Video Rules
So I get my video sent to me by my friend. I asked him to shoot some video of one of my favorite junior players. I get a clip of the floor, two opponents in a doubles match, and not one swing for my junior player. When you are shooting video of a player-keep the […]
Act or React?
Do you react to game situations or pro-act? Case in point: Referee allows an opponent receiving serve to raise their racquet, lower it after you check and then raise it again. They call a fault on your ace. You go nuts and start arguing with the ref who hits you with a technical. React! Same […]
Coach the Athlete, Not the Sport
I was in a long phone conference recently with a business associate. During the conversation the topic of coaching came up; specifically the topic of coaching mistakes made by newbies. I got pretty animated and blurted out something like “Coach the athlete, not the sport”! I liked that so much it deserved TOD status. All […]
Elastic Coaching
Disclaimer: This is Coach talk! Two of my athletes were overheard talking racquetball. They were discussing training and improving but one thing I had not thought that much about was being discussed. “Each training session he (meaning me) changes the lesson! Did you ever notice that? “Yes, and each year he changes to work on […]
Pay Now or Pay Later
I was talking to some players recently–it was real late as the matches are running late and I was asked this question. “What is the best thing you can do to improve?” My answer-“Play racquetball.” Next question, “No, I mean what drill is the best or what do you look for?” My answer, “The drill […]
Believe
It has been my experience that many athletes undersell themselves. For whatever reason their opinion of their game is way too low. Why? Athletes tend to see results, not ability. I see what could be, not what is. This creates a problem for the athlete. It is hard to believe in a coach if you […]
Elite Coaching
Elite coaching skills can be taught to a certain degree. For several years I have worked to help young coaches get started in this game. We do need national standards and a few years ago we set out to do that in USA Coaches should value or develop a coaching philosophy. Coaches should have a […]
Video Feedback
I love these! Keep them Coming! Real feedback I rarely share with others!! “Coach, I spent 1.5 hours at the club practicing …….and let me tell you I’m excited about this backhand adjustment!! …..it still feels awkward but the shots are flatter and I finally see why….(I am giving) setupsto my opponents. No strain on […]
Aim High
Aim high my friends!! Every year I run into new athletes to work with and I am often amazed when I ask them their goals. I am amazed because most of them tend to aim too low. The goal does not match their talent. The talent is there but the dream is not. My former […]
Afraid to Lose
Years ago I saw a tv interview show titled, “Undeniable”. Joe Buck had in-depth interviews with athletes and sports celebrities. One theme has resonated with me. A general manager of a pro football team was quoted as saying, “I want to draft players who are afraid of losing more than they want to win.!” That […]