Here is Movindi Fernando of Newstead College, Negombo who beat Githmi Fernando 6/2, 7/5 in the girls’ U-12 singles final of the SL Clay Court Nationals 2021, which is still on at the SLTA, Colombo. Photo Ishan Wanniarachchi[/caption]
Any sport in the world breaks into four different aspects, those aspects being technical, tactical, physical, and mental. There will of course be slight changes in the approach to these basics and also slight variations of how they are applied from sport to sport. But at the heart of it, these four aspects would constitute the basics for any sport.
When taking the development of any player into consideration in any sport, it is important that all four of these basic aspects are developed. It may be a child prodigy or a recreational player for a sport, but it is the development of these basic aspects that would form the basis of future achievements for any player. As such it is important that these four aspects are dissected in more detail so that the players, parents, and the coaches are all aware of the need to improve on all those aspects.
Technical aspects
In the Sri Lankan context, in tennis, this is the most widely used, widely practised and the most widely discussed aspect of tennis. In fact, it is practised to such an extent that there could be an argument that the other aspects are neglected because of the emphasis laid on this aspect. True enough, this is a very important aspect in the sense that the foundation of most players would spring from this aspect. But it certainly should not be at the cost of the other aspects.
There are two schools of thought regarding this aspect. In the earlier thought process, this was considered the most important aspect as well as the aspect that was practised first. But in the modern school of thought, it is considered that this aspect should be given priority at the beginning of a player’s tennis lessons. This is because of the fact that it is considered that the importance of the players’ having success -- i.e. the ability of the players to hit the ball over the net is more important than the correct technique -- is given priority.
But it can be argued that this is a difference in the approach only. Because at the end of the day, whether it be at the very beginning or at the end of the beginning, when the players can hit some balls over the net, the technical aspect is the most crucial aspect in the development of a player. Whilst this aspect should not be over-practised for sure, the importance of this aspect can simply be gauged by the answering of one question only. And that is that has anyone ever seen a player with bad technique playing in the grand slams. The answer would be a resounding, no.
Tactical aspects
Tactical aspect of tennis is a widely neglected, but an extremely important aspect of tennis. At least this is the case in Sri Lankan tennis. On the Sri Lankan tennis courts, you are unlikely to see many sessions which are devoted to the development of the tactical aspects of tennis. But having said that, it is very important to understand that any player with a proper understanding of the tactical aspect of tennis would always go into any competition with a handy advantage.
For example, think of the play patterns of tennis. If any player has a good solid understanding of the play patterns as well as how to counter them if the opponent is using them, that player would always be at an advantage. For any player to put into practise any play patterns in a match, the player should have practised them on a practice court. This can be done by using cooperative drills. And if any player has practised play patterns and has learnt the tactical nous of the game, that player would also have the ability to counter them in a match as well.
In any case, if a player is to counter them the player has to first recognise the pattern. Therefore, in any of the above situations the knowledge of the tactical aspects is vital to the future development of any player.
Physical aspects
Tennis is an extremely physical game. It needs a wide variety of movements and other physical attributes needed to succeed in the game. There was an article in the column published last week regarding the movement training needed for the players. As such it is not the intention of this writer to rehash all the points made in that column.
But it must be emphasised that this is an extremely important aspect of the game and it should be given the proper recognition and practised properly. And of course, it goes without saying that the practice should be targeted specifically for the game of tennis and should not be general training, unless in the rarest of circumstances.
Mental aspects
This is easily the most neglected aspect of all in tennis. Probably in most other sports as well, especially in the Sri Lankan context. Unfortunately, this might also be the most important aspect of tennis as well, especially in the performance in the higher and senior age groups.
This aspect is a vast subject which requires a thoroughly professional approach for the simple reason that the needs of the players will change from “player to player”. This is because each player is different and they approach problems in a different manner.
This writer is not going to elaborate on this topic here since it will be discussed in another column on another day.
That will be the only comment except to remind the stakeholders that there is a difference between “naturing and the nurturing” of the players. The ability to understand this difference will definitely decide how successful the player as well as the coach will be ultimately.