The following post is an excerpt from The Tennis Parent’s Bible. Thanks, Frank Giampaolo
Encouraging One Set Wonders
“Practice in the manner you are expected to perform.”
Practice matches reinforce the tennis lesson. High performance tennis requires junior players to play 2 out of 3 sets per match. Practicing to focus for only one set is not in your child’s best interest.
I congratulate any juniors that actually play full practice matches. Across the country, most juniors hit for 20 minutes, maybe finish a set and then leave. They become accustom to being “one set wonders!” This is especially true in the intermediate levels of junior tennis.
Winning those tough three set tournament matches require practicing whole matches! Rehearsing the art of closing out full matches versus a single set will improve mental toughness. If time is of the essence, I recommend that players play 3-sets, starting at 2-2 instead of the typical one set routine. Handling the stress of closing out the set is a big advantage. There is a huge difference between mechanical confidence and competitive confidence.
FUN FACT:
To win a typical level 3 National event in the US, a player essentially has to win 5 matches. When was the last time your child honestly competed for 10-12 full sets in a 5 day period? If your child enjoys doubles, make it 20-24 sets in one week.
Thank you for visiting, Frank Giampaolo
Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
MaximizingTennisPotential.com
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