Coaching Philosophy
In this section of the website we share some of our thoughts and insights into how we help children learn and improve their tennis.
We welcome your thoughts on any of our postings, please email optimaltennisleeds@gmail.com
Increasing the use of Constraint Based Coaching (CBC)
We are increasingly structuring our lessons and programmes using Constraint Based Coaching (CBC) over direct coaching.
Direct Coaching
Tennis coaching has traditionally involved very ‘Direct’ teaching.
Often a generic action, whether a serve, forehand or volley etc is demonstrated to the child who tries to replicate the motion.
This isolated practice can improve the appearance of a shot (eg a forehand) very quickly.
The downside of this is that the player is often unable to reproduce or adapt the shot when a coach is not feeding the ball in near perfect conditions or within a match.
The appearance of a shot is often valued over and above its tactical merit and/or the affect it has on the opponent.
Tennis is after all “A tactical game where technique is used to achieve tactics”.
Constraint Based Coaching (CBC)
Research is increasingly showing that children acquire skills quicker and more effectively in an environment based around playing the game (or modified versions of it).
This is where CBC comes in. Players are encouraged to discover effective movements and develop tactical awareness through playing games.
Varying constraints are used (eg smaller courts, higher nets) to encourage skill development during play.
CBC encourages greater versatility and creativity as well as the ability to adapt and problem solve. In CBC, the game is the teacher, the court the learning environment and the coach the facilitator.
CBC also helps reduce the distance (and sometimes disconnect) between the practice court and the match court.
Technique is tailored to fit the tactical objective. Technical skills such as topspin and slice help can help keep within the confines of the game.
Children typically have far more fun playing games than standing in a line waiting for a backhand.
Have we abandoned Direct Teaching?
No. CBC does not mean the end of direct instruction. CBC games typically prioritise tactical aims such as ‘attacking using wide shots or hitting deep’, and this can help focus direct instruction (for example technique, use of spin or ball characteristics) to become more bespoke to specific situations within the game.
We also continue to promote efficient biomechanics, use of spin etc, which often involves direct instruction.
Challenges of CBC
CBC can lead to practices at times being more chaotic than typical direct practices.
Navigating the challenges required in different games can initially be challenging.
CBC encourages discussion between coach and player and we work towards this becoming increasingly player-led. This development of player autonomy rather than the coach imposing a definitive ‘fix’ can also be challenging for some players.
Modifying games can take children out of their comfort zone, multiple bounces and/or hits, higher targets, lower targets etc, can initially be confusing and daunting to a child.
Our Philosophy
We believe that the way forward is to combine CBC and Direct Coaching. Every child is different as well as being at different stages of their journey and we attempt to find the right balance for each individual.
There are challenges with CBC, but we believe in the longer term the advantages far outweigh these.
Once games are grasped children often develop ‘Playstation’ type focus, utlising multiple skills (physical, mental, technical and tactical) at the same time in a state of total engrossment in the game. This is something rarely found in direct practices and something highly desirable for playing high level tennis.
We encourage an open dialogue with parents and building a community. We are all part of ‘Team Child’ and we want to work with parents, to let them know what we are working on and why, get their thoughts and feedback and adapt and respond to the particular needs of their child.
Can I help my child using CBC?
Yes! Leeds City Council park tennis courts are all free to use and patios are great for CBC games in small spaces or solo practice.
If your child is anything like mine she does not always like her parent telling her how she should do something. Setting up a constraint based game allows her to play, adapt, make decisions and learn from her own mistakes. Games can be co-operative as well as competitive if this helps keep the peace.
