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Life in the fast lane


Tennis should decide what it thinks about coaching. Is it an integral part of our sport or not? Have the Davis Cup and Fed Cup got it right, with coaches sitting on the court throughout matches? Or is the Women’s Tennis Association system better, with coaches allowed to come on court during a changeover just once per set? Or how about the Grand Slams and the men’s tour, where no coaching whatsoever is allowed during matches?

It is absurd that the different competitions in our sport have such contrasting rules. I would be in favour of everyone following the Davis Cup and Fed Cup. I think having coaches on court is a great way of broadening the appeal of the sport for television viewers. At WTA events the coaches wear microphones, so viewers can hear what we say when we go on court to talk to our players. It gives viewers a great insight and helps them understand the game better as they hear the tactical and technical advice we relay to our players.

Watching the interaction between coaches and players also gives viewers a better understanding of the psychological side of the sport. They see how angry or stressed or even how fearful players can become. Viewers see the real player – the one who is in trouble or under stress out on the court – rather than the polished performer who turns up at press conferences.

 

This is a short excerpt from “Coaching in the Fast Lane” by world class tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou in tennishead Volume 6 Issue 6. Subscribe to the magazine today.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.