HIGH PERFORMANCE
P L AY E R D E V E LO P M E N T S T R AT E G Y 2014 - 2020
T E NNI S PA R T ICIPAT ION S T R AT EG Y
TENNIS NEW ZEALAND VISION Our vision is for New Zealand to consider itself a ‘Tennis Nation’. By this we mean that tennis is common in the lives of New Zealanders; tennis is being played in clubs, schools, parks and on beaches; tennis coaches are well trained and offer coaching to a consistently high standard; vibrant tennis clubs offer world class programs that attract a wide range of participants; and New Zealanders are competing with distinction at professional tournaments locally and abroad.
CONTENTS Executive Summary
3
Guiding Principles
5
SWOT Analysis
7
Player Development Pathway
9
STAGE 1 Development Targeted Athlete Pathway
11
STAGE 2 Elite Targeted Athlete Program
12
STAGE 3 Transitional and Emerging Professional Tennis Players
13
STAGE 4 Davis Cup / FED Cup
14
Olympics 2016 / 2020
14
High Performance Funnel
15
Tennis New Zealand Support Structure
16
Tennis New Zealand Development Pathway
18
Tennis New Zealand Athlete Pathway
20
Tennis New Zealand Targeted Performance Coaching
22
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Over the last 10 years, Tennis NZ has taken a broad-brush approach to its High Performance (HP) program whereby it provided some funding support, based primarily on individual rankings, to a wide group of individuals with very limited accountability required in return for this investment. In 2012, the Board of Tennis NZ identified that this
substantially in fewer athletes. This move will give
funding approach was not providing enough impact
Tennis NZ the opportunity to make a difference,
to ‘make a difference’ to a player’s performance and
and have input to the individual athlete’s program,
therefore, a new approach needed to be developed
and in turn give the athlete an opportunity to better
to ensure that what funding was available in
perform.
this area could be directed to those players who demonstrated the potential to reach performance goals set by Tennis NZ and be held accountable to these.
The intention is to create a pipeline feeding players (and their private coaches where appropriate) through a structured and supported pathway closely monitored and influenced by Tennis NZ.
In December 2012, Tennis NZ presented to regions
This will be performance based, elite, and athlete
and Tennis NZ selectors, its new draft High
focused with the goal of preparing selected
Performance Strategy that would guide Tennis NZ
athletes (aged 12 – 18 years) to become professional
through its next three year strategic cycle from
tennis players in the future. The long term vision
2014 – 2017.
for these athletes is that they are tracking towards
Throughout December 2012 and January 2013, feedback was received on this draft strategy and
a ranking of 150 or better on the ATP/WTA circuits by 2020.
Tennis NZ continued its internal discussions on a
This new strategy has been formulated through
range of topics, such as:
research of other nations’ tennis programs such as
•
the lack of top level tennis players coming out of NZ in recent years possibly due to the sport not having a defined HP pathway or sufficient support to attract talented athletes or role models;
•
•
•
Tennis Canada, Australia, the British LTA the USA and their college system, and the ITF. These nations, whilst having a larger population base, operate a similar standards-based system that defines the support levels provided. These are similar systems to those proposed in our new strategy. We have
there are limited financial resources at our
also modeled our funding structure off other
disposal;
successful New Zealand sports as well as High
the lack of exposure to high level intense
Performance Sport New Zealand which all focus on
competition in NZ for our athletes; and
a small number of high performing athletes.
that Tennis NZ has had no real influence or
Following the endorsement of the new HP Player
control over money granted to athletes for
Development Strategy, Tennis NZ engaged the
their individual programs.
services of a HP Advisor (0.5 FTE) and an additional
In March 2013 the Board of Tennis NZ endorsed in principal a new High Performance Player Development Strategy for 2014 – 2020.
