My Coach - September 2012 issue

AustrAliAn tennis MAgAzine | September 2012 47

MyCoach

52 Participation influx As a busy Term 4 approaches, it’s essential for coaches to be prepared to avoid burnout.

54 Slice and Dice The slice backhand is one of the most versatile and valuable shots in tennis – as a comparison between Roger Federer, Bernard Tomic and Tomas Berdych demonstrates superbly.

56 Coach Talk

57 From volunteer to club coach For Helan Ambrey, a quality coaching career started with the desire to make a difference.

Tennis Australia Coach Membership T: 03 9914 4191 F: 03 9650 1040 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tennis.com.au/membership

52 AustrAliAn tennis MAgAzine | September 2012

The last three months of the year are traditionally one of the busiest times for tennis coaches. The sun

is beginning to shine through and as a result there are more opportunities to hold classes. Another advantage is winter sports entering their off-season, which allows tennis businesses to thrive.

Although this is sure to be a welcome sight for tennis coaches, it can also be overwhelming and without the necessary planning it is almost inevitable that added stress will occur.

A balancing actNo matter the profession, there’s bound to be a time when an employer or employee find themselves in the midst of a peak period. And it’s a guarantee that while a person is immersed in this busy time they will still need to deal with aspects arising in their personal life.

It’s highly likely they’ll find themselves balancing their time between work and home and it can be incredibly taxing especially when they have competing personal and professional priorities.

Tennis coaches are likely to find themselves coaching tennis, managing a business, dealing with their personal or family life and quite possibly feeling like they don’t have enough time to fit everything in.

In these instances, Tennis Australia Junior Development coach Danial Stredder says a little bit of understanding, patience and the team behind you can make all the difference.

“When working in this industry you either sink or swim based on the team you work with and people you surround yourself with,” he says. “All I can say is that based on (The Gap Health and Racquet Club’s) accomplishments year to year we have a very good team.”

With the relevant parties being aware of a coach’s main priorities, during

the October to December period in particular, appropriate measures can be put in place. And hopefully this planning and management will balance their commitments and prevent frustrations.

More than one roleTo add to their workload coaches today will usually find they are fulfilling various roles at a tennis club or centre, not the least of which is to actually coach athletes.

Tennis Australia Club Professional coach Matt Bull says there are many responsibilities that exist off-court that also require attention.

“My job is so varied on a day-to-day basis. I might spend time on the court coaching, admin, program development, stakeholder meetings, marketing and the list goes on. Every day is different,” he says.

Tennis Australia Junior Development coach Helan Ambrey adds that multi-

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The end of the year is fast approaching but before we say goodbye to 2013 coaches

around Australia will contend with Term 4. Being prepared is essential to avoid burnout.

By DANIELA TOLESKI

Participation influx

Planning ahead is essential for coaches to avoid burnout.


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tasking is vital for her to achieve the varying priorities in her role.

“I work at St Joseph’s Catholic School in Biloela (Queensland) four days a week as a Teacher Assistant in one of the prep classes and then I go straight to the Callide Valley Tennis courts five afternoons a week coaching,” she says.

“The most difficult thing has been trying to juggle my hours spent at school, my time on court coaching, paper work, club obligations and precious family time. This has been a work in progress for me.”

Although all this off-court work is essential for the success of a coach’s business, maintaining a work-life balance should also be high on their list of objectives.

“I’m probably 40 hours a week on court and when you’re running a business it’s all the other administration as well,” Tennis Australia High Performance coach Kelly Bisinella says. “It’s definitely hard work, but it’s rewarding work for sure.”

In order for coaches to continue to enjoy their profession for many years to come, burnout has to be avoided. Coaches need to remember to exercise themselves as with the release of endorphins, it’ll give them the chance to clear their mind.

Preparing in advanceThe club-coach relationship could prove to be one of the most important relationships a coach will form.

Ambrey says that a coach and tennis club have to work very closely together in the interest of the sport.

“Everyone involved in a committee is there for the same reason,” she says. “When a committee works well together things just seem to happen for the better.”

