formats. 3) Standing in a line is not fun to a young child.
� The usual length of matches should be 20 minutes for 5-8 year 4) There is no opportunity to play.
olds and 40 minutes for 9-10 year olds. This allows organizers 5) Hitting a large number of balls fed by a coach from a basket or
to plan specific periods of time for competition, and parents can cart does not develop skills such as anticipation and movement.
be given a start and finish time! The ages of 5�10 are a critical period for that development.
The Impact of QuickStart Tennis on The advantages of QuickStart Tennis are many, and it is our
hope that you will embrace this industry-wide initiative as a
Teaching and Coaching Methods stepping stone to the future development of high performance
players! For updated information regarding QuickStart
The integrated use of the six variables means that the rate Tennis, please visit http://partners.quickstarttennis.com.
of success in learning to play and compete is much faster. The
modified ball and racquet ensure that children can play much
sooner by themselves. Children gain confidence from early suc-
cess. The opportunity to develop their interest in tennis is
therefore increased and maintained.
Teaching and coaching must be closely linked to the out-
come of using the specifications, the needs of the players, and
the possibility of early success and rapid progression. If the chil-
dren can learn and play more quickly, we need to consider how
this affects our coaching methods.
THE USTA NEWSLETTER FOR TENNIS COACHES 9 Vol. 9, No. 2
Current Concepts in Lower Body Training
for Tennis Players
T he modern game of tennis is characterized by ground- Figure 1. One-Leg Squat: Photo shows player using proper form
strokes with open stances and explosive movement pat- standing on one limb with small dumbbells to provide overload to the
terns. In order to repetitively perform these movements, lower body muscles. Use only a one-half to one-third bend (about 45
tennis players must have optimal leg strength, balance, and sta- degrees to 60 degrees) to avoid overloading the knee cap on this
bilization. While there are many opinions about what training exercise and try to keep the upper body and chest upright (avoid
methods are the best to increase leg strength in tennis players, bending at the waist). Perform multiple sets of 15 to 20 repetitions
reviewing some of the recent research from around the world to fatigue the lower body muscles. To increase the difficulty, try
helps sport scientists and coaches to determine the specific performing this exercise with a foam pad (pictured next to the
needs and methods that are best suited to both prevent injury player) placed under the limb. Be sure to train both legs equally.
and enhance performance.
that the average point duration was 8.2 seconds with 2.7 strokes
In order to better understand the "need" for training, sport per rally and an average rest between points of 18 seconds.
scientists typically study elite players to determine what charac- During points, players movement characteristics included 2.3
teristics are present and to set goals for developing players. One changes of direction per point.
of the questions of interest to sport scientists has been whether
tennis players had a dominant, or stronger, lower limb on one What does all of this mean for developing a lower body train-
side, as they do in the upper extremity. Two studies have been ing program for tennis players? Here are some of the current
conducted that tested two major muscles in the lower body recommendations based on the recent research and tennis
(quadriceps and hamstrings). Using a sophisticated machine specific principles:
called an isokinetic dynamometer, researchers found that tennis � Include training programs with multiple sets of each exercise
players, as with many other athletes, have no difference in lower
limb strength between the dominant (racquet side) and non- to improve muscular endurance.
dominant side. This means healthy, uninjured elite players should
have equal strength in their lower bodies, and training should be
performed equally on both lower limbs to increase strength.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports
Medicine compared leg strength in elite tennis players from two
groups. Group one consisted of elite junior players 11�15 years of
age, and group two were elite tennis players ages 16�21. Both
groups showed equal strength on both sides in the quadriceps
and hamstring muscles of their legs, regardless of age. A finding
that was quite surprising, however, was the changes in muscular
strength in the leg muscles of players between the two age
groups. As would be expected, male players' leg strength
increased (corrected for body weight) with age and development;
however, female players' relative leg strength remained exactly
the same. Female players in the younger age group and in the
older group had exactly the same leg strength when corrected for
increases in body size. While all players, regardless of gender, can
benefit from improved lower body strength, the finding in the
female players points for the need to apply lower body tennis spe-
cific exercises to a players' training program.
