HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
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.
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TENNIS NEW ZEALAND VISION
CONTENTSExecutive 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
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.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
In 2012, the Board of Tennis NZ identified that this
funding approach was not providing enough impact
to ‘make a difference’ to a player’s performance and
therefore, a new approach needed to be developed
to ensure that what funding was available in
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.
In December 2012, Tennis NZ presented to regions
and Tennis NZ selectors, its new draft High
Performance Strategy that would guide Tennis NZ
through its next three year strategic cycle from
2014 – 2017.
Throughout December 2012 and January 2013,
feedback was received on this draft strategy and
Tennis NZ continued its internal discussions on a
range of topics, 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;
• there are limited financial resources at our
disposal;
• the lack of exposure to high level intense
competition in NZ for our athletes; and
• that Tennis NZ has had no real influence or
control over money granted to athletes for
their individual programs.
In March 2013 the Board of Tennis NZ endorsed
in principal a new High Performance Player
Development Strategy for 2014 – 2020.
The new strategy sees a move to a Junior Targeted
Athlete program whereby we invest more
substantially in fewer athletes. This move will give
Tennis NZ the opportunity to make a difference,
and have input to the individual athlete’s program,
and in turn give the athlete an opportunity to better
perform.
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.
This will be performance based, elite, and athlete
focused with the goal of preparing selected
athletes (aged 12 – 18 years) to become professional
tennis players in the future. The long term vision
for these athletes is that they are tracking towards
a ranking of 150 or better on the ATP/WTA circuits
by 2020.
This new strategy has been formulated through
research of other nations’ tennis programs such as
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
also modeled our funding structure off other
successful New Zealand sports as well as High
Performance Sport New Zealand which all focus on
a small number of high performing athletes.
Following the endorsement of the new HP Player
Development Strategy, Tennis NZ engaged the
services of a HP Advisor (0.5 FTE) and an additional
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
going forward. The HP staff now consists of a
contracted Head of Performance, two full time HP
coaches and a S&C Sports Scientist (0.25).
3
To inspire New Zealanders by having players tracking towards a
singles ranking of 150 on the WTA/ATP tours by 2020. 1
1(Rank 150 is where an athlete can self-fund, is realistic for NZ and is on the fringe of Grand Slam entry).
HIGH PERFORMANCE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
HIGH PERFORMANCE VISION
• To have a performance driven program that is
respected and valued by stakeholders.
• To increase our ability to achieve our Vision by
directing our best people and resources towards
our Junior Targeted Athletes and their coaches.
• Have these athletes and coaches aligned to the
goal of becoming a professional tennis player
ranked inside the top150 singles players in the
world.
• To have the Davis Cup and Fed Cup teams
cemented in Group 1 by 2025.
5HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
GUIDING PRINCIPLES2014 – 2020
1. We will take a long-term view to our high
performance development program and
focus in this period, 2014 – 2020, on attracting,
retaining, and developing NZ junior talent (aged
12-18 years). This age bracket has been chosen
because at 12 years old the athlete will be
starting to demonstrate the necessary qualities
required to become a top level player; and at 18
years of age the successful athletes can launch
themselves onto the international stage either
through College or on the Tour and will need to
be based overseas.
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
we will personalise the support offered (this
could mean simply financial support at an
overseas academy or a visiting coach and trainer
to a NZ home town).
3. Our intention is for the 2014 - 2020 high
performance development program to be
exclusive whereby we invest more resources in
fewer players. However, all high performance
NZ junior players will remain on the TNZ radar.
TNZ will be responsible for making all funding
and selection decisions but will liaise widely to
ensure informed and transparent choices are
being made.
4. Investment decisions will be aligned to
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
the world.
5. Junior Targeted Athletes will be offered a best
possible support structure; they will be required
to work to TNZ individual programs with very
clear accountabilities and KPI’s.
6. Elite targeted athletes will be supported to
travel to Europe and/ or USA to train and/
or compete at selected tournaments; the
development athletes will be supported to
travel to Australia and the Pacific which will
expose them to suitable competitions and
allow them to play on clay surfaces (widely
recommended).
7. Identified Coaches will also be targeted and
upskilled through programs in NZ and Australia.
8. A recommended part of the TNZ pathway
for some of our Junior Targeted Athletes will
include the US College system therefore we
will encourage all athletes to continue to place
importance on their education.
9. We will remove the culture of right and replace
with respect and privilege and a culture in
line with professional athlete behaviours and
expectations.
10. We will communicate our HP development
program and plans to all stakeholders for
understanding, awareness, accountability and
responsibility.
