This one came floated across my desk recently.
Dear Coach,
There is a belief among the players I know that once they reach pro status they do not need coaches. They believe that pros do not need to do all of the things junior players do. Specifically, the junior players do strength training, and constant skill work. So that is for the “lesser” players, and the pros need only play. No coaches, and no outside the court training makes better players. What do you think about that?
Signed,
Coach Bootcamp
Dear Coach Bootcamp,
First, I am not aware of such a belief because all the pros I know and see on the women’s and men’s tour put time off court in the weight rooms, and with off-court trainers. But, I will believe you that in some cases this might happen so if it is happening my message to those players is they have it all wrong. If your goal is to be good, then fine, play away on your own and enjoy your top 50 status in the world. If your goal is to be the best, you must train specifically for racquetball, diet specifically for racquetball, and above all , practice skills correctly. Talking with my old friend and mentor last night we agreed how so many players are not training or practicing correctly due to poor stroke mechanics and footwork. It is frustrating to see top talent selling themselves short.
So, message to all players who want to be great-Go for it and go all in. A great trainer, nutritionist, sports psychologist, and racquetball coach makes for a great team.
Go get’em tiger!
Coach W