And if there is harmony between the coach and the club when the times are tough and extra hands are required,

coaches can turn to committee members for some assistance.

To meet demand head coaches will need assistance and there’s no shame in hiring additional help, but to work at the intensity required during busy periods head coaches, assistant coaches and other employees need to begin the new term well-rested and prepared to deal with an influx of participants.

Burnout can be psychological, physical and or emotional exhaustion. It may occur gradually, or even suddenly in some cases, but if you’re experiencing symptoms like fatigue, irritability, headaches and weight loss it’s time to re-assess your working patterns.

The long-term effects of coaches’ multi-dimensional role can have a lasting impact, so it’s important for coaches to plan ahead and monitor their daily routines to identify areas that may be causing undue tension.

Once the rush is over, coaches will have a chance to catch their breath. During this time it’s nice to acknowledge the

Tennis businesses usually reach their peak period during Term 4.

With an abundance of participants, the team behind a coach can make all the difference.

Tips to avoid burnout While coaches are under the pump, it’s important to avoid burnout. Follow some simple steps to keep fatigue at bay, no matter your profession.

■■ Get organised.

■■ Set goal(s) for the year.

■■ Take things one step at a time.

■■ Keep things in perspective.

■■ Maintain proper nutrition.

■■ Schedule holidays early and add within your yearly calendar.

■■ Commit to an exercise program.

■■ Learn to relax more.

■■ Don’t sweat the small stuff.

■■ Don’t feel you have to do it all on your own.

■■ Identify and plan for some professional development.

■■ Plan your lesson plans at least a week in advance.

■■ Have dedicated time with family/partner.

■■ Ensure you get good sleep and enough rest.

commitment of your staff. And before coaches know it, it’ll be time to begin preparing and planning for the next peak usually after the Australian Open.

For some coaches, Term 4 can be quite stressful. For the unprepared, it can be down right disastrous. Before you experience your next busy period plan ahead and put your best foot forward.


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Slice and diceBy Geoff Quinlan, Tennis australia – Manager Coach Development

Preparation Phase All three players assume a basic athletic ready position and have turned side-on to the oncoming ball. The non-dominant hand supports the throat of the racquet, Tomic and Berdych, who have double-handed backhands, slide their left hand up the racquet. A continental grip is used.

Swing Phase – Backswing The players turn side-on to the oncoming ball, in fact Tomic and Berdych who have more time than Federer have turned the back of their shoulder to the oncoming ball. The use of the non-dominant arm guides the rotation in the backswing. Note the additional cupping of the wrist in Federer’s preparation for a higher bouncing ball. The backswing is completed by the time the ball bounces at their end of the court.

Swing Phase – Forwardswing The racquet trajectory follows a high to low path during this phase of the forward swing and the hands begin to separate (next image for Berdych). The racquet face is open prior to contact and the players are stepping forward into the shot, the height of preparation is relative to the height of impact. The good posture, head stability and ability to stay side-on are critical. Note the stillness of the head in the frame prior to impact, during impact and immediately after impact.


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The slice backhand is one of the most versatile and valuable shots in tennis. The focus on the modern

power game has elevated the importance of the slice backhand as an effective response to an

opponent’s powerful ground strokes. Roger federer and Bernard Tomic are two players who use the

slice backhand to their advantage to change pace, rhythm, direction and buy time. This month’s analysis

features the use of the slice backhand to change pace and direction during a rally (Bernard Tomic), chip a

high bouncing kick serve (Roger federer) and to approach the net (Tomas Berdych). other uses include

hitting a defensive slice at end range, disguising a delicate drop shot and hitting a defensive lob.

Impact Phase Impact is made in front and to the side of the body and the racquet face is vertical. The hips and shoulders remain side-on to the net and the arms continue to separate. The eyes are focused on the impact point and the players’ body weight has transferred more onto the front foot. Top players must be able to hit the inside (Tomic), outside (Federer) and back (Berdych) of the ball.

Follow-through Phase The players’ arms continue to separate and form a mirror image. The players have kept a stable head position with their eyes fixed on the impact position, even after the ball has left the racquet. The players’ hips and shoulders remain side-on until after the ball has left the racquet, Berdych’s left leg crosses behind his right to maintain this side-on position.