*Data from Sport NZ’s Young People’s Survey 2012
• High participation numbers in tennis throughout country
• NZer’s are interested and avidly follow sport, incl. tennis. Sports stars have high status in NZ
• Career advantage – lucrative
• We have a good relationship and network in international tennis circles worldwide
• there is a comprehensive international competition tennis circuit available for all ages
• NZ passport holders playing tennis overseas
• Provide attractive programs that encourage High Performing athletes to choose tennis over other sports
• Usetheresourcesofferedatoverseastennisfederations and academies
• Follow other sport codes by investing heavily in fewer athletes
• Educate and upskill coaches
• HPSNZ is a resource potential for expertise and funding – athletes and coaches
• SEED and private funding
• The commitment to many hours of one-on-one coaching, which is an integral part of HP coaching is notfinanciallyviableforcentres/academies
• Tennis is not attracting our best junior athletes
• There was untagged funding to regional performance programs
• Lack of a national HP tennis facility
• Lack of exposure to regular high-level competition in NZ
• Limited access to HP coaching for athletes
• Lack of exposure/ opportunity to engage in intense level tennis training
• Other sports are more attractive/popular(team sports)
• Lack of funds possibly because tennis is a high risk investment
• Tennis is too hard and too competitive for NZer’s (life at home is too good)
• Need for players to commit at 12 – 14 years of age (very young) and spend extended periods of time overseas
• DifficulttoIDtalentatayoungage
INTERNAL
EXTERNAL
SWOT ANALYSISHIGH PERFORMANCE
STRENGTHS
OPPORTUNITIES
WEAKNESSES
THREATS
7HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY
2014 – 2017
TOURING PRO Self-managed programs
monitored by TNZ.Davis CupFed Cup
TENNIS NZ’S PRIMARY AND INTENSE AREA OF FOCUS
TARGETED ATHLETE PROGRAM
NON TARGETED ATHLETES:
(10 – 18 YRS)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.
• 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
TRANSITIONALUS College OR
Self-managed program
• 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.
ELITE TARGETED ATHLETES (12 - 18 YRS)
DEVELOPMENT TARGETED ATHLETES (10 - 16YRS)
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TNZ TALENT ID AND TARGETED RECRUITMENT PROCESS WILL DRAW FROM LOCAL PLAYER
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS EG:Regional Development Programs
Private AcademiesSchool Academies
Club Programs and NZ Players Training and Living Overseas
11HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
DEVELOPMENT TARGETED ATHLETE PROGRAM (10 – 16 YRS)
STAGE 1:
AIM
The aim of the Development Targeted Athlete
program is to build a base of young players who
have potential to advance to the Elite Targeted
Athlete program level. These players will be
monitored and tracked by TNZ’s coaches.
Development Targeted Athletes will be provided
with access to sports science and subsidised Aust/
Pac tours (funding/support is discretionary and
based on rate of progress).
BENEFITS (NOT LIMITED TO)
• Development Targeted Athletes are clearly on the
Tennis NZ radar and considered to be potential
Elite Targeted Athletes in the future.
• Individual Development Plans will be developed
by TNZ in consultation with the player/coach/
parents and monitored by TNZ.
• TNZ staff available to provide advice and planning
eg fitness, nutritional, training, tournament
schedule etc.
• Tournament/clinic and training opportunities
domestically and internationally (primarily
Australia/Pacific).
SELECTION
Members of the Development Targeted Athlete
Program will be selected by the TNZ Junior
Selection Panel on an annual basis (late January).
Selection will be based on the following criteria:
• Be a minimum of 10 years of age and a maximum
of 16 years of age.
• Meet the TNZ selection criteria (separate
document) and be considered capable of
reaching top 150 singles rank in the future in
accordance with TNZ Performance Funnels.
• Intrinsic ambition and goal to be a professional
tennis player commited to NZ.
• Demonstrate elite athlete qualities and have
the physical and personal attributes/character
required to become a pro tennis player.
• Committed to continuing with their education.
• Agree to working with and support the TNZ
program.
ELITE TARGETED ATHLETE PROGRAM (12 – 18 YRS)
STAGE 2:
AIM
The aim of the Elite Targeted Athlete program is
to select a small number of players (single figures)
who TNZ believe have the ability and potential to
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
absolutely best prepared they can be to transition
into the senior ranks.
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
be provided by TNZ within available TNZ and
private resources.
• 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
programs eg sport physc, sport science etc both
on and off the court.
• 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.
SELECTION
Elite Targeted Athletes will be selected on an annual
basis (January) by the TNZ Junior Selection Panel
and will be based on the following selection criteria:
• 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
tennis player for NZ and passionate about the
game – it is intrinsic.