Additionally, another recent study profiled match activity
and physiological responses in elite female players during actual
tournament play on an acrylic hard court surface. This recent
study, also published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine's
Tennis Issue (November 2007), gave specific characteristics of
the players on-court activity during matches and has relevance
to coaches and strength and conditioning professionals who
design training programs for elite tennis players. The study found
10 Vol. 9, No. 2 THE USTA NEWSLETTER FOR TENNIS COACHES
by Todd S. Ellenbecker, DPT, MS, CSCS, Clinic Director Physiotherapy Associates Scottsdale Sports Clinic, Chairman USTA Sport Science Committee,
and E. Paul Roetert, Ph.D., FACSM, CSCS, Managing Director, USTA Player Development
Photos by Michael Baz
Figure 2. Lunge with Rotation: Using a 6 lb to 8 lb pound medicine ball Figure 3. Thera-band Kicks: Place a loop of elastic band around the
(3 kg to 4 kg), perform a forward lunge bending the front leg about 45 ankles as pictured. Stand on one limb with an upright posture looking
degrees to 60 degrees. (Note: Be sure the player maintains proper straight ahead. Using short 1- to 2-foot-long movements, pump the
alignment with the knee directly in line with the foot during the lunge.) non-weight-bearing limb to the side (abduction) for 30 seconds without
Once in that position, rotate the upper body and trunk 45 degrees or rest, trying to maintain balance. Repeat with a set of 30 seconds in the
more to the left, then right, maintaining balance and an upright forward direction (flexion) and in the backward direction (extension)
posture. Return the ball, with arms outstretched, to the straight ahead as well. Be sure to perform the exercise with both legs, as the weight-
position and repeat the forward step with the other leg and begin bearing limb actually works harder than the leg doing the short move-
rotating the arms as previously described. Repeat this pattern for ments. If this exercise can be done quite easily standing on the ground,
multiple sets of 15 to 20 repetitions. place a foam balance pad under foot to challenge balance and make the
exercise more difficult.
� Train both legs equally. � Be sure to emphasize hip strength, as this is of key importance
� Emphasize exercise movements that simulate the changes of as the stabilizing base of the lower limb.
The photos above show a few exercises that can be used for
direction that are so prevalent when playing high-level tennis.
� Add an element of balance to every lower body exercise possi- increasing lower body strength in elite tennis players. For a com-
plete list of lower body exercises, consult the USTA Player
ble by using foam balance pads or balance boards to further Development Website (www.playerdevelopment.usta.com), or
challenge the player. view a copy of the recently updated book Complete Conditioning
� Watch for proper alignment during all exercises that use a bent for Tennis from Human Kinetics Publishers (2007).
knee, ensuring that the knee remains in alignment with the
foot. Don't allow the player to use sloppy form and have the
knee bending inward during lunges or squats.
THE USTA NEWSLETTER FOR TENNIS COACHES 11 Vol. 9, No. 2
USTA Player Development Presorted
10399 Flores Drive Standard
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Boca Raton, FL 33428
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Permit No. 54162
High-Performance USTA High Performance
Coaching Program Dates
Published Quarterly By
Program Dates Location Application Deadline
USTA Coaching USTA Training Center, Carson, CA June 9, 2008
Education Department Date USTA Training Center, Boca Raton, FL Oct. 13, 2008
August 15-20, 2008 TBA Feb. 23, 2009
10399 Flores Drive Jan. 6-11, 2009
Boca Raton, FL 33428 May 7-12, 2009
561-962-6400 Applications for the above program dates are available
www.playerdevelopment.usta.com by contacting 561-962-6400 or e-mailing us at
Editor Coaching@USTA.com. We encourage all interested
Paul Lubbers, Ph.D. coaches to apply as soon as possible.
Editorial Consultant
Mark Preston
USTA Staff
Mark Kovacs, Ph.D.
Anne Pankhurst, B.A. (Hons.)
� United States Tennis Association
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