What is he writing in the book?
In the national tournaments and pro tournaments you will see me with a notebook plugging away and writing. People ask me all the time what I am writing.
First and foremost is the score. Believe it or not referees lose track of the score (and who is serving) and the players sometimes do not notice. In case you think this happens in local tournaments only you are mistaken. I think of the Pan Ams in 2003 in a medal round match or in several Pro Stops where this has happened.
This also keeps me in the match and focused. I hate small talk around me about this player and that gossip etc. so I try to stay away from the fans as much as I can; again to stay focused.
I hate side views of the court because I cannot “feel” what shots work and what is open. Here is the juicy part. I write down what I think I need to say during timeouts. Most of the time it is not much. If it is too much-I have messed up. Most of my coaching is trying to figure a way to help the athlete without messing them up (by saying too much).
Saying the wrong thing at the wrong time can lose a match.
One more thing. I work very hard to take pressure off my athletes. Often unnoticed is how I would rather there be pressure on me. Also unnoticed is focusing on the future. An athlete focuses on now, but I believe a coach has to focus on the future. Next point, next serve, next rally, next game, next match, and what we need to work on for the next tournament. This is what we need to prepare for!