Coach (0.75 FTE) to work primarily in the area of Talent recruitment and Development and initiated a HP Advisory Group that would monitor the implementation and delivery of this new strategy
The new strategy sees a move to a Junior Targeted
going forward. The HP staff now consists of a
Athlete program whereby we invest more
contracted Head of Performance, two full time HP coaches and a S&C Sports Scientist (0.25).
HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
3
HIGH PERFORMANCE VISION To inspire New Zealanders by having players tracking towards a singles ranking of 150 on the WTA/ATP tours by 2020. 1 (Rank 150 is where an athlete can self-fund, is realistic for NZ and is on the fringe of Grand Slam entry).
1
HIGH PERFORMANCE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES • To have a performance driven program that is respected and valued by stakeholders.
• Have these athletes and coaches aligned to the goal of becoming a professional tennis player ranked inside the top150 singles players in the
• To increase our ability to achieve our Vision by
world.
directing our best people and resources towards our Junior Targeted Athletes and their coaches.
• To have the Davis Cup and Fed Cup teams cemented in Group 1 by 2025.
2014 – 2020
GUIDING PRINCIPLES 1. We will take a long-term view to our high
the world.
performance development program and
5. Junior Targeted Athletes will be offered a best
focus in this period, 2014 – 2020, on attracting, retaining, and developing NZ junior talent (aged 12-18 years). This age bracket has been chosen
possible support structure; they will be required to work to TNZ individual programs with very clear accountabilities and KPI’s.
because at 12 years old the athlete will be starting to demonstrate the necessary qualities
6. Elite targeted athletes will be supported to
required to become a top level player; and at 18
travel to Europe and/ or USA to train and/
years of age the successful athletes can launch
or compete at selected tournaments; the
themselves onto the international stage either
development athletes will be supported to
through College or on the Tour and will need to
travel to Australia and the Pacific which will
be based overseas.
expose them to suitable competitions and
2. Due to the differing ages, needs and geographic location of athletes in the program, it will have the athlete as its central character and therefore
allow them to play on clay surfaces (widely recommended). 7. Identified Coaches will also be targeted and upskilled through programs in NZ and Australia.
we will personalise the support offered (this could mean simply financial support at an
8. A recommended part of the TNZ pathway
overseas academy or a visiting coach and trainer
for some of our Junior Targeted Athletes will
to a NZ home town).
include the US College system therefore we will encourage all athletes to continue to place
3. Our intention is for the 2014 - 2020 high
importance on their education.
performance development program to be exclusive whereby we invest more resources in
9. We will remove the culture of right and replace
fewer players. However, all high performance
with respect and privilege and a culture in
NZ junior players will remain on the TNZ radar.
line with professional athlete behaviours and
TNZ will be responsible for making all funding
expectations.
and selection decisions but will liaise widely to
10. We will communicate our HP development
ensure informed and transparent choices are
program and plans to all stakeholders for
being made.
understanding, awareness, accountability and
4. Investment decisions will be aligned to
responsibility.
