A Primer on Planning and
Periodization For High
Performance Junior Tennis
Players
Prepared by: Mark Kovacs, PhD, CSCS
USTA Player Development Incorporated
Goals
Performance goals: Measurable,
controllable and achievable under
complete control of the athlete
Outcome goals: Results orientated,
scoreboard goals, not always under the
control of the athlete
Periodization Components
PERIODS
1. Preparation
2. Competition
3. Transition
PHASES (up to four months)
General Preparation
Specific Preparation
Pre-Competition
Competition
Transition
Phases
1. PREPARATION- Focused on general development.
Also known in the US as pre-season training
2. COMPETITION- Focused on specific development
Major competition periods
This is the time to perform on the court in meaningful
competition.
3. TRANSITION
After competition – a time to rest and recover.
Passive Recovery
Active Recovery
Each period is made up of separate phases
Reid et al. Strength & Conditioning Journal (31) 4, 69-77, 2009.
Establish Developmental Team Leader
(either parent or coach)
Scheduling
Communication with Parent and Player
Training Environment
Establish A Players’ Role
Vision
Individual responsibility and accountability
Committing to the life of a high
performance junior player
Collaborate with coach on performance
and outcome goals
Establish Coach/Parents’ Role
Collaborating with player on performance
and outcome goals
Work with parents on practice and
tournament schedule
Establish open lines of communication
Scheduling: establishing a periodized
schedule
HANDS
Serve
Return of serve
Forehand
Backhand
Backhand slice
Volley
Transition shots
Forehand volley
Backhand volley
Overhead
FEET (Movement & Balance)
Footwork patterns
Body awareness and balance
Court position
Loading parameters
EYES & MIND (Tactical)
Recognition
Shot selection
Patterns of play
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Strength
Power
Speed
Agility
Flexibility
Tennis Specific Endurance
Injury Prevention
EMOTIONAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL
DEVELOPMENT
Visualization
Relaxation
Focus
Confidence
Rituals & routines
Goal Setting Table
Long Term Medium Term Short Term
Goals Goals Goals
HANDS (Technical)
FEET(Footwork &
Balance)
EYES & MIND (Tactical)
Physical
Two Areas of Focus:
Main Areas of Needed
Improvement
Priority One:
Plan of action:
Priority Two:
Plan of action:
Sample 10 Week Focus
Ages 12-14 year old Focus
Week 1 Stroke Production/Movement
Week 2 Stroke Production/Movement
Week 3 Movement, Shot Selection (Decision-Making)
Week 4 Movement, Shot Selection (Decision-Making)
Week 5 Tournament
Week 6 Stroke Production/Movement
Week 7 Stroke Production/Movement
Week 8 Movement, Shot Selection (Decision-Making)
Week 9 Movement, Shot Selection (Decision-Making)
Week 10 Tournament