• Committed to continuing with their education
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
staff will manage their child’s tennis program,
in consultation with the child’s private coach
where appropriate, and that TNZ must agree
and endorse their program to enable ongoing
investment.
• Signed TNZ contract which includes behaviour
expectations, media obligations and pay-back
requirements etc.
13HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
TRANSITIONAL AND EMERGING PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYERS (18+ YRS)
STAGE 3:
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.
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.
DAVIS CUP / FED CUP STAGE 4:
OLYMPICS 2016 AND 2020
Tennis NZ’s Davis Cup and Fed Cup objective by 2025 is to have
these teams cemented in Asia/Oceania Group I.
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.
For the Davis Cup team to achieve this, based on
today’s Group I player rankings, at least one player
needs to be ranked inside the top 150 ATP and a
second player ranked inside the top 200 and/or
a pairing ranked inside the top 50 in doubles or
thereabouts.
The current NZ Davis Cup players do not hold these
rankings and this strategy does not include bridging
this gap; however TNZ will continue to field a DC
team and participate in this competition annually.
Davis Cup players will be paid to play in accordance
with the relevant pay schedules but no on the road
coaching will be provided.
Our vision is for our Junior Player Development
Program to, in the future, produce players that will
enable us to achieve the goal of being cemented in
Group I for Davis Cup and Fed Cup.
As a reference to the level required, the HPSNZ
funding pathway for the Olympics is via a carding
system and PEG grants (world top 16) which is
aligned to their performance standards and the
potential for the athlete to medal. Our strategy
is not aligned to players reaching HPSNZ criteria.
However should they do so in the future we will
approach HPSNZ on their behalf.
DAVISCUP/FEDCUP
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Progression/Targets
STAGE 4
STAGE 3
STAGE 2
STAGE 1
Touring Pro • The athlete is a self-managed touring professional and may be a NZ DC/FC team member.
Top 150 ATP/WTA rankings. TNZ may seek private funding for up to 24 months. Carded PEG.
Transitional • InUSUniversityorself-managed.
• Overseen by Tennis NZ Coach.
• Potential DC/FC member
• InexceptionalcasesTNZwillassistinsavingfunds
Potential for top 150 ranking and tracking Open doors /advise / possible clinics/training as appropriate.
Inexceptionalcases,assistancewithfunding.
PM Sch.
Elite Targeted Athlete • All aspects of program overseen by Tennis NZ HP team
• Coaching and travel substantially funded by TNZ.
• Sport science services provided.
IDaspotentialfor150rankorbetterandtracking Substantially funded domestically and internationally with coaching,travelandsupportservices.Individualprogramsdeveloped.
NIL
Development Targeted Athlete • BeenIDbyTNZcoaches.
• Training in home environment.
• Attend Training Camps.
• Working towards becoming an Elite Target Athlete.
• Competing in Nationals (age group) in NZ and Australia
Maybe capable of future 150 ranking. Funded domestically with support services and training camps, subsidised travel to tournaments in Australia.
NIL
PHASE WHAT THIS MEANS
TNZ SUPPORT STRUCTURE
Progression/Targets
Touring Pro • The athlete is a self-managed touring professional and may be a NZ DC/FC team member.
Top 150 ATP/WTA rankings. TNZ may seek private funding for up to 24 months. Carded PEG.
Transitional • InUSUniversityorself-managed.
• Overseen by Tennis NZ Coach.
• Potential DC/FC member
• InexceptionalcasesTNZwillassistinsavingfunds
Potential for top 150 ranking and tracking Open doors /advise / possible clinics/training as appropriate.
Inexceptionalcases,assistancewithfunding.
PM Sch.
Elite Targeted Athlete • All aspects of program overseen by Tennis NZ HP team
• Coaching and travel substantially funded by TNZ.
• Sport science services provided.
IDaspotentialfor150rankorbetterandtracking Substantially funded domestically and internationally with coaching,travelandsupportservices.Individualprogramsdeveloped.
NIL
Development Targeted Athlete • BeenIDbyTNZcoaches.
• Training in home environment.
• Attend Training Camps.
• Working towards becoming an Elite Target Athlete.
• Competing in Nationals (age group) in NZ and Australia
Maybe capable of future 150 ranking. Funded domestically with support services and training camps, subsidised travel to tournaments in Australia.
NIL
QUALIFYING CRITERIA HPSNZTENNIS NZ SUPPORT
HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020 17
STAGE 4
STAGE 3
STAGE 2
STAGE 1
STAGE 0
Elite Touring Pro
22+ years
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 Clinics and support from TNZ on tour where possible otherwise self-managed with private coach.