supporting junior athletes and their coaches who are identified and are ‘on track’ based on Performance Funnels (designed from data gathered about athletes who have reached 150 or better) that lead to a singles rank of 150 in
HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
5
HIGH PERFORMANCE SWOT ANALYSIS
HIGH PERFORMANCE
SWOT ANALYSIS INTERNAL STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
• High participation numbers in tennis throughout country • NZer’s are interested and avidly follow sport, incl. tennis. Sports stars have high status in NZ
• The commitment to many hours of one-on-one coaching, which is an integral part of HP coaching is not financially viable for centres/ academies • Tennis is not attracting our best junior athletes • There was untagged funding to regional performance programs
• Career advantage – lucrative • We have a good relationship and network in international tennis circles worldwide
• Lack of a national HP tennis facility • Lack of exposure to regular high-level competition in NZ
• there is a comprehensive international competition tennis circuit available for all ages
• Limited access to HP coaching for athletes • Lack of exposure/ opportunity to engage in intense level tennis training
EXTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
• NZ passport holders playing tennis overseas • Provide attractive programs that encourage High Performing athletes to choose tennis over other sports
• Other sports are more attractive/popular(team sports) • Lack of funds possibly because tennis is a high risk investment
• Use the resources offered at overseas tennis federations and academies
• Tennis is too hard and too competitive for NZer’s (life at home is too good)
• Follow other sport codes by investing heavily in fewer athletes
• Need for players to commit at 12 – 14 years of age (very young) and spend extended periods of time overseas
• Educate and upskill coaches • HPSNZ is a resource potential for expertise and funding – athletes and coaches
• Difficult to ID talent at a young age
• SEED and private funding
*Data from Sport NZ’s Young People’s Survey 2012
HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
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2014-2017 PL AYER DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY
2014 – 2017
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY
TNZ Junior player development program
PROFESSIONAL TENNIS
TOURING PRO Self-managed programs monitored by TNZ. Davis Cup Fed Cup
TRANSITIONAL US College OR Self-managed program
NON TARGETED ATHLETES: (10 – 18 YRS)
TARGETED ATHLETE PROGRAM
Those junior players not selected as a Junior Targeted Athlete will continue to train in local programs while remaining on TNZ’s radar as either potential future targeted athletes or Davis Cup/Fed Cup players. They will also be encouraged to take the US University pathway (or alternative) which provides a creditable pathway and opportunity for New Zealand players moving out of the Jr ranks. TNZ will remain available for advice and planning assistance as appropriate.
TENNIS NZ’S PRIMARY AND INTENSE AREA OF FOCUS
ELITE TARGETED ATHLETES (12 - 18 YRS)
DEVELOPMENT TARGETED ATHLETES (10 - 16YRS)
TNZ TALENT ID AND TARGETED RECRUITMENT PROCESS WILL DRAW FROM LOCAL PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS EG: Regional Development Programs Private Academies School Academies Club Programs and NZ Players Training and Living Overseas
• Davis Cup/Fed Cup player payments and coaching during these competitions. • Non-financial support for planning and advice. • Possible financial support in exceptional cases for up to 24 months if player is ‘on track’ to achieve TNZ HP Vision of 150 rank singles • Players monitored by TNZ Coaches and DC Captain; training blocks where appropriate.
• Non-financial support for planning and advice. • Possible financial support in exceptional cases for up to 24 months if player is ‘on track’ to achieve TNZ HP Vision of 150 rank singles. • Players monitored by TNZ Coaches and DC Captain; training blocks where appropriate.
• Individual Performance Programs developed, managed and tracked by TNZ in consultation with private coach and parents. • TNZ HP coaching assistance and guidance. • Financial investment in training/development programs and tours for athlete and coach. • International training and competition tours. • Access to TNZ endorsed services.
• Individual Development Plans monitored by TNZ in consultation with private coach and parents. • Training opportunities and 2 subsidised Aust/ Pac tours. • Access to TNZ endorsed services.
• TNZ HP Coaches will liaise with all these programs through the TNZ targeted recruitment process. They will also monitor players overseas and track progress and results of all New Zealand players. • Talent ID camps • Coach mentoring
DEVELOPMENT TARGETED ATHLETE PROGR AM
STAGE 1:
DEVELOPMENT TARGETED ATHLETE PROGRAM (10 – 16 YRS) AIM
SELECTION
The aim of the Development Targeted Athlete
Members of the Development Targeted Athlete
program is to build a base of young players who
Program will be selected by the TNZ Junior
have potential to advance to the Elite Targeted
Selection Panel on an annual basis (late January).
Athlete program level. These players will be
Selection will be based on the following criteria:
monitored and tracked by TNZ’s coaches.
• Be a minimum of 10 years of age and a maximum
Development Targeted Athletes will be provided
of 16 years of age.
with access to sports science and subsidised Aust/
• Meet the TNZ selection criteria (separate
Pac tours (funding/support is discretionary and
document) and be considered capable of
based on rate of progress).
reaching top 150 singles rank in the future in
BENEFITS (NOT LIMITED TO)
accordance with TNZ Performance Funnels.
