The following post is an excerpt from the Second Edition of The Tennis Parent’s Bible
Available through most online retailers!
QUESTION: What determines my daughter’s best playing style?
Frank: I recommend developing the path of least resistance. The game of tennis is an extension of your child’s personality whether you like it or not. Fighting their natural genetic predisposition is a waste of time and money. As is training without considering the athletes genetics. Simply put, your athlete’s best style of play is a reflection of their unique brain type and body type.
NOTE: If you haven’t done so already, please read the opening section regarding this critical topic.
Start by understanding your athlete’s personality profile and body type efficiencies and deficiencies. Below are a few examples that will help clarify the effect of a player’s unique brain and body type. (Note: There are exceptions to every rule. On occasion, some player’s off-court personality opposes their on-court personality.)
A prime time example is my Aunt Loretta, a super kind and polite old lady until she got behind the wheel of her Chevy Nova!
Matching Personality Profile & Body Types with Appropriate Playing Styles:
- Players that show impatience would be well advised to devise deliberate one-two punch patterns ending in shorter points. Patient players should use their frustration tolerance as a weapon to possible wear down opponents with longer grueling points.
- Players that are flamboyant, with loads of energy, would likely thrive with a fast pace, attacking style of play.
- Players that show restraint and are rather stoic would likely benefit from a safer, counter punching style of play.
- In regard to body type dominance, fine motor skilled athletes (with good hands) may benefit from a net rushing style. Gross motor skilled athletes (who coil and uncoil more efficiently) would likely thrive in a back court style of play.
I worry when parents spend boat loads of time and money without ever acknowledging the athletes likes and dislikes with the player and their hired entourage of coaches. Assessing and organizing the athlete’s organizational blueprint is parent accountability 101.
Caution: A misconception of many parents and junior players, is to copy the style of their favorite ATP or WTA star, who is successful with a particular style. Just because Serena Williams prefers a 4-ball rally with her “all out attacking” style doesn’t mean that your child has the brain or body type to flourish within that system. Or just because Novak Djokovic enjoys 10 ball rallies with his “patient counter-attacking” style doesn’t mean his style is the best system for your athlete. Customization is key.
It’s the role of the CEO- facilitator parent to make sure that their athlete’s coaches are aware of their child’s unique brain and body design. Their child’s genetic predisposition along with their nurtured environment dictates their ability to maximize potential in the shortest period of time.
