2017 USHSTA Illinois Coaching Workshop Curriculum

All lectures presented by USHSTA executive director, Steve Milano.

*Denotes on-court sessions

9:00 am to 10:00 am — Check In

10:00-10:30 — Coaching High School Tennis: Off-Court Administration

Managing the administrative, budget, fundraising, individual player development and other off-court aspects of a high school tennis season

10:30-11:00 — Coaching Basics

Basic advice on developing a personal coaching style, holding tryouts, team building, discipline, team rules, making lineups, challenge matches, coaching during matches, transition to college, etc.

11:00-11:30 — Intro to Sport Science

An overview of the sports sciences as they apply to tennis (biomechanics, sports medicine, exercise physiology, nutrition, motor learning/pedagogy, psychology, physics) and why they are important to coaching high school tennis.

11:30 – 12:00 Planning the Season

Recommended strategies for planning a season of practices and drills based on a preseason phase, pre-competitive season phase and in-season phase.

12:00-12:30 – Lunch break

12:30-1:00 — Planning Practices*

The components of a complete, model practice are discussed. Includes warm-up, dynamic stretching, technique and tactical work, drilling, conditioning and static stretching.

1:00-1:45 — Avoiding Common Coaching Mistakes*

You’ll learn why many of the most popular drills and practice methods used in the U.S. are pedagogically incorrect, how to avoid them and how to run effective drills and practices. “Practice like you play or you’ll play like you practice.”

1:45-2:30 – Basic Stroke Fundamentals*

The basic components of the forehand, backhand and volley are reviewed (serve and return are covered in subsequent presentations). Common myths and spotting and correcting common problems are demonstrated. No professional strokes discussed – only fundamentals.

2:30-3:00 — Return of Serve*

An overview of footwork, technique and tactics shows coaches how to develop an attacking return.

3:00-3:15 — Break

3:15-4:00 — Teaching Girls to Serve*

Why don’t females serve as hard as males? (Hint: It’s not primarily physiological). Learn how to teach girls a loop serve or improve an existing one. Both the “frying pan” and loop serves are discussed to show how to make both more effective. Practice plans will be covered.

4:00-4:30 — Intermediate-Level Tennis Strategies and Tactics*

A review of basic singles and doubles strategies and tactics for high school tennis players who are not highly ranked players. Includes drill suggestions for helping players learn and practice shots vs. strokes, and patterns of play.

4:30-5:00 — Mental Toughness

“SEE the ball?” “BE the ball?” Forget the mumbo jumbo . . . learn practical applications of sport psychology.

5:00-5:30 — Conditioning and Fitness*

Suggestions for post-practice team fitness and conditioning. We will discuss aerobic and anaerobic conditioning, strength training, footwork, agility, body balance and other drills and workouts.

What did your fellow coaches think of previous USHSTA workshops?