Follow-through Phase (cont.) These images highlight the differences between the strokes indicative of their intent. Tomic’s shoulders have fully rotated to face the net and the racquet has travelled a longer distance to avoid the abrupt breaking forces. Federer has finished lower with a more abbreviated follow-through as a result of the chipped return intent and Berdych has extended his follow-through out in front and remained side-on to maintain direction and depth for his approach shot.


CoaCh Talk

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The MLC Tennis Hot Shots program encompasses three stages of development: red, orange and green

and has been specifically developed for children. The program incorporates the use of modified equipment and tennis courts to assist players in developing the fundamental skills required to play tennis.

Tennis Australia qualified coach members are able to upgrade their membership to deliver the MLC Tennis Hot Shots program.

Deliverers and participants of the MLC Tennis Hot Shots program have increased significantly since its launch in 2008. In its first year the program secured 252 registered deliverers with 11,696 participants and year 2011 –2012 saw 733 program deliverers and 261,812 participants.

Coaches throughout Australia are seeing huge benefits in delivering the program in their clubs particularly during peak coaching periods, which are predominately during terms 1 and 4.

Current Tennis Australia Club Professional Coach and MLC Tennis Hot Shots Mentor, Helen Magill is extremely pleased with the program.

“Hot Shots has been fantastic and I’m really passionate about it. It has been crazy for us here because I didn’t think it would take off so well, but it has and it’s very busy in terms 1 and 4 particularly.”

Magill, based in Parkes, New South Wales, believes that the program has assisted her business enormously.

“Since becoming heavily involved in the MLC Tennis Hot Shots program last year, I have an extra 200 plus kids involved in Hot Shots every week. The program and whole concept is really fun and engaging for everyone.”

Throughout the busier coaching months Magill’s business becomes bustling with activity.

“During the peak coaching periods I employ 11 assistant coaches to help deliver the MLC Tennis Hot Shots program. This is not only fantastic for the sport of tennis in the Parkes Shire, but it creates a family atmosphere at the 15 court complex with extended family members encouraged to come and watch. With the players having much more success with the red, orange and green balls, everyone leaves full of enthusiasm and can’t wait for their time on court again,” Magill says.

Like Magill, Director and Head Coach of Rising Star Tennis Academy in Australia’s Capital Territory and current Tennis Australia Club Professional Coach, Frank Calabria is also supportive of the program.

“Hot Shots has changed our business completely; the way we operate and teach tennis is being approached in a far better, more comprehensive and efficient

way of delivering tennis services. Most of our business now consists of Hot Shots participants, red through to green.

“Another great part about Hot Shots is the marketing of the program which gives our business a great lead, especially around the Australian Open and creates great interest in both tennis and Hot Shots,” Calabria says.

Director and Head Coach of Ash Tennis in Queensland, Andrew Ash believes that the program can benefit coaching businesses by allowing for more participants on the one court.

“One of the great advantages of Hot Shots, in particular with the red, and to an extent orange groups, is that the court sizes allow you to have more tennis courts being played on without using more space. For example, eight to 10 three metre mini courts on a standard court and two orange courts on a standard court. This allows for more classes and more participation as you still have courts available for say court hire and competition,” Ash says.

MLC Tennis Hot Shots is clearly growing within Australia and coaching businesses around the country are undoubtedly reaping the rewards of the program.

For more information on MLC Tennis Hot Shots visit hotshots.tennis.com.au or to find out how to become an MLC Tennis Hot Shots deliverer contact Coach Membership on 03 9914 4191 or email [email protected]

Hot Shots: changing business

Helen Magill employs 11 assistant coaches for the peak periods.

With modified tennis balls, enthusiastic participants enjoy more success on the court.

MLC Tennis Hot Shots is continuing to engage children.

Fundamental skills are developed with modified equipment.

Since its inception in 2008, Tennis Australia’s MLC Tennis Hot Shots program has become a

staple in many Australian tennis clubs. ADRIANA SZILI investigates.


