Tennis Coaching

Periodization of Repetitions

Coaches often wonder what type of repetitions to give their players during practice. Should the athletes have a goal number to reach, or should they just be allowed to perform the skill without consequences on the outcome? These are questions that can hopefully be answered by some suggested guidelines called periodization of repititions.

Concept of Periodization

The concept of periodization of repetitions is designed to emphasize different elements of performance at different phases of the season. With the season broken down into learning, performing and perfecting phases, a coach can make the most of his practices and drills.

Performance Phase

During the performance phase the outcome of the repetition is emphasized more. A goal of a number of successful repetitions should be set for the drill to be completed. Depending on the skill level of the players, a successful repetition can be defined either by continuing to emphasize the correct technique, regardless of outcome, by counting only successful outcomes (i.e. perfect pass), or both. This phase reinforces quality repetitions over time. This phase should be moved into when the athletes have a good understanding of what is expected of them in executing the skill. A drill in the performance phase consists of the athletes having to perform the skill a certain number of times without a limit of opportunities.

Learning Phase

The learning phase occurs at the beginning of the season, or when a skill is first introduced. During this phase, the coach should give his athletes a certain number of repetitions, while coaching them on proper technique. The process of learning the skill with a high number of repetitions should be emphasized and not the outcome. For example, when first teaching passing, to young players, proper body posture and good platform positioning should be emphasized while the players are performing the skill a certain number of repetitions (20-30).

Perfection Phase

The perfection phase is characterized by performance with pressure. In this phase successful outcome is further dictated by a reduced number of opportunities. For example, when working on serve receive, the receiving team has 5 opportunities to side out 3 times. If they are successful, they may rotate. If they do not side out 3 times within the 5 opportunities, they must remain in that rotation and try again. This phase should be entered when the athletes are fully competent in the skill and the time of season requires a heightened mental sharpness (generally during conference play or before post season tournaments). Each of these three phases can be applied within a season or even within a practice, depending on the exercise and the skill of the athletes. It is important to remember to always emphasize proper technique and effort through out all the phases and to never waste a touch on the ball.