Mastery and ongoing skill development, skills automated, disciplined,
focused. Consistently benchmarking against relevant competitors
Individualtargetedgoalsand self-driven program
As appropriate. Professional behaviour in place. Mental strength training tailored to suit.
Elite HP – Uni or self-managed
18 – 22 years
Individuallyandindependentlymotivatedtotrain.Identifiedastalented and chosen as Targeted Athlete
Potentialtop150rank.FuturesandITFtournaments gathering points. 50% rule – open /age group.
TNZ Clinics where appropriate. Driven by Uni program.
Individual,benchmarkedagainst international standards. Maximising skills in a training and competition environment.
Individual,independentself-motivated periodised programs
Education regarding expectations. Mental strength training
Talent Development – Elite Targeted Athlete
12 – 18 years
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.
Nationaltop3,ITFtournamentssemis.Comfortableandconfidentcompetinginternationally.
Only play up if likely to win. 33% rule – stronger/comparable /weaker.
National / regional individual performance plan driven by TNZ National coach. National coach involvement and input intoIndividualperformanceprograms.
Identifystrengthandweaknesses and address these to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses.
Regular individualised and supervised gym training. Specificskilldevelopmentonandoffcourt.Regularrecreational training. Self-performance monitoring. Education around recovery options and cross over skills.
Understanding of the concepts of concentration, commitment, control and strength. Sessions andworkshopsonspecifictopicsapplicable to developmental stage. Parents understand their role and the pathway ahead.
Talent ID – Development Targeted Athlete
10 – 14 years
This is the skill development stage wherefundamentalskillsarerefinedandmademoreefficient.Specificdisciplinesfrom the sport are introduced with basic technique. Coaching hours increase but still with focus on fun.
Nationalagegrouptop3.Introductiontointernational competition and training.
Regional programs driving individual plans. Athlete strengths and weaknesses identifiedanddevelopedbyregional coaches – maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses. National coach interfacing with regional coach.
Stablisation of fundamentals in competition environment. Overall skill development focusingonsportspecificskills.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.
Junior
Under 10 years
Introductiontothesportandapassionis being found. Becoming involved in the community of tennis and having fun are the primary focuses.
Not competition focused – inclusive and fun.
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.
ATHLETE DESCRIPTION COMPETITION OUTCOMESSTAGE
TNZ DEVELOPMENT PATHWAYProgression/Targets
19HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
Elite Touring Pro
22+ years
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 Clinics and support from TNZ on tour where possible otherwise self-managed with private coach.
Mastery and ongoing skill development, skills automated, disciplined,
focused. Consistently benchmarking against relevant competitors
Individualtargetedgoalsand self-driven program
As appropriate. Professional behaviour in place. Mental strength training tailored to suit.
Elite HP – Uni or self-managed
18 – 22 years
Individuallyandindependentlymotivatedtotrain.Identifiedastalented and chosen as Targeted Athlete
Potentialtop150rank.FuturesandITFtournaments gathering points. 50% rule – open /age group.
TNZ Clinics where appropriate. Driven by Uni program.
Individual,benchmarkedagainst international standards. Maximising skills in a training and competition environment.
Individual,independentself-motivated periodised programs
Education regarding expectations. Mental strength training
Talent Development – Elite Targeted Athlete
12 – 18 years
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.
Nationaltop3,ITFtournamentssemis.Comfortableandconfidentcompetinginternationally.
Only play up if likely to win. 33% rule – stronger/comparable /weaker.
National / regional individual performance plan driven by TNZ National coach. National coach involvement and input intoIndividualperformanceprograms.
Identifystrengthandweaknesses and address these to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses.
Regular individualised and supervised gym training. Specificskilldevelopmentonandoffcourt.Regularrecreational training. Self-performance monitoring. Education around recovery options and cross over skills.
Understanding of the concepts of concentration, commitment, control and strength. Sessions andworkshopsonspecifictopicsapplicable to developmental stage. Parents understand their role and the pathway ahead.
Talent ID – Development Targeted Athlete
10 – 14 years
This is the skill development stage wherefundamentalskillsarerefinedandmademoreefficient.Specificdisciplinesfrom the sport are introduced with basic technique. Coaching hours increase but still with focus on fun.
Nationalagegrouptop3.Introductiontointernational competition and training.
Regional programs driving individual plans. Athlete strengths and weaknesses identifiedanddevelopedbyregional coaches – maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses. National coach interfacing with regional coach.
Stablisation of fundamentals in competition environment. Overall skill development focusingonsportspecificskills.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.
Junior
Under 10 years
Introductiontothesportandapassionis being found. Becoming involved in the community of tennis and having fun are the primary focuses.
