Coaching with Constraints: Tennis 1 v 1

Coaching Constraints: Tennis 1 v 1

Following the constraints process within coaching, allows coaches to develop their coaching styles whilst also developing the athletes they are coaching.

One model/method of coaching constraints is the behavioural changing model. This model consists of constraining the task, human and environment in order to change the athlete’s behaviour.

To put into practice, I have designed a coaching session based on tennis that will constrain in turn of these aspects, which will then in turn alter the athlete’s behaviour.

1 v 1 constrained tennis session plan

The following session plan was created using a constraints method of coaching within a tennis environment. The aim of the session was to constrain the environment, task and behaviour of the participants within the drills and games provided. Following the constraints process whilst coaching; allows coaches to develop their coaching styles whilst also developing the participant’s skill levels.

Drill One

The first drill was a simple tennis drill with no constraints introduced. The drill was a simple 1 v 1 altercation within a full tennis court with a tennis ball. The aim was to introduce the participants into the game of tennis and allow them to have creativity and freedom with the shots they played and the tactics they followed.

Drill Two (Constraint)

The second drill was to introduce a sponge ball instead of an actual tennis ball. This would make participants think about their power and placement; whilst also slowing down reaction times in order for players to be able to pick any shot they felt right. This would also begin the changes in behaviour and tasks due to the constraints.

Drill Three (Constraint)

The third drill was similar to the first two, instead this time keeping the same ball the participants were only allowed in a service box each. This meant the length of play was a lot shorter and this time players had to focus on their shot choices. This is where passing shots came into play which lead onto the next constraint in drill four.

Drill Four (Constraint)

The final drill was still within the service boxes; however this time, to earn a point you had to produce a passing shot past your opponent within the cones provided. Once the participants got to grips with these constraints; they were able to introduce doubles, tennis balls and play their passing shots after building in a rally. Below is a video that shows examples of hitting the corners of the court from different distances and showing it changes behaviour at different lengths.