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Tournament Periodization

Posted on October 24, 2015 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, The Tennis Parent's Bible

The Second Edition of The Tennis Parent’s Bible is coming soon! Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo

 

Frank Giampaolo

The Tournament Players Periodization Cycle

 

Scheduling requires the understanding of the Periodization process. Periodization training requires factoring in the following 10 essential stages to insure growth as well as optimal performance during competition. Educated coaches and parents not only know what to focus on, but even more importantly, when to focus on them. Uneducated parents and coaches often sabotage their player’s year in-year out by unknowingly choosing the incorrect time to dismantle a flawed stroke, begin a new regime or even engage in a confrontation … Let’s look at the cycle from a tournaments end all the way through to the next tournaments beginning.

 

Stage 1: Post Match Recovery
Insist your player completely detach from the sport. Allow them to recover and heal their physical body, emotional wounds and the pressure of cognitive processing under stress.

Stage 2: Slowly Restart the Fitness Component
Re-introduce the athlete’s endurance, speed, agility and stretching requirements.

Stage 3: Begin Match Chart Reviews and Essential Match Play Video Analysis
Topics include: Performance assessments, opponent profiling- styles of play/shifts in styles, favorite go-to patterns ( Top 7), movement strengths & weaknesses, focus issues/lapses in concentration, anger/ emotional management, athletes problem solving skills, between point rituals /changeover rituals, fundamental and secondary stroke efficiencies and deficiencies.

Stage 4: Devise an Agreed upon Action Plan Based on Stage 3’s Findings
This includes on-court as well as off court physical, mental or emotional development. Seek weekly improvement versus the need to always win. Focus on improving -fixing weaknesses.

Stage 5: Re-Introduce On-Court Basic Stroke Production with Dead Ball “Feeding” Drills
This includes grooving existing strokes, strike zones and motor programming, while adding fundamental on-court movement, spacing and footwork essentials.

Stage 6: Incorporate Negative Scoring to Re-Introduce the Essential Emotional/ Focus Component
In a negative scoring drill, the athlete is asked to perform a stroke or shot sequencing pattern ten times throughout the drill, deducting a point for each error along the way. Mistake management is essential.  Error awareness in practice is a missing link in the art of developing the emotional muscle.

Stage 7: Introduce Secondary Strokes and Customized Offense, Neutral, Defense Patterns of Play
Shot sequencing patterns are selected with purpose and are essential pre-set protocols customized to each athlete.

Stage 8: Practice in the Manner They’re Expected to Perform
Introduce live ball serve games, return games, rally games and approach shot versus passing shot games.

Stage 9: Introduce the Essential Multi-Tasking Requirements Required in Match Play
Begin playing sets starting at 2-2. This adaptation allows the competitors to arrive at the important pressure packed “money” part of each set faster and more frequently. Playing only one set practice matches does not prepare you to win 2 out of 3 sets required in a real match. By starting at 2-2, athletes can rehearse closing out 3 sets instead of one set.

Stage: 10: Play Set-Tie Breakers (First to 7) and Championship Tie Breakers (First to 10)
Tie breaker repetition insures your athlete is comfortable with the process. Remind your athlete to mentally revisit the set before each tie breaker to identify tendencies/ strengths/ weakness.  Apply match charting to organize their game plan and opponent profiling to assess their probable strategic options.

Parents, please meet with your child’s coaches regarding this critical developmental cycle. High IQ Tennis Coaches will assist you in organizing your child’s blue-print.

 

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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Are you a Perfectionist?

Posted on October 22, 2015 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, Tennis Parent Education

The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible. Second Edition coming soon!  Thanks for visiting, Frank GiampaoloThe Tennis Parent's Bible by Frank Giampaolo

“Constructive Criticism to a perfectionist isn’t seen as a positive step towards a better performance. It threatens to expose their flaws, which is a catastrophic assault on
their self-worth. They don’t want the truth… They want to be correct!”

 

Perfectionists are often unwilling to learn because that omits a short coming or flaw. Their overriding primary concern is to prove that they’re always right. Does this antagonistic, defensive behavior hurt their chances of success? You bet…in tennis and life.

Perfectionist or not, no one likes to be criticized. If you have a perfectionist athlete, ask them to be open to suggestions, be willing to discuss options, be interested in feedback and teamwork. Maximizing potential at the quickest rate depends on teamwork.

