BTS believes that players need personalized training in order to maximize their development. Every player is different in their gamestyle, abilities and temperament, and their coach needs to customize their approach for each player.
Martin will customize a plan for your player, and come to every practice with a lesson plan that fits the goals and objectives that have been mutually agreed upon.
In addition to one on one training, players need to ‘play’ the game with other peers of comparable ability and commitment. At BTS, we design small group practices that enable our players to practice and compete, while getting real time feedback from Martin – to ensure that they are achieving their tactical goals with the correct technique.
BTS is able to design and oversee team practices for College Teams and National Junior Teams. As Head Coach at American University, where Martin led his team to three consecutive Conference Titles and NCAA berths, Martin combined technical, movement and tactical training in adynamic system of training that helped players to improve their understanding of high percentage tennis – shot selection, pattern play and tactical decision-making. For elite junior and collegiate players, a small improvement in high percentage execution, based on a player’s gamestyle, – can take a player to the next level.
Coached match play is the last step in the coaching continuum before tournament play. In coach match play the coach, the coach should give the player ‘cues’ based on what they have been working on. The coach should not overload the player with information, in a way that makes theplayer ‘dependent’ on the coach. At BTS, we believe that tennis is a sport that requires independence and problem-solving. Martin understands the balance between coaching and developing players who can think for themselves. The goal of a great coach is to work himself out of a job!
Tournament coaching happens before and after matches, and sometimes between a 2nd and 3rdset. The goal of the coach at a tournament is to help the player ‘manage’ him or herself, in a way that will enable them to perform at the highest possible level.
Tournaments, while very important – are a developmental tool that must be used in the right way. Great players are able to compete well in three different scenarios – when they play against players that they are supposed to beat, against players that are at their level, – and against players that are at a higher level. In addition great players are able to win with their ‘B’ game.
As a former worldclass player Martin understands the psychological dynamics of tournament competition. “My goal is to make the player feel safe enough to give 100% – putting everything on the line, without worrying that they will be judged by the outcome of the match. Giving a 100% – physically, mentally and emotionally is winning.”
Services
Consulting
Coaching Education
Tennis Concierge
Video Analysis
College Counseling
To find out more about our programs call Martin Blackman at 561-227-9588.