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THE SCIENCE OF MATCH DAY PREPARATION
OPPONENT PROFILING
Top competitors are continually seeking an advantage. One of the best strategic (mental) and calming (emotional) advantages comes from scouting an upcoming opponent. Casually observing is one thing, but profiling the opponent is a skill set. Each playing style has an inherent group of strengths and weaknesses. Opponent awareness is an important part of match day preparation. Player profiling involves looking past strokes.
NOTE: Whenever possible, as I coach players from the 12’s to the ATP and WTA pros, I apply the below profiling topics.
Opponent Profiling Scouting:
Primary style of play.
Preferred serve patterns (especially on mega points).
Preferred return of serve position and shot selection on both first and second serve returns.
Favorite go-to rally pattern.
Dominant short-ball option.
Preferred net rushing pattern.
Stroke strengths and weaknesses (Advanced players should also consider the strengths and limitations of strike zones.)
Movement, agility and stamina efficiencies and deficiencies.
Frustration tolerance, focus, and emotional stability.
Opponent profiling should continue from the pre-match phase, all the way through the actual match and into the post-match. Intelligent athletes even jot down notes regarding the opponent’s game on their post-match match logs. This is used as a reminder for the next time the two meet.
Looking Past Strokes:
During the warm up, the uneducated player, parents and coaches often think Player A has the match in the bag. But what they do not realize is that Player B often wins because of their ability to identify and execute a game plan exposing their opponent’s weakness. Player A may have great looking fundamental strokes but “hidden” flawed mental and or emotional components. Player B may have average looking strokes, but an incredible proficiency in their mental game. Hence, giving player B the edge due to his ability to isolate weaknesses or exert emotional intelligence at crunch time.
MATCH DAY STRETCHING
Preparing the body for the upcoming competition should be a major priority. Serious players seeking peak performance and injury prevention should incorporate a customized stretching routine.
“Current sports science research suggests that elevating the core body temperature is recommended before dynamic stretching begins.”
Pre-Match Stretching Routines
Customizing their routines is a great way to assist your athlete in being accountable. If your player does not have a fitness trainer, I suggest asking them to formulate their very own dynamic stretching routine by using Google: YouTube dynamic tennis warm up routines.
Pre-match warm-up routines will be an important part of your athlete’s match day stretching regiment. Dynamic stretches help warm-up and elevate core body temperature.
Pick two lower body dynamic, mobile stretching routines. (These are tennis-specific movements aimed to prepare your lower body for the actual demands of match play.)
Pick two upper body dynamic stretching routines.(These prepare your shoulders arms and core for the demands of a high-performance match.)
Post-Match Stretching Routines
Post-match static stretching routines are used during the cool-down phase. While standing or sitting still, elongate muscles and hold the position. This allows the muscles to be stretched farther in order to increase range of motion. Once again, assist your athlete in being accountable. I suggest asking them to customize their very own static stretching routine by using Google: YouTube static tennis warm up routines.
Pick two lower body static stretching routines.(These are tennis-specific rituals aimed to cool down their lower body after the actual demands of match play.)
Pick two upper body static stretching routines.(These cool down their shoulders, arms and core after the demands of a high-performance match.)
Benefits of Stretching:
Improves range of motion
Reduces the risk of injuries
Reduces post-match soreness
Reduces fatigue
Increases power
“Part of an elite players entourage is an off-court tennis specific trainer. Consult a certified trainer to customize your athletes’ stretching routines and rituals.”