 

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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COMMON PIT FALLS OF TOURNAMENT PLAY

Posted on October 18, 2015 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, The Tennis Parent's Bible

Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo

 

COMMON PIT FALLS OF TOURNAMENT PLAYThe Tennis Parent's Bible by Frank Giampaolo

 

As tournament play approaches, common stumbling blocks sabotage even the most talented athletes. Does your athlete apply the below winning habits? Often the difference between winning and losing isn’t their athletic ability, it’s their preparation for battle.

Complete Pre-Match Warm-Up

Warm up the primary and secondary strokes and patterns needed to beat any style of opponent. Every tool in the tool belt should be warmed up.

Maintain Match Focus

During the match, does your player keep their intensity and focus up until the match is complete. Often intermediate athletes have a comfortable 4-1 lead and tend to relax and lose focus, now thanks to them; it’s a 5-5 dog fight!

Adapt and Problem Solve

Worthy opponents change their losing game plans.  If an opponent switches to their plan “B”, it’s your child’s responsibility to spot the tactical change and adapt/problem solve. Does your player have a script to pull each style of opponent out of their comfort zone?

Spot and Control the Mega and Mini Mega Points

Remember, your player must take the match from a champion. Expecting opponents to fall apart and quit when it gets tough won’t happen against the top players. Controlling the “big” points is a critical factor. Does your player know the difference between a positive and a negative game point?

Perform your Between Point Rituals

Controlling the tempo of the match, your heart rate, mistake management, anger management and problem solving takes place in between points. Often against weaker players, your athlete may be able to ignore between-point and change-over rituals. Though later when your child comes up against a real competitor and needs rituals to problem solve, they find themselves in unchartered territory- uncomfortable with their rituals and therefore unable applying them to problem solve. Has your child mastered between point rituals?

Apply the Laws of Offensive, Neutral and Defensive Shot Selection

Some players tend to go for glamorous offensive shots when they are in a neutral “building” situation. Others tend to get scared and fall back to simply hitting neutral shots when they have an offensive situation. Have you dedicated lesson time to focus on hitting the shot the moment demands?

Control the Energy Flow

The opponent wins 3 games in a row and your player just wanders aimlessly to the next point. Their head is slumped, with a “poor me”…or a “deer in the headlights” look on your face. They are the only one who can stop this energy flow. Does your player have a pre-set protocol to set in motion when they lose three games in a row?

Second Match Warm up Routines

Before the second match of the day intermediate athletes don’t bother to re-start their pre match rituals. They don’t bother with a short warm up or visualization with their next opponent’s game in mind. Heck, they don’t even go for a run before checking in. They’re sluggish, unfocused and often go down in flames. Does your player have a second match of the day warm up routine?

Read Notes As Needed

If your player is being outplayed and can’t find an answer to get into the match, he/she should have their patterns and plans written down and should review them during the changeover. For example, if your player is losing to a moonball pusher…reviewing their moonball/pusher notes will refresh the appropriate patterns needed to be employed. Are your player’s notes typed out, laminated and placed in a safe pocket of your racket bag?

Lastly to the Player…Gratitude

Does your player realize their family is 100% behind them? Players need to know that their team is assisting them with their life’s quest. Whether they are driving to lessons, hitting sessions, off-court workouts, practice matches and tournaments or organizing daily developmental essentials, they are sacrificing the hundreds of things they could be doing for themselves…because they believe in you! They spend their time and money on ….you because they want to help your achieve your goals. Yet, some athletes’ are all too often mad at their parents/coaches.

Players, you don’t have a chance without the support of your parents. Instead of the “attitude” try “gratitude.” Your parents and coaches are the best allies you’ll ever have. When was the last time you thanked your parents/coaches?

 

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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REMINDER: Frank Giampaolo Talk Show Today

Posted on October 15, 2015 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential

JOIN US
TODAY-  THURSDAY
OCTOBER 15, 2015 at 5:30 P.M. Eastern Time

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John L. Danise,

Executive Director of the Florida High School
Tennis Coaches Association
Interviews

Bestselling Author Frank Giampaolo
Discussing the process of
Raising Athletic Royalty.

To Listen Live Call: 714-583-6853 or
Connected to:
www.BlogTalkRadio/UR10Snetwork
(Or log on later to hear the recorded pod cast.)

Frank will be available to answer questions after the show!

Frank Giampaolo Talk Radio Show

Posted on October 14, 2015 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, Raising Athletic Royalty, The Tennis Parent's Bible

JOIN US
THIS THURSDAY!
OCTOBER 15, 2015 at 5:30 P.M. Eastern Time

ac47f7ae-9ba8-41b8-a438-ede80d644170_image

John L. Danise,

Executive Director of the Florida High School
Tennis Coaches Association
Interviews

Bestselling Author Frank Giampaolo
Discussing the process of
Raising Athletic Royalty.

