In the past and future we have some players coming out here to the desert for training. Here is how I approach those sessions.
1. Do my homework-watch video of the players, and get an idea of what we need to work on.
2. Be prepared to change course as needed! Athletes often possess weaknesses not perceived on video and I have to be able to adjust to their needs, not my perceived schedule.
3, Work on the skills needed and the skills that will impact performance as soon as possible. (That means different things for different players)
4. Make sure the key parts of teaching sessions are recorded via the written word and/or video. I want the athletes to go home with the recorded means to keep improving!
5. Show the athletes the off-court training they will need to succeed. Depending upon the level of play this means strength, flexibility, nutrition, sport psychology, and skill training strategies.
6. If you go back and read 1-5 you will understand how a three hour session can fly by!!
One thing I have learned over the years. Racquetball players are a tough group. Committing to a coach takes courage. It is an intuitive thing for athletes and if they believe in you great things will happen. In my career I have experienced coaching the greatest of the greats; male and female and have experienced success beyond my wildest dreams with these athletes. It took courage on their part to believe in me. Before their success, I saw it. I knew what they were capable of and sometimes, at first, even they did not see that same vision.