If you've played on different tennis teams, you know that not all teams are alike. Playing on a team means being part of a group of players who learn to compete, win and lose as a team. No one likes to lose, and some players don't know how to win. Tennis coaches need to train confidence in their players during practice, providing players with the tools to succeed on the tennis court. Developing confidence in your players will in turn make them confident in you, and will also earn you their respect, which will help your team perform at a higher level.
Step 1
Start and end every tennis practice with a team meeting. Before hitting the court, tell the players what you expect out of them for each practice so that your players will gain a better understanding of your game plan. This way, practices will have a greater consistency. End the practice with encouraging words to show the team you really care.
Step 2
Talk with each player individually about their strengths and weaknesses. Your players need to know what their individual roles are for the team and what your expectations of them are. Talk about what they do well and what areas need more practice. Help players set individual goals, including extra practice time, practice serving and more gym time. Not all tennis players are the same, so it's important to create personalized plans for each player.
Step 3
Take the team away from the tennis courts. Getting away from the practice environemnt--whether for a barbecue or a bowling game--allows for your players to open up with their teammates, establish stronger friendships and team chemistry, and learn to trust each other.
Step 4
Outline the team's goals. Focus on showing your players what they need to accomplish together in order to reach these goals. Go through drills where all teammates can participate, encouraging each other and working together as a team. Be consistent when communicating with all players, not just the best players. Treat everyone as equals, and the team will learn to play as a cohesive unit.
Step 5
Stay positive. Although losing matches can be frustrating, becoming cynical can severely affect your team's confidence. Encourage them to take the losses and understand defeats. In order for a team to be a winner, it needs to be able to deal with losses productively. How you deal with your team during the low moments will bring out the team's character and will make them better players going forward.
Step 6
Discuss strategy. Teach players to scout the other teams, how they play and what their strengths and weaknesses are. By teaching your tennis players to understand what other teams are doing--and how they are doing it--your team will build confidence in each player's ability to beat his opponent on the court.
Tips and Warnings
- Show your enthusiasm and be consistent with it. Players who see the coach pumped up and confident will be more inclined to train harder.
- Don't talk about the players behind their backs. It will create negative chemistry which will take away the team's motivation to play and win for you.
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