To Listen Live Call: 714-583-6853 or
Connected to:
www.BlogTalkRadio/UR10Snetwork
(Or log on later to hear the recorded pod cast.)

Frank will be available to answer questions after the show!
logo273_170_02 (1)

PRESENTS
The Tennis Parent/ Player/ Coaches Maximizing Tennis Potential Seminar

Join Us Live December 13, 2015 in Daytona Beach, Florida for a
Very Special One Day Workshop

Topics Will Include:

  1. Brain Typing & Body Typing Athletes
    2.Organizing Game Plans
    3.Why Life Skills Equals Results
    4. Pre Match Preparation -Morphing into an Athletic Warrior
    5.Primary versus Secondary Strokes
    6.The Mental Component: How to Preset Protocols
    7.The Emotional Component: How to Preset Protocols
    8.Time Management: The 168 Hour Rule
    9. Flexible Skills Training vs Consistent Skills Training
    10.Practice in the Manner You’re Expected to Perform
    11.The Top Tennis Parent Blunders & How to Avoid Them
    12.Parental Match Day Communication
    13.Why it Pays Tenfold to Educate the Parents
  2. Tennis Parent Job Descriptions
  3. Organizing the Athletes Customized Developmental Plan

Important Note from the FHSTCA Conference:

  1. Frank’s Seminar-Tennis Parent/Coaches Workshop is an added bonus for us. It is not included in the HS Coaches Conference but an optional addition to it.
  2. Frank’s seminar is for the parents and coaches of serious HS players. The athlete is encouraged to attend.
  3. To Register Go To:
    maximizetennispotential.com/shop/ and
    select FHSTCA Seminar.
    Space is limited for this intimate classroom event.
  4. Coaches and parents can receive more information regarding the workshop by contacting Frank at FGSA@earthlink.net

 

Plan for Success

Posted on October 7, 2015 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, Raising Athletic Royalty, The Tennis Parent's Bible

The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible  Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo

 

The Formula for Achieving Results

All too often, competitive parents and athletes have dreams they mistake for goals. The disconnect starts with confusing dreams with goals. A dream is only a goal if it has an organized plan. For example, when I ask naturally talented athletes about their goals, they most often answer with uncontrollable outcome dreams. Such as: being ranked top in the nation, winning the state championship, receiving a NCAA D-1 athletic scholarship or playing pro ball.

These are nice dreams but remember:

“A goal without a deliberate customized developmental plan is actually a dream in disguise.”

Although elite athletes may also have the above dreams, the difference is that they realize their success is a result of quantifiable performance orientated process goals. It isn’t always the most naturally gifted athletes that are successful, it is the athletes with strong work ethics and a plan.

 

 

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
Affiliate 

 

Intimidation and Athletics

Posted on October 3, 2015 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential

The Second Edition of The Tennis Parent’s Bible is coming soon! The following post is an excerpt from  The Tennis Parent’s Bible.  Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo

 

Frank Giampaolo

Question: My daughter is easily intimidated out of competing. Is this fair?

Frank: Yes, intimidation is fair. At the higher levels, tennis is a game of intimidation. If your daughter has terrific strokes but is an inexperienced emotional competitor, it is your child’s coach’s responsibility to assist them in developing a “thick skin.”

Dealing with gamesmanship should be part of your child’s basic training. The first step in handling gamesmanship is devising customized solutions (protocols) for each form of gamesmanship.  The second step is rehearsing those solutions on the practice court to gain confidence in applying pre-set counter gamesmanship solutions in a real match.

To progress into the higher levels of the game, mental and emotional skill set development is crucial. Parents, if you’re not taking an active role in helping to develop these critical components in your child, please don’t blame your child when tournament after tournament they lose as a result of gamesmanship.

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
Affiliate

Player/Parent Harmony

Posted on September 28, 2015 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential

The following post is an excerpt from Second Edition of The Tennis Parent’s Bible- coming soon!  Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo

Parent Player Harmony

 

“Extraordinarily successful athletes have parents that have mastered their managerial role.”

 

One of the most important duties of a parent is to instill harmony along the journey. Through a parent’s unconditional love and support, the ultimate outcome of the athletic journey should be to create a well-balanced, world class adult and family harmony.

 

Behaviors that Foster Parent-Player Harmony:

  • Leave notes under their pillow reminding them how proud you are of their efforts.
  • After a loss, give your child time and space.
  • On a daily basis, be effort orientate versus outcome orientated.
  • Understand the parents’ job descriptions.
  • Abide by the tennis parent match day guidelines.
  • Execute a deliberate, customized developmental plan.
  • Put visions and goals in writing to keep the team on the same page.
  • Remember that your actions speak louder than your words.