• Development Targeted Athletes are clearly on the Tennis NZ radar and considered to be potential
tennis player commited to NZ.
Elite Targeted Athletes in the future.
• Demonstrate elite athlete qualities and have
• Individual Development Plans will be developed
the physical and personal attributes/character
by TNZ in consultation with the player/coach/
required to become a pro tennis player.
parents and monitored by TNZ.
• Committed to continuing with their education.
• TNZ staff available to provide advice and planning eg fitness, nutritional, training, tournament schedule etc.
• Intrinsic ambition and goal to be a professional
• Agree to working with and support the TNZ program.
• Tournament/clinic and training opportunities domestically and internationally (primarily Australia/Pacific).
HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
11
STAGE 2:
ELITE TARGETED ATHLETE PROGRAM (12 – 18 YRS) AIM
SELECTION
The aim of the Elite Targeted Athlete program is
Elite Targeted Athletes will be selected on an annual
to select a small number of players (single figures)
basis (January) by the TNZ Junior Selection Panel
who TNZ believe have the ability and potential to
and will be based on the following selection criteria:
become a senior level top 150 singles ranked player in the future. Elite Targeted Athletes will have their individual tennis programs, both on and off the court, developed, managed and tracked by the TNZ Coaches, and staff in consultation with the player’s private coach and parents, and be provided with every domestic and international opportunity possible by TNZ to ensure that they are the
• Be a minimum of 12 years of age and a maximum of 18 years of age and be playing for NZ only. • Be considered by TNZ, and the majority of its ‘advisors’, to have the ability and potential to become a senior level top 150 singles ranked player in the future and ‘on track’ according to TNZ Performance Funnel. • 100% committed to becoming a professional
absolutely best prepared they can be to transition
tennis player for NZ and passionate about the
into the senior ranks.
game – it is intrinsic. • Committed to continuing with their education
BENEFITS (NOT LIMITED TO) • As an Elite Targeted Athlete Program member, you are the primary focus within the TNZ High Performance program and will be afforded every domestic and international opportunity that can
to enable possible US College entry if required/ appropriate. • Committed to playing for New Zealand if selected for national representation. • Parents and athlete agree that TNZ Coaches and
be provided by TNZ within available TNZ and
staff will manage their child’s tennis program,
private resources.
in consultation with the child’s private coach
• Individual Performance Programs will be developed by TNZ in consultation with the player/ coach/parents and tracked on a regular basis by a TNZ Coach. This includes all aspects of their
where appropriate, and that TNZ must agree and endorse their program to enable ongoing investment. • Signed TNZ contract which includes behaviour
programs eg sport physc, sport science etc both
expectations, media obligations and pay-back
on and off the court.
requirements etc.
• Tournament and training opportunities domestically and internationally as deemed appropriate by TNZ coaches to meet the needs of the individual player. • Athlete life, educational planning and off-court sport science services support.
STAGE 3:
TRANSITIONAL AND EMERGING PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYERS (18 YRS) +
These players who are in the US College system or self managed will be assisted by TNZ where possible in opening doors at the US Universities providing recommendations and advice. TNZ will remain in contact and monitor progress. In exceptional cases where a player is well on track to reach the HP Vision of a top 150 singles rank according to the Performance Funnel, TNZ will assist in seeking private and external funding to help the player become the best they can.
HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
13
DAVIS CUP / FED CUP
STAGE 4:
DAVIS CUP / FED CUP Tennis NZ’s Davis Cup and Fed Cup objective by 2025 is to have these teams cemented in Asia/Oceania Group I. For the Davis Cup team to achieve this, based on
team and participate in this competition annually.
today’s Group I player rankings, at least one player
Davis Cup players will be paid to play in accordance
needs to be ranked inside the top 150 ATP and a
with the relevant pay schedules but no on the road
second player ranked inside the top 200 and/or
coaching will be provided.
a pairing ranked inside the top 50 in doubles or thereabouts.
