Introduction

Modern Methodology

For many coaches and athletes, the question often arises as to which technical guidelines are the "right and best" ones. The tennis gurus of the world often have many answers - often too many. Although there are general guidelines for good technique, there is no perfect blueprint that can be applied to every player. Each player has to find individual solutions with the help of the coach.
Modern Methodology

Differential learning

Native Language: German. Just click on CC in the Video Player for english subtitles.

The differential learning approach assumes that movement is constantly fluctuating and never 100% repetitive. It highlights the individuality of the sport of tennis, which is why it is not very effective to impose a rigid image of technique.

Native Language: German. Just click on CC in the Video Player for english subtitles.

Differential learning in tennis expands the movement spectrum of the athletes,  helping them to develop more efficient motor skills in the long run. For example, players are asked to deliberately experiment with movement patterns that would generally be considered mistakes. By expanding their movement library  and range of motion, the players will discover their  individual solutions for the problems that they are trying to solve.

Native Language: German. Just click on CC in the Video Player for english subtitles.

Using variations in the way the racquet is held, such as using a short grip to experience pronation and a long grip (4 finger grip) to loosen the arm , players can be guided toward proper wrist and forearm work on the serve without verbal information about the movement.

Native Language: German. Just click on CC in the Video Player for english subtitles.

There are no limits to the coach’s imagination here. The main focus should be to present the athlete with unfamiliar and new movement challenges and motivating him/her to further develop his/her range of movement experiences. The existing technical guidelines should be optimized, while at the same time the wealth of experience in motoric possibilities should be constantly expanded.

Native Language: German. Just click on CC in the Video Player for english subtitles.

By doing this, players will develop their individual and most efficient style, which is exactly what top athletes do.  If we observe top players at major tournaments, we find quite a few different variations and expressions of tennis techniques. Physical constellations, strength ratios, leverage ratios, agility and flexibility, and other parameters are determining factors. That is why it is not always worthwhile to copy exactly what the top players are doing. With contrast exercises and differential learning, coaches can instead find the optimal style for each player.

Modern Methodology

Life Kinetics

Native Language: German. Just click on CC in the Video Player for english subtitles.

Life Kinetics is the form of training that connects perceptual tasks with cognitive challenges and unusual, fun movement.

The goal is to create many new connections between brain cells through the different tasks in order to perform better in sports.

Life Kinetics is the only training of its kind in the world that has demonstrated the many effects mentioned above in over 30 scientific studies. High-performance athletes from all sports swear by it, as do coaches and teachers. 

Life Kinetics is used in many ways in the Coaches Club, whether coaching kids, adults or performance players.

How does Life Kinetics work?
Whenever you do something new, your brain tries to find a solution. If suitable pathways between brain cells do not exist yet, your brain builds them immediately. This is learning. Once the pathways have been established you can use them for other tasks.

The system works by changing tasks as soon as enough learning has occurred to allow a player to successfully complete 3 or 4 out of 10 attempts at the new task. . This is exactly what Life Kinetics does. Unusual combinations of different tasks stimulate the brain to create new connections. The more connections, the more efficient you become.
The unusual movement tasks provoke fun experiences. Fun means your players are more willing to learn and more receptive.

Since everyone has different characteristics, everyone reacts differently to the training. What is certain is that everyone improves in some areas due to an increase in connectivity between brain cells as proven by MRI scans. Better reading, spelling, calculating, moving skills, feeling less stress, sleeping better are frequent results.

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Modern Methodology

Corrections with functional approach

Native Language: German. Just click on CC in the Video Player for english subtitles.

Here we discuss the foot position of a player, which bothers us, not only from a technical point of view, but also from a functional point of view. Silvester enlightens us here about the problem and why it needs to be urgently corrected.
Neuro Innovations

Training with neural approaches

Tennis is a complex game that requires the integration of many skills: Technical guidelines, tactical skills, physical fitness and mental strength. The top players are able to optimize all these skills and combine them in their game. However, integrating these skills is not that easy.

If we observe top players and compare them with club players, we notice that world-class athletes are quicker to obtain information about the ball flight (direction, height, speed, spin ) and the expected point of impact (ball impact) and are able to implement this information more efficiently. We can see this in the reaction times. The initial movement, such as the opening of the hip (knee rotation) and/or the rotation in the shoulder girdle (turning the shoulder), occurs earlier than in recreational players.

The visual system is the main information provider for our brain. Thus, the main focus of our neuro-athletic concept is to improve visual skills. The most important ones are eye tracking movements, depth vision, peripheral vision and near/far accommodation. But also the vestibular system should be looked at more closely, as this is always in close communication with the visual system.

 
Therefore, training with neural approaches must definitely be on the training schedule.

Eye training, breath training, joint hygiene, mobility and stability (MoStabi) … in the Coaches Club you will find many on court drills for all target groups in the areas of Neuro Innovations, Warm Up and MoStabi. 

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