 

“A parent should hold the athlete accountable for poor behavior. Instilling manors and good sportsmanship is part of the balanced approach.”

 

Parent Entourage Synergy

The player, parent and coach synergy is the foundation of raising athletic royalty. Just as the player-parent relationship lasts a life time, so do the positive life lessons taught by a quality tennis coach.

 

“Choose wisely as you assemble your child’s team. Your cast of coaches and trainers will shape and define your child.”

 

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
Affiliate 

 

Accelerating Growth

Posted on September 20, 2015 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential, The Tennis Parent's Bible

The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible.  Thanks for visiting, Frank GiampaoloFrank Giampaolo

Question: Why is it hard for some athletes to make changes?

 

Frank: Let’s take another look into personality profiles. People with a sensate judging (SJ) dominate brain type are actually wired to be safe. In their mind, being safe provides a sense of security. For them conformity is comfortable. Standardization is key. To these SJ personalities, change is uncertain and therefore feared.

Others personality types, especially intuitive perceivers (NP), are wired to trust their natural inquisitive instincts and be more risk takers. These NP personalities are future oriented and boldly see the world as something to conquer. It’s in their DNA (nature.)  These inborn characteristics are called genetic predisposition.

A person’s ultimate belief system is a result of both their genetic predisposition (nature) and their life experiences (nurture) -such as upbringing, surroundings and parental views. Humans naturally protect their beliefs, some way more than others.

When confronted by different ideas or opinions a chemical reaction triggers a response. To the SJ personalities, this new idea may be viewed as a threat because it hasn’t been analyzed yet, so avoiding it is often normal.

When new techniques are presented to these folks they are often uncomfortable simply because the information is different. The new method clashes with the old comfortable method so the new method is disregarded as wrong.

 

“Sometimes the new way is actually the right way…but it feels wrong to the SJ athlete coach and/or parent.”

 

In seeking change, consider your athlete’s brain type and body type.  For example, asking a fine motor skilled dominant body type player to change their foot work, core balance and stability is going to be much more difficult than asking a gross motor skilled dominant player to do the same task.

 

“Motivate your athlete to accept change.  Although change can be difficult, by refusing to change and grow … you will likely be left behind.”

 

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
Affiliate

 

Benefits of Opponent Profiling

Posted on September 16, 2015 by in Maximizing Tennis Potential

The following post is an excerpt from the NEW Second Edition of The Tennis Parent’s Bible- Coming Soon!  Thanks for visiting, Frank Giampaolo

Frank Giampaolo

 

Opponent Profiling

At the advanced levels, every player has efficient strokes. In tournament competition what often separates the champion from the field is their mental and emotional skill sets. This includes paying attention to why points are won and lost. They manage the score, their strategies and their performance anxieties as well as their focus control. Winners enjoy adapting to the ever changing challenges of closing out sets and matches. Winners maintain their poise under stress because they are one step ahead of the opponent by opponent profiling. I encourage both the parents and the coaches to begin to develop each athlete’s mental and emotional “muscles” at an early stage.

 

“In any sport, experts don’t simply see where the action is… they can see where the action is going to be in the very near future.”

 

Opponent profiling is essentially paying attention to the opponent’s patterns and tactics and applying the appropriate counter tactics.

Benefits of Opponent Profiling:

  • Controlling the tipping points and energy of the match.
  • Shutting down the opponents preferred play. Forcing them to shift to their less comfortable patterns at crunch time.
  • Gaining the critical mental/ emotional edge in tiebreakers.
  • Inflating their own confidence while systematically deflating the opponents.
  • Intimidating the opponent by out-thinking them-staying on top of their preferred patterns.

Just as I urged players earlier in this mental chapter to design and rehearse their “Top 7” patterns (2 ball shot sequence), I also have high hopes that your athletes will progress one step further and apply the art of spotting the opponents favorite shot sequences.

Identifying the Opponent’s “Top 7” Categories:

  • Top serving pattern to the deuce side.
  • Top serving pattern on the ad side.
  • Favorite return pattern and position versus a big first serve.
  • Favorite pattern and position versus a weaker second serve.
  • Favorite rally pattern.
  • Favorite short ball option.
  • Favorite approach shot pattern.

“Forcing talented opponents out of their comfort zone requires your athlete to identify and systematically shut down the opponent’s favorite strategies and tactics.”

 

Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
Affiliate