Our vision is for our Junior Player Development Program to, in the future, produce players that will
The current NZ Davis Cup players do not hold these
enable us to achieve the goal of being cemented in
rankings and this strategy does not include bridging
Group I for Davis Cup and Fed Cup.
this gap; however TNZ will continue to field a DC
OLYMPICS 2016 AND 2020 Olympic selection in 2016 does not form part of our strategy, however, TNZ will apply to the NZOC for inclusion in the NZ Olympic team in singles and/or doubles should any NZ tennis players qualify by reaching the standards set by the IOC and NZOC selection panel and meet the DC/FC player requirements. As a reference to the level required, the HPSNZ
potential for the athlete to medal. Our strategy
funding pathway for the Olympics is via a carding
is not aligned to players reaching HPSNZ criteria.
system and PEG grants (world top 16) which is
However should they do so in the future we will
aligned to their performance standards and the
approach HPSNZ on their behalf.
1000 or 50 ITF
800
600
400
200
0
NZ ED T J EC H O PR CK PAT 0 0 A 1 R T TO P TO
ATP RANKING
10
9
Roger Federer
GE 2 A T S
TNZ Targeted Athlete (12-18 yrs)
Marina Erakovic
Samantha Stosur
NZ ITF Grade 4 - Finals
NZ ITF Grade 3 - Quater Finals
Top 3 NZ and Australia Age Nationals
Serena Williams
11
David Ferrer
8
FUNNEL
HIGH PERFORMANCE
S
E3 G A T
6
5
Transitional Elite HP at UNI or self managed (18-22 yrs)
Top 15 NCAA
7
YEARS OUT FROM TOP 100 RANK 4
3
Touring Pro (22+ yrs)
4 E G STA
2
1
0
15
17
19
21
23
25
AGE
15
TNZ SUPPORT STRUCTURE Progression/Targets
PHASE STAGE 4
STAGE 3
WHAT THIS MEANS
Touring Pro
• The athlete is a self-managed touring professional and may be a NZ DC/FC team member.
Transitional
• In US University or self-managed. • Overseen by Tennis NZ Coach. • Potential DC/FC member • In exceptional cases TNZ will assist in saving funds
STAGE 2
Elite Targeted Athlete
• All aspects of program overseen by Tennis NZ HP team • Coaching and travel substantially funded by TNZ. • Sport science services provided.
STAGE 1
Development Targeted Athlete
• Been ID by TNZ coaches. • Training in home environment. • Attend Training Camps. • Working towards becoming an Elite Target Athlete. • Competing in Nationals (age group) in NZ and Australia
QUALIFYING CRITERIA
TENNIS NZ SUPPORT
HPSNZ
Top 150 ATP/WTA rankings.
TNZ may seek private funding for up to 24 months.
Carded PEG.
Potential for top 150 ranking and tracking
Open doors /advise / possible clinics/training as appropriate.
PM Sch.
In exceptional cases, assistance with funding.
ID as potential for 150 rank or better and tracking
Substantially funded domestically and internationally with coaching, travel and support services. Individual programs developed.
NIL
Maybe capable of future 150 ranking.
Funded domestically with support services and training camps, subsidised travel to tournaments in Australia.
NIL
HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
17
TNZ DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY Progression/Targets STAGE STAGE 4
Elite Touring Pro 22+ years
STAGE 3
Elite HP – Uni or self-managed 18 – 22 years
STAGE 2
Talent Development – Elite Targeted Athlete 12 – 18 years
STAGE 1
Talent ID – Development Targeted Athlete 10 – 14 years
STAGE 0
Junior Under 10 years
ATHLETE DESCRIPTION
COMPETITION OUTCOMES
Athlete is focused on being world class. Full time touring. FC/DC member. Athlete and coach will use all available sport training technology and science to enhance performance
Top 150 ranking
Individually and independently motivated to train. Identified as talented and chosen as Targeted Athlete
Potential top 150 rank. Futures and ITF tournaments gathering points. 50% rule – open /age group.
