1. Essential Movement Skills
1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Tennis
Essential Movement Skills

2. Session Content Why? Postural issues The essential movement skills
Co-ordination skills
Key questions and suggestions

3. Why?
We need to start developing more skillful and complete athletes to match the demands of the game. This can be done right from the beginning of a tennis players journey
Many technical issues arise from poor foundation skills
Research suggests that up to 80% of errors are linked to being off balance during the shot.
A level 3 coach needs to observe, develop and maintain these skills at all times
On the course coaches will need to practice this regularly and show an understanding during assessment

4. Integrated Approach – A Physical Example
“I feel slow on court”
PHYSICAL
MENTAL
TECHNICAL
TACTICAL
Stability & mobility
Strength & power
Co-ordination of all movements
Endurance
Anticipation
Confidence in physical ability
Court position
Understanding

5. Postural Checks (3 tests)
Here are 3 simple tests that demonstrate the impact of poor posture on biomechanics
1. Shoulder/upper spine position
2. Pelvic position
3. Ankle range

6. Posture & Technique Postural Issue Associated Problems
Potential Technical Impact
Reduced overhead range
Reduced rotational range
Shoulder impingement
Lower back and ab issues
Arching of back on serve
Slumped Shoulders
& Upper spine
Less wind up/shorter levers
Collapsing knees when landing on serve
Reduced ability to recruit glutes
Lower back issues
Reduced knee control
Reduced power potential due to poor alignment
Anterior Pelvic Tilt
Collapsing knees on split steps
Unstable knee when decelerating
Reduced ability to push knees forward
Increase stress further up the chain
Jolting when decelerating
Shallow loading on groundstrokes
Stiff Ankles

7. Essential Movement Skills (CD ROM)
1. Squat patterns
2. Jumping skills
3. Lunge patterns
4. Hopping skills
5. Running mechanics
6. Change in direction
7. Throwing mechanics

8. Coordination Skills Balance Differentiation Orientation Reactions
Ability to respond quickly to a stimuli
Ability to sense & adjust position according to an object or location
Ability to sense internal & external stimuli and respond appropriately
Ability to sense & adjust the body’s position
Ability to express internalised timing of any movement
Rhythm
Landing on serve
How hard to hit throw or kick a ball to achieve target
Chasing down lob & finding right position on court to hit ball
Unexpected volley or return of serve
Sequencing of groundstrokes/Movement on court

9. Key Questions
Do we spend enough time developing and reinforcing the appropriate physical qualities in order to make a change?
When do we get this opportunity?
How do we maintain these qualities?
Do we monitor progress?
Who is responsible for their development?

10. Some General Suggestions
Ensure you are only coaching positive habits
Encourage good postural shapes during technical work
Make use of warm ups to develop full set of skills. Keep integrating the 7 exercise themes and co-ordination challenges into on court sessions