Match Intensity

[Playtennis]

My son played a high level tournament yesterday. He lost the first set 0-6, only because his intensity wasn't there. Right out of the gate the other boy had intensity which my son didn't. There was no way to catch up. Second set the 3rd game the intensity turned on and he lost that set 4-6 because it was too late to catch up. Skill set, strategy, etc they were neck in neck. Main difference was intensity. Question ------ how do you teach kids intensity, to start right out of the gate? I feel that this is the biggest problem now in his game. He is playing 14 and under, and I know the result doesn't matter - I just want him to go out there ready out of the gate. Thoughts? Thanks.

[monomer]

That is a tough one with a barely teenager. I would point the above out after the match in a positive way. Focus on how well he did in the second set when he played much better. At some point he will have to recognize for himself how important this is.

Another approach would be to point out some of this behavior in other junior matches. One of my daughters is stubborn and not very receptive to advice from me. If I see a good match with kids her age I will usually try to point out when one is doing something much better than the other. I have seen her try to incorporate some of these things when she plays.

[barringer97]

Man that's tough. Even pro's do that.

[Number1Coach]

Some advice from a coach and what I have seen with my player , it starts before the match pumping himself Jump some rope ,run some sprits sct. ,some music that gets him on the agressive side , i notice my player talking to himself "what is said i dont ask" someone talking to them self is not normal.

Best to you.

[chalkflewup]

Intensity is important and N1C gave you some good tips. I also think the warm up is huge in getting off to a good start. I used to tell my kid in the 10s and 12s to "win the warmup" just so he would avoid going through the lazy warm up motions that you still see a lot in the juniors. I didn't mean to crush the opponent during the warmup, but use those 5 minutes getting ready to play.

[TennisNinja]

A good warmup goes a long way. Do something that really gets the blood flowing, like jump rope. I used to have the same problem and it sucked. Turns out I was lazy and would wake up right before it was time to play, bleary eyed and groggy.

[tennisconsultcom]

Originally Posted by Playtennis

My son played a high level tournament yesterday. He lost the first set 0-6, only because his intensity wasn't there. Right out of the gate the other boy had intensity which my son didn't. There was no way to catch up. Second set the 3rd game the intensity turned on and he lost that set 4-6 because it was too late to catch up. Skill set, strategy, etc they were neck in neck. Main difference was intensity. Question ------ how do you teach kids intensity, to start right out of the gate? I feel that this is the biggest problem now in his game. He is playing 14 and under, and I know the result doesn't matter - I just want him to go out there ready out of the gate. Thoughts? Thanks.

A player should go on the court completely prepared for immediate intensive activity. At least 30 min warp up, pulse 120/min. Look at this article http://wp.me/p2iyrR-2A It helps to understand an importance of proper warm up.