Athletes have become aware of training requirements in order to be competitive and are more involved in own developments. Training and competing is disciplined. Focus on skill and technique development between athlete and coach.
National top 3, ITF tournaments semis. Comfortable and confident competing internationally.
This is the skill development stage where fundamental skills are refined and made more efficient. Specific disciplines from the sport are introduced with basic technique. Coaching hours increase but still with focus on fun.
National age group top 3. Introduction to international competition and training.
Introduction to the sport and a passion is being found. Becoming involved in the community of tennis and having fun are the primary focuses.
Not competition focused – inclusive and fun.
Only play up if likely to win. 33% rule – stronger/comparable /weaker.
COACHING
Clinics and support from TNZ on tour where possible otherwise self-managed with private coach.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Mastery and ongoing skill development, skills automated, disciplined,
PHYSICAL
MENTAL
Individual targeted goals and self-driven program
As appropriate. Professional behaviour in place. Mental strength training tailored to suit.
focused. Consistently benchmarking against relevant competitors
TNZ Clinics where appropriate. Driven by Uni program.
Individual, bench marked against international standards. Maximising skills in a training and competition environment.
Individual, independent self-motivated periodised programs
Education regarding expectations. Mental strength training
National / regional individual performance plan driven by TNZ National coach. National coach involvement and input into Individual performance programs.
Identify strength and weaknesses and address these to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses.
Regular individualised and supervised gym training. Specific skill development on and off court. Regular recreational training. Selfperformance monitoring. Education around recovery options and cross over skills.
Understanding of the concepts of concentration, commitment, control and strength. Sessions and workshops on specific topics applicable to developmental stage. Parents understand their role and the pathway ahead.
Regional programs driving individual plans. Athlete strengths and weaknesses identified and developed by regional coaches – maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses. National coach interfacing with regional coach.
Stablisation of fundamentals in competition environment. Overall skill development focusing on sport specific skills. Develop generic tennis skills covering all aspects.
Learn how training can be fun. Organised sport and training activities. Cross training activities (soccer, athletics, cricket etc)
Understanding of task orientation and goal setting to achieve short, mid and long term goals. Parent education of pathway and their role.
Weekend or holiday programs. Club/community based tennis with peers/friends.
Have fun learning the basics with mini tennis equipment.
Athlete is involved in a variety of organised sports.
Learn the love of the sport. Explore the concepts of goal setting and personal performance. Achieving personal goals is more important than winning in competition.
HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
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TNZ ATHLETE PATHWAY Progression/Targets DEVELOPMENT PHASE
STAGE 4
Touring Pro /
AGE
YEARS IN SPORT
ATHLETES (APPROX.)
22+
10 +
4
18 - 22
6 – 10
10
16 - 18
4–8
10
10 - 14
3-6
25
Up to 10
1–4
Unlimited
Elite HP
STAGE 3
Elite HP / US University
STAGE 2
Talent Development / Elite Targeted Athlete
STAGE 1
Talent ID / Development Targeted Athlete
STAGE 0
Junior Club Player/ Grass roots
10 years and 10,000 hours of focused, deliberate, meaningful practice to reach Pro status.
