Ladder of Development

All college tennis players have developed to a certain level that has allowed them to reach the collegiate level. In my coaching, I am constantly evaluating each player and their progress on The Ladder of Development. The Ladder of Development consists of the following elements:

1. Technique

2. Consistency

3. Accuracy

4. Mobility

5. Power

6. Self-Awareness

Technique 

Technique is the foundation for development in all tennis players. Proper technique is often one of the first things a tennis player is taught. College players usually have a good understanding of their technique. The role of the college coach in helping a player’s technique advance is through subtle changes to their strokes, racket grip, etc. 

Consistency

At the division III level of college tennis, consistency and power have been in a fierce struggle. In my opinion, consistency will always triumph over power. Ideally its best to be powerfully consistent, but this is not the case with many players at the DIII level. Therefore, it is essential for a player to recognize the importance of consistency even it means hitting a slower ball. 

Accuracy

Accuracy, especially with regards to serve location and groundstroke depth, becomes increasingly important. These two types of accuracy are essential to a player’s success. Without depth in singles it becomes very easy for your opponent to always be the aggressor. Serve location is of particular importance in doubles, because hitting your spot allows you to exploit an opponent’s weaker side, cause more errant returns, and sets up your partner to put the ball away at net. 

Mobility

Good footwork or mobility, allows a player to put himself in a position to strike the ball. Balance and footwork are the reasons for many errors. Footwork is something that a player can work on in drills or during competition. Many players make the mistake of thinking errors stem from technique, which is part of the problem, but I would argue that more often, poor positioning is the main reason behind errors. 

The keys to good footwork on the tennis court are as follows:

Moving at the Baseline

1. Maintain an athletic stance and balanced center of gravity

2. Large steps to the ball precede small steps before contact

3. A well timed split step will allow a quick burst of speed to set up

4. A quick recovery step after contact is the first step in hitting the next ball

Moving at the Net

1. Maintain an athletic stance and balanced center of gravity

2. Split step slightly forward to get your body moving toward the ball

3. Feet should never cross unless moving forward and out toward the volley

4. Every hop step forward, should be countered with a hop step backward after contact

5. Moving backward can only happening if you are not moving forward 

Power

Power is the key to achieving “the next level” as a tennis player. However, it will hinder a player’s development if technique, consistency, accuracy, and mobility are not first achieved. Most groundstrokes are hit at 75% to 85% pace. This level of pace should be used for the majority of shots. Exceeding this level of pace will increase the chances of making an error, but can also be used to surprise an opponent. Power is a weapon, but should be only used by an experience player with good shot selection and decision making abilities. 

Self-Awareness

Self-awareness or self-realization is a player’s capacity to observe all aspects from a physical, mental, and emotional perspective. Awareness is the toughest element for a player to achieve. It takes the experience of wins and losses; frustrations and elations, to best understand one’s reactions to any particular situation for good or bad. Self-awareness is particularly useful in between points. After one point ends and the next point begins, it is important for a player to do any or all of the following tips for achieving self-awareness:

• Quiet the mind

• Visualize the start of the next point

• Perform rituals such as going to a towel, picking strings, or walking to a certain spot on the court

• Focus on your breathe

• Exhibit positive body language

• Walk around the court with purpose