As a tennis coach, the means of which I provide instruction shifts depending on the needs and experience of the player I’m coaching. With beginner players, I take a constructivist/behaviorist approach to coaching. I believe in creating learning environments where players can actively construct their own understanding and form through my guidance, feedback and positive reinforcement. This often requires modified constraints including smaller courts and slower balls that allow players a greater sense of control before advancing to regular perimeters. This is especially helpful as tennis is an incredibly challenging sport that requires great athleticism and coordination. The tasks I provide promote a deeper understanding despite the challenging nature of the sport.

The approach I take when coaching also evolves with the player. For more advanced, tournament level players I opt for more of cognitive approach. At this stage, the mechanics of these players become largely automatic through repetition. Instruction at stage becomes more about decision making, strategy and anticipation. These three mental processes make up the cognitivist approach. An example of this is breaking down points into patterns. A common technique I use is to ask the player to mentally rehearse these scenarios prior to simulating them on court. This allows the player to to have a concrete plan before commencing the point.

Ultimately, both constructivist and cognitivist styles complement each other across the development pathway. The same coaching technique doesn’t work for every player, meaning coaching isn’t a “one size fits all” profession. This means my job is to provide the best means of instruction for each players unique individual needs.