The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s NEW Amazon #1 New Tennis Book Release, Preparing for Pressure.
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Make Cross-Training AND Athleticism Mandatory
“Getting fit solves many problems.”
Cross-training improves muscle strength, cardio, cognitive processing, and mental clarity. Enjoying off-court training sessions alleviate stress and enhance overall well-being. Getting fit is known to improve mental health by raising the athlete’s mood-boosting endorphins. As fitness increases, attitudes improve, and perceptions change. Confidence builds as it quickly assumes control and takes action.
There is a cumulative effect that comes with getting into killer shape and mastering a new skill. Physical, mental, and emotional improvement is seen within just a few weeks. It’s important to note that tennis is a flexible skills sport and not a consistent skills sport. Meaning, tennis competitors have to be trained to make millisecond decisions requiring brain speed as well as foot speed.
Anticipation without hesitation is a skill which is needed at the higher levels of competition.
Tennis groundstrokes have been measured at 100 mph and serves have been clocked well into the 150 mph range. With these facts, players must have anticipatory skills to compete at the higher levels. The mental action of anticipating, expecting, or predicting is much more critical than ever. The art of anticipation should be a part of every coach’s curriculum.
Court speed is a combination of foot speed
and brain speed.
