The Great Base Impact
Two Coaches had significant impact on my coaching style, Steve Smith of the Great Base Tennis, who introduced me to this methodology and Vic Braden. Many say "Old School" when they refer to these great coaches, but their sound principles still hold true for the game today. One of his best quotes I find pertinent is: "Losers have tons of variety. Champions just take pride in learning to hit the same old boring winning shots."
To learn more about either of these two great coaches, click their names in the above text.
Why MAP Tennis?
Just another academy? Just another program in the park?
Mechanics, Athleticism, Performance
Mechanics: a science that deals with physical energy and forces and their effect on objects. Ball Striking Skills, Technical Training...These are the things that will make or break a young players future. Inefficiencies will keep them from being competitive as they progress through the levels.
Athleticism: the physical qualities that are characteristic of athletes, such as strength, fitness and agility. Footwork, quickness, flexibility, strength and endurance. All qualities of a tennis athlete, the athleticism to play all over the court and the ability to play winning patterns.
Performance: the action or process of carrying out or accomplishing an action, task or function. The emotions that come with playing an individual sport. The ability to stay in the moment. The confidence to commit to a game plan. To overcome fear and play the way you train.
MAP Tennis is a system that incorporates the training of the above attributes daily. "There is no substitute for a good beginning", in the Skills Acquisition portion of the program the emphasis is on mechanics and athleticism. The fundamental base must be in place at the earliest possible time in a players development. As players move into the Tournament Prep program, the emphasis moves toward performance. Rituals, high percentage patterns, strength, power, scoreboard pressure, and all the emotional obstacles that go along with the game. Tournament Prep players must have a solid understanding and be able to demonstrate the 7 major strokes and the appropriate grips.
The Great Base
Fact-Based Tennis Instruction For Long-Term Development
Learn from Steve Smith and a host of trusted experts on all aspects of the game with his on-line educational platform and discover the story behind his success. Here is the link: The Great Base website
Ready to find out more?
Give Coach Mike a call or send him an email.