Philosophy of
Coaching – Michael Lowdermilk PTM Founder/Director
1) I believe that
in order to create an environment that accelerates the growth and development
of the player, it is important to integrate biomechanically sound progressive techniques
with fun, dynamic, interactive
drills and tactical games and exercises.
Biomechanical skills should be evaluated during practice, match play,
and video analysis sessions, (each month).
2) By integrating
technical and tactical components along with a game based approach, I
believe the player gains a comprehensive understanding of
proper technique (leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness) and simultaneously gains a better ability to
respond to various tactical situations.
3) Incorporating
match-play drills and tactical games and contests are also essential
ingredients to further motivating the player and
elevating their overall performance. If
the player is having fun on the court, they are likely to continue
playing and working on their game.
4) I believe it is important to keep players busy by active and productive
participation, not by waiting in lines for balls, or sitting on the
sidelines. By engaging all players,
everyone has more fun and learns more in the process.
5) I believe it is
equally important to integrate the Modern Elements of the game into the
context of a successful program. The
game has evolved over the years leading to adaptations in equipment, technique
and in teaching methodologies. By
effectively identifying and utilizing these techniques and applying them for
given tactical situations, the player is better suited and prepared to make the
proper adjustments both technically and tactically on the court.
6) Some individuals are endowed with innate
athletic abilities that accelerate their development as players. Others reach elite player status by sheer
determination and dedication to practice and hard work. I believe it is incumbent upon all coaches to
help their players assess their strengths and weaknesses and to recognize the
untapped potential within. Once
strengths and weaknesses are assessed, a comprehensive
on-court and off-court regime should be established to reinforce or improve
strengths and address areas of weakness.
7) I believe in exhorting and encouraging players
to reach their full potential through positive
affirmations and through example.
While praising a player for their accomplishments is essential, it
should be coupled with constructive and
effective critiquing. By providing
the player with straight forward honest feedback and offering effective
corrective advice, the player and coach build a relationship built on integrity
and straight talk.
8) As a coach I believe
it is important to see the end product from the beginning, to encourage players
to press on toward their goals no matter what obstacles they encounter. I
believe coaching encompasses not only tennis, but life principles.
9) Some
coaches place too much emphasis on
winning. Although this may be one method
of measuring success, it does not always provide an accurate measurement
of
success and can be a disincentive to players particularly if they have
played
to their full potential and come in on the short end.
10) I believe emphasis
should be placed on reaching personal performance goals and
not solely on outcome. Coaches
should assist players in developing achievable and specific short term,
intermediate and long-term goals. For
example rather then ‘my goal is to win the match’, a specific
performance goal
might be ‘I want to serve and volley at least 10 times in each set’ or
‘in
three years I want to be playing college tennis’.
|
