Tag Archives: best tennis coaching

Non-Verbal Communication- Part 2

Posted on May 6, 2021 by in The Soft Science of Tennis

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s newest book, The Soft Science of Tennis.

Click Here to Order through Amazon

Frank Giampaolo

 

 

Non-verbal clues to take note of when profiling your athletes

 

 

Appearance

When coaching, I make it a point to notice my athlete’s appearance, clothing choice, and organization of equipment. Is Sarah’s hair braided to perfection? Does her Nike skirt match perfectly with her Nike top, Nike socks, Nike shoes, and Nike warm-ups? This indicates to me an SJ (Sensing, Judging) persona.

Do Sam’s Wilson Blade rackets have different gauge strings, different brand dampeners with non-matching over-grips? Does he carry them in a Head racket bag with a Prince water bottle? This initially indicates to me an NP (Intuitive, Perceiver) personality. I realize that exceptions shadow every rule, so these initial non-verbal clues are observational hunches that begin to shed light on their personality profile.

 

Posture

I then assess the athlete’s body posture throughout our session, both during off-court conversations and on-court performance, which helps me to determine their self-esteem and confidence levels. Defensive attitudes are often shown by crossed arms and slumped shoulders. Students lean-in or walk towards the net when they’re interested. In my opinion, confidence or lack thereof is also identified by the athlete’s swagger or timid posture and stance.

 

Eyes

Throughout my coaching sessions, I also pay close attention to the athlete’s eyes. The old saying is “The eyes are the gateway to the soul.” Spotting if a student is dialed in and focused on the task at hand or mentally gone can be detected in their eyes. Are they telling the truth or fibbing? Athletes’ emotional state such as being upset, tranquil, content or angry can also be detected in their eyes.

 

Facial Expressions

Interpreting an athlete’s facial expression can also help a coach profile their athletes. Obviously, students show emotion through their facial expressions. Squinting eyes and tight lips are signs of anger, tension, and frustration. Smiles are signs of comfort and confidence. I can often tell if an athlete or parent isn’t buying the information I’m providing by interpreting their facial expressions.

 

Tone of Voice

Observing their tone of voice is another essential clue I use to profile athletes. The tone of voice doesn’t communicate logic, but it does convey the athlete’s feelings.

 

 

“An athlete’s tone of voice speaks the truth even when their words don’t.”

 

 

Effective Listening- Part 3

Posted on April 23, 2021 by in The Soft Science of Tennis

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s newest book, The Soft Science of Tennis.

Click Here to Order through Amazon

Effective Listening- Part 3

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Those of us who fail to abide by the above guidelines send damaging subconscious “red flags” to the athlete in regards to the student-teacher relationship. Parents and coaches who are poor listeners send the following messages to their athletes:

  • Your opinions and views aren’t as important as mine.
  • Your feelings are ridiculous and stupid.
  • I’ll explain your position more accurately than you.
  • Listening to you is a waste of my precious time.
  • I’m superior, stop talking and I’ll prove it once again to you.
  • There’s nothing you can say that I haven’t heard a million times.

Being a thoughtful teacher and communicator begins by being an empathetic listener. Great listeners change the student’s perspective from a problem being a catastrophic event to an issue that is a solvable opportunity for growth.

Questions That Motivate Dialog

A great tool used to develop champions is to ask your athlete their opinion before you tell them your opinion. Questions can be based on an athlete’s perception of their successes or failures.

Dialog producing examples include:

  • “What was the cause of the winner or error?”
  • “How did that feel when you?”
  • “Were you paying attention to the opponent’s?”
  • “What was the highest percentage shot selection at that moment?”
  • “If you could do it again, what would you do?”
  • “What were you tactically trying to achieve?”
  • “Are you staying on script?”

On and off the tennis court, winners are great problem solvers so avoid the parental and coaching temptation to solve all their problems for them. By doing so, you’re robbing them of the exact skill sets needed to win tough future matches. In the big picture, listening to them versus talking “at” them is a much more enjoyable approach for the athlete. It sends the message of trust. It motivates them to take ownership of solution-based thinking. With regards to keeping athletes in the game, customized student-based teaching is a fundamental missing link.

 

Improving is king

Posted on August 25, 2020 by in How To Attract A College Scholarship, Maximizing Tennis Potential

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s updated release:  How to Attract a College Athletic Scholarship. College standout Steve Johnson provides his view on college tennis. Pre-order e-Book price is $1.99 To Order Click Here

 

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Teach the Value of Keeping Promises with Yourself

Posted on October 6, 2019 by in Preparing for Pressure

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s NEW Amazon #1 New Tennis Book Release, Preparing for Pressure.
Click Here to Order

Preparing final cover 3D

Teach the Value of Keeping Promises with Yourself

 

“False promises are a form of self-sabotage.”

Confidence is built when athletes know they can rely on themselves. The top contenders that I’ve had the privilege of working with routinely matched their intentions and their actions on a daily basis. Procrastination and excuses are left to the weaker players. The fragile athletes avoid keeping promises.

Improvement typically stems from changing behavior. And changing behavior requires a commitment to training. Athletes choosing not to keep their commitments with themselves are destined to suffer when the pressure begins.

Athletes who have problems with matching their words with their actions would be wise to commit to a simple 30-day challenge. The task is to complete a 5-minute nightly journal. Listing five of their tennis-related daily accomplishments that will significantly assist them in staying on track.

Often junior players say, I want to be a top player. But their actions say I want to be a normal kid. It is important to remind athletes that they cannot be a Champion and a normal kid.  They have to pick one because the pathway to becoming a Champion is far different than the path for normal kids.

 

Keeping promises makes the athlete … Breaking promises breaks the athlete.

 

 

Make Cross-Training AND Athleticism Mandatory

Posted on September 7, 2019 by in Preparing for Pressure

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s NEW Amazon #1 New Tennis Book Release, Preparing for Pressure.
Click here to Order

Preparing final cover 3D

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.

Tournament Time Preparation

Posted on August 28, 2019 by in Preparing for Pressure

The following post is an excerpt from Frank’s NEW Amazon #1 New Tennis Book Release, Preparing for Pressure.

Click Here To Order through Amazon

 

Tournament Time Preparation

Preparing final cover 3D

“People who fear the unknown focus on what could go wrong. People who welcome the unknown focus on what could go right.”

For most people, unfamiliarity breeds stress. Preparing for the pressure of competition includes de-stressing conversations that flip the uncertainties into certainties. Anxiety is detectable through awareness in casual conversations. Once anxiety is recognized, strategies can be put into place to defuse the situation.

De-stressing conversational topics to discuss at tournament sites may include:

  • The Surroundings, Court Speeds, and Weather Conditions
  • The Athlete’s Health Concerns/Injuries
  • Performance Goals and Expectations
  • Self-Destruction Solutions
  • Refocus Strategies
  • Clear Performance Goals
  • Opponent Profiling (When possible)
  • Routines and Rituals
  • Nutrition and Hydration

 

 

Talk through solutions to anxieties to ease
the athlete’s nerves.