I have been fortunate to have access to high-quality coaching throughout my tennis journey, a luxury that can be transformative for players at every level. The professionals in the sport typically travel with a team of coaches, hitting partners, physiotherapists, psychologists, and trusted advisors. At that level, no one can do it alone. Today, I am considering how and to what extent non-professional recreational players can similarly enhance their tennis journey by adding coaching to their personal teams.
A good coach helps develop technique, offers perspective, identifies weaknesses, and provides the accountability we often need to stay consistent. While recreational players may recognize the need for a coach, most won’t have a full-time person in that role. For one thing, the cost of a dedicated coach would be prohibitive, but even if that weren’t the case, there wouldn’t be enough coaches to go around. At the recreational level, professional coaching will be constrained to periodic lessons. Even a few well-timed sessions can clear up technical flaws, challenge us on strategic thinking, and provide insights that are hard to see on our own.
We are fortunate to live in a time with unprecedented levels of technology and resources that can augment the essential role of coaching in our tennis journeys. Digital recording devices can be used to share key moments from matches with our coach, who could not attend. Advanced technology, such as the SwingVision app, can greatly reduce the workload required to review footage by cutting it down to only those moments when the ball is in play. SwingVision can further isolate that down to one specific stroke.
I recently wrote a three-part series about using ChatGPT to suggest focus areas for my ongoing training block. While that AI model doesn’t have eyes on my tennis game, it does retain a history of the things I am interested in, as reflected by how I interact with it. I can foresee a future where AI video analysis might be able to suggest where technique is breaking down and potentially make tactical and strategic suggestions. Technology won’t fully replace the expertise and personalized feedback a coach offers, but it can provide valuable insights that make the most out of our time on the court.
Internet resources can also play a significant role in democratizing access to coaching. With endless instructional videos, articles, and training programs, the internet is a goldmine of tips, techniques, and strategies. However, recreational players should approach those items with a discerning eye. Even when online content is sound, it may not be tailored or appropriate to your unique situation. Seeking guidance from reputable sources and following a structured plan that complements your current goals and skill level is essential.
Do you have enough trained eyes on your game to help you achieve your tennis goals? Your support team can provide valuable insights, whether it’s a trusted coach or technology assisting with that external perspective. Players serious about improvement in the sport should be open to leveraging all sources for guidance that could make all the difference.
Throughout 2024, I am publishing a series of essays imaging how to apply the principles in ‘Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life‘ (<- sponsored link), which is a non-tennis book that I have come to believe that everyone should read.
A chronological summary of all posts on this topic is available on the Designing Your Tennis Life summary page.