As the dust rose from the Ant Bed tennis court located on the young Helan Ambrey’s parents’

property, the sport became ingrained in her upbringing and was renewed in her adult life.

“Tennis has always been in my life somehow. You could say I was born into a tennis loving family growing up on a cattle property south-west of Monto, Central Queensland and having a Dad who was an accomplished tennis player with a cabinet full of trophies I sort of had to pick up a racquet and join in with the family at an early age,” she says.

This early exposure to tennis in a way mapped out Ambrey’s path in life and her future career direction, but as a teenager she didn’t believe in her own ability to play the sport.

“I struggled mentally with the more competitive side of tennis as a teenage girl. I found the one-on-one competition of singles very confronting and not being a great believer in myself I preferred to play doubles,” she says.

Even though she won her local club’s singles and doubles titles and represented her local area in competitions, Ambrey moved away from tennis for a while. After relocating to Biloela in Central

Queensland for work, the sport found her again.

“Twenty odd years later I’m still a member of the Callide Valley Tennis Club, holding positions of junior

coordinator, regional assembly delegate and club coach and having

a great love for the sport that I grew up with,” she says.

It was in Biloela that she started the first steps in moving into a coaching role by completing an Orientation into Coaching course in 1994. Her priority then shifted to motherhood, but once her children started primary school she voluntarily coached at the school in 2005 and assisted coaches at the Callide Valley Tennis Club on Wednesday evenings.

For the next five years, with good friend and fellow coach Leesa Bongers, she focused on trying to get as many children in the local area involved in tennis by running a volunteer coaching program and fixtures for beginners.

“I spent over 19 years as a volunteer at the club. Most small country tennis clubs rely on a small band of volunteers to keep their clubs going, especially during the peak periods, and it can be hard work for all of them. We have been lucky over the years to have a very dedicated group working for the improvement of our club,” she says.

Ambrey made a full-time commitment in January 2010 when she took over the reigns as club coach at the Callide Valley Tennis Club. Initially she faced a few challengers and set out to show she had what it took to work within the coaching industry.

“I’m sure a few doubted that I could challenge and improve the older more advanced children as our previous club coaches were all males. I probably did doubt myself on the odd occasion at the start too and I felt I had to prove myself. But I think I understand the game well and I share information with others well and that’s what coaching is really all about.”

With an interest in the use of low-compression balls and the modified court

sizes, Ambrey now implements the MLC Tennis Hot Shots program within her coaching packages for the 10/u age group.

“We now have three trainee coaches helping me with the demand. We’ve experienced an increase in the number of children playing in our local area which is wonderful to see,” she says.

This added participation poses a tantalising prospect ... history shows that this particular regional area has been the starting point for some great champions, including but not limited to Rod Laver and Mal Anderson. Ambrey is willing and waiting for history to repeat itself.

“Maybe one day a future champion might cross my path,” she says. “If one should come I hope that I teach that child good technique, clever court tactics, sportsmanship, honesty, respect for others on and off the court and a good work ethic before they move on to bigger and better things.”

The remote location may make it a little more difficult for athletes to travel to other tournaments, but with a little support, sometimes the desire to achieve can be just that little bit stronger.

“I work hard to encourage many of our local children to travel to junior tournaments throughout our region. But it

is very tough on athletes from country areas as they can have up to five hours travel or more to compete in tournaments,” she says. “Our country areas do need more support to encourage these children to go to the next level and seek out these tournaments.”

It could be just what’s needed for another regional player to become a champion.

Name: Helan Ambrey

Qualifications: Tennis Australia

Junior Development coach

Venue: Callide Valley Tennis Club,

Queensland

Awards: Australia Day Award, Sports

Coach, Official and/or Administrator

Award in the Banana Shire, 2011

From volunteer to club coach

In many instances volunteers

can be seen as a special

breed. With commitment and

dedication to a cause, they

strive to make a difference.

This is where it all started for

Helan Ambrey.Three trainee assistants are required to meet demand at the Callide Valley Tennis Club.

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My Coach - September 2012 issue

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