YEARS TO TOP 150
1-4
PROGRESSIONS PHYSICAL HOURS PER WEEK
% COMPETING/ TRAINING RATIO
ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE (FUNDING AND ATHLETE LIFE)
Compete to win
80/20
Self
Full-time
5 peak events
HPSNZ
20-30 Pro tournaments
4-6
6-10
Train to win
70/30
Self
University timetable
(80-100 singles)
HPSNZ
Train to compete and learn to win
60/40
Tennis NZ
15-25 hrs tennis
3 peak events
Parents
6-8 hrs non tennis
18-22 tournaments (65-80 singles/25-45 doubles)
8-12
10-20
Train to train
40/60
Tennis NZ
8-20 hrs tennis
10-15 tournaments
Regional
2-6 hrs non tennis
(35-45 singles/15-25 doubles)
Parents
Learn to train and learn the sport
20/80
Regional
2-8 hrs tennis
6-8 tournaments
Parents
2-6 hrs non tennis
(15 singles/25 doubles)
HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
21
TENNIS NZ TARGETED PERFORMANCE COACHING ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT SITUATION • It is currently difficult to operate a sustainable career in Performance tennis coaching – therefore not an attractive or viable career option • Few NZ coaches have had the opportunity to become World Class therefore there is limited depth • There is no regular collaboration between tennis coaches or other sport code coaches and no databases of information or standardisation of Performance coaching • No long term plans to recruit potential performance coaches from a player that have finished their playing careers - i.e. succession planning. • Coaches – day to day have admin and other obligations, therefore it is difficult for them to dedicate sufficient hours regularly working as a Performance coach (ie one on one with a Performance player) to upskill in this area.
It is also recognised that with the level of professionalism and specialised requirements in the modern professional game, a tailored long term plan is necessary for Performance coaches. Being engaged with a suitable long-term plan would enable them to meet the complex demands of coaching at this level. LIKELY CHARACTERISTICS • Someone who has had an international playing background • They are or were named as a Tennis NZ Targeted Athlete’s private coach • They Tour or have Toured regularly with athletes as a coach • They coach significant hours one on one • They do extra time with players for a low hourly rate • They are passionate about the game and the players they coach
• Training courses are expensive and elite
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PERFORMANCE
• Other sports career pathways are more attractive
COACHES AND COMMUNITY COACHES
and secure
Peformance coaches will be capable of: • Planning of processes towards an outcome (at
WHAT DOES A NZ PERFORMANCE COACH MOSTLY LOOK LIKE INTRODUCTION Successful performance coaching is about the athlete and the process to deliver the support they need. It is athlete-centric, the coaches are leaders of people and process, are learners, are collaborators and are self-driven.
elite level) • Delivery during training and competition over long periods of time • Management of resources, people, and constraints • Strategic Coordination - priortisation, integration, evaluation, culture, and long-term planning There is not necessarily a linear progression from club or community coaching to peformance. Performance coaching is about coaching people not just tennis.
HOW WILL THESE COACHES BE IDENTIFIED
Appropriate learning and development programmes for current and potential HP coaches
The TNZ HP team will identify suitable people via a competency framework based on past playing level, coaching level and experience, relationship skills
will be sought, which will assist in achieving the necessary characteristics of leadership, selfawareness, critical reflection, ability to provide
and interest in continual learning/development.
feedback, planning skills, athlete-centric, inquisitive,
• They will effectively declare themselves as they
share info and the drive to be successful.
will be around the top NZ players at tournaments • They are or have been shoulder tapped by Associations/Academies/Players/Federations
• Essentially the programme is a Targeted approach aligning with the Targeted Athlete Player Development Programme.
ENABLERS FOR DEVELOPMENT • Facilitation of applications to: • Performance Coach Advance • Prime Ministers Scholarships
• Tour opportunities with Targeted Athletes: Tennis NZ will provide opportunities for Targeted Performance coaches to travel to tournaments and academies, which
• Australian HP coaching course
will accelerate learning, and help them
• Mentors
grow into world-class performers. By
Additionally Tennis NZ will provide: • Opportunites to working at the Talent ID/ Training Camps • Coaching support advice from the Tennis NZ HP coaches
having more coaches regularly touring, it will enable Tennis NZ to stay in touch with latest methods and systems, innovations and opportunities; and it will facilitate networking and put NZ tennis on the map in international circles.
HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
23
Phone: +64 9 528 5428 • Email:
[email protected]
www.tennisnz.com