In the two preceding weeks, we discussed the importance of the Tennis 10s programme for young kids who initially take the game up as a hobby. It was also discussed that this programme, if utilised properly, should be the very vehicle that would make the young kids achieve their goals and targets. In our discussion about these targets and the ways of achieving them, we also highlighted the plan of action that needs to be followed so as to make those targets achievable and why such targets should not be lost sight of. It was also discussed that the whole focus of the coaches and the parents should be on achieving those targets. This is because most parents and coaches seem to forget their target and that what they are mainly trying to achieve is a better future for the player; they start focusing only on winning and achieving the best results “within” the Tennis 10s events themselves. Technique still matters As was told earlier, tennis consists of four main areas of training: Technical, tactical, physical, and mental. In this concluding article of this series, we will discuss, in broader terms, as to how the above aspects should be approached in Tennis 10s age groups so that the players are equipped with the best possible knowledge to succeed as they reach higher age groups. It is, of course, important to understand that each player has his or her characteristics, and strengths and weaknesses too. Therefore, the necessities will change from player to player individually. But in the context of a holistic approach, the points discussed below will be important for all of them. Taking the technical aspect first, the game of tennis has changed from a “technique-based approach” to a more “game-based approach” in recent times. Because of this change, the ability to get the ball over the net is now considered the most important thing at the beginning, rather than having the correct technique. This writer, who learnt tennis during the days the former approach was in practise, neither agrees nor disagrees with the present approach. But in the opinion of the writer, it is impossible – not tough, but impossible – to succeed in the higher age groups without good technique. Game-based approach only for red balls Unfortunately, what happens in Tennis 10s tournaments, especially when the players get into the habit of playing each and every tournament, is that the coaches and parents want their players to get the ball over the net by just doing “anything” or “something”. As discussed in the earlier articles, the bounce of the orange and green balls in Tennis 10s, which are the major focus of this article, is less than the usual yellow ball because their pressure is less. Therefore, players with “bad technique” are able to get the ball over the net and control it easily, sometimes even better than a player with good technique. But when the player reaches the higher age groups where they have to play with a higher bouncing ball which has more pressure, it is absolutely impossible for them to control the ball. This results in the player being unable to handle the game to his expectations. Therefore, technique wise, it is important to take the game-based approach only in the red ball age group. It is far more advisable to adopt a technique-based approach in the higher orange and green ball age groups. In this way, the player is likely to be able to have the best of both worlds – the enjoyment and the right technique! Introduce movement, footwork early The physical aspect of the game of tennis is almost completely ignored in Tennis 10s. This is again because of less bounce and less pace of the balls used. Therefore, the players who do not have the best of movements can still reach the ball because of its relatively slow speed. The players will possibly get away with it in the junior age groups but such a thing is well-nigh impossible once they grow older. Therefore, all coaches and trainers must focus on making sure that the players understand the basics of footwork as well as tennis movements. The present writer has observed that many players in the Tennis 10s age groups tend to watch the ball after they hit the shot, instead of focusing on recovery. This is an extremely dangerous habit to get into. This is also a habit which is extremely hard to get rid of once a player gets used to it. Therefore, it is extremely important that the coaches introduce at least the bare basics of tennis movements and footwork to their students. Those good habits need to be inculcated in juniors’ minds from the very early ages. Inculcate their own thinking For the purpose of this article, we’ll take the tactical and the mental aspects together. That is because the players discussed here are still at a very young age. The only tactic used in most of the Tennis 10s events is to get an extra ball over the net by doing “something”, “somehow”. Once again, this is not conducive as they reach the higher age groups. Even in the Under-10 age group, the coaches need to inculcate in the players simple tennis principles like “opening up the court” and “identifying and attacking the weaker side of your opponent”. Then, the players will have to start thinking for himself/herself on court; this results in the development of their thinking. The coaches need to focus on “effective questioning” as much as possible. That will help them start developing a specific thinking pattern. In the opinion of this writer, the above information is vital in introducing tennis to the Under-10 kids who play Tennis 10s with red, orange, and green balls before they enter the regular yellow ball tennis. As long as the coaches use these basics in their Tennis 10s programmes, it will stand in good stead for the future of the kids as well as our tennis. Photo Ishan Wanniarachchi (End of series “Tennis 10s and future of tennis”)