Not competition focused – inclusive and fun.
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.
COACHING SKILL DEVELOPMENT PHYSICAL MENTAL
TNZ DEVELOPMENT PATHWAYProgression/Targets
STAGE 4
STAGE 3
STAGE 2
STAGE 1
STAGE 0
Touring Pro /
Elite HP
22+ 10 + 4 1-4 Compete to win
Full-time
80/20
5 peak events
20-30 Pro tournaments
Self
HPSNZ
Elite HP /
US University
18 - 22 6 – 10 10 4-6 Train to win
University timetable
70/30
(80-100 singles)
Self
HPSNZ
Talent Development /
Elite Targeted Athlete
16 - 18 4 – 8 10 6-10 Train to compete and learn to win
15-25 hrs tennis
6-8 hrs non tennis
60/40
3 peak events
18-22 tournaments
(65-80 singles/25-45 doubles)
Tennis NZ
Parents
Talent ID /
Development Targeted Athlete
10 - 14 3 - 6 25 8-12 Train to train
8-20 hrs tennis
2-6 hrs non tennis
40/60
10-15 tournaments
(35-45 singles/15-25 doubles)
Tennis NZ
Regional
Parents
Junior Club Player/ Grass roots
Up to 10 1 – 4 Unlimited 10-20 Learn to train and learn the sport
2-8 hrs tennis
2-6 hrs non tennis
20/80
6-8 tournaments
(15 singles/25 doubles)
Regional
Parents
YEARS IN SPORT ATHLETES (APPROX.)DEVELOPMENT PHASE AGE
TNZ ATHLETE PATHWAYProgression/Targets
10 years and 10,000 hours of focused, deliberate, meaningful practice to reach Pro status.
21HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
Touring Pro /
Elite HP
22+ 10 + 4 1-4 Compete to win
Full-time
80/20
5 peak events
20-30 Pro tournaments
Self
HPSNZ
Elite HP /
US University
18 - 22 6 – 10 10 4-6 Train to win
University timetable
70/30
(80-100 singles)
Self
HPSNZ
Talent Development /
Elite Targeted Athlete
16 - 18 4 – 8 10 6-10 Train to compete and learn to win
15-25 hrs tennis
6-8 hrs non tennis
60/40
3 peak events
18-22 tournaments
(65-80 singles/25-45 doubles)
Tennis NZ
Parents
Talent ID /
Development Targeted Athlete
10 - 14 3 - 6 25 8-12 Train to train
8-20 hrs tennis
2-6 hrs non tennis
40/60
10-15 tournaments
(35-45 singles/15-25 doubles)
Tennis NZ
Regional
Parents
Junior Club Player/ Grass roots
Up to 10 1 – 4 Unlimited 10-20 Learn to train and learn the sport
2-8 hrs tennis
2-6 hrs non tennis
20/80
6-8 tournaments
(15 singles/25 doubles)
Regional
Parents
YEARS TO TOP 150PROGRESSIONS PHYSICAL HOURS PER WEEK
ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE (FUNDING AND ATHLETE LIFE)
% COMPETING/TRAINING RATIO
Progression/Targets
TENNIS NZ TARGETED PERFORMANCE COACHINGASSESSMENT 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.
• Training courses are expensive and elite
• Other sports career pathways are more attractive
and secure
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.
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
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PERFORMANCE
COACHES AND COMMUNITY COACHES
Peformance coaches will be capable of:
• Planning of processes towards an outcome (at
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.
ENABLERS FOR DEVELOPMENT
• Facilitation of applications to:
• Performance Coach Advance
• Prime Ministers Scholarships
• Australian HP coaching course
• Mentors
Additionally Tennis NZ will provide:
• Opportunites to working at the Talent ID/
Training Camps
• Coaching support advice from the Tennis NZ
HP coaches
• Tour opportunities with Targeted Athletes:
Tennis NZ will provide opportunities for
Targeted Performance coaches to travel
to tournaments and academies, which
will accelerate learning, and help them
grow into world-class performers. By
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.
23HIGH PERFORMANCE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2014 - 2020
HOW WILL THESE COACHES BE IDENTIFIED
The TNZ HP team will identify suitable people via a
competency framework based on past playing level,
coaching level and experience, relationship skills
and interest in continual learning/development.
• They will effectively declare themselves as they
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.
Appropriate learning and development
programmes for current and potential HP coaches
will be sought, which will assist in achieving the
necessary characteristics of leadership, self-
awareness, critical reflection, ability to provide
feedback, planning skills, athlete-centric, inquisitive,
share info and the drive to be successful.