tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post5602521831241321195..comments2024-03-26T09:23:26.937-04:00Comments on ZooTennis: McEnroe Talks About His First Year in USTA Player DevelopmentColette Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14905215531491180014noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-60713912713185685902010-07-29T07:52:38.315-04:002010-07-29T07:52:38.315-04:00Parent, your perceptions are totally spot on.
The...Parent, your perceptions are totally spot on.<br /><br />The USTA wants to chery pick future champion by spotting winners in the 12s and 14s. These tend to be the mentally tough grinders who have no weapons to succeed at the pro level. Every parent who has been through the process knows that the 18s are all that matters as we have seen kids who were not in the top 150 in the 12s and 14s become top 10 in the 18s with a big game. <br /><br />The essential difference is that other country federations (particularly France) allow the cream to rise to the top by allow open competition to ferment improvement all the way up in the age groups. The USTA spots their players too early, entitles them, turns them into grinders and defends their choices all the way up without allowing talented players in the 16s and 18s enter their support structure.<br /><br />It's not surprising that this approach doesn't produce players ready for the tour. IMO, almost every spotted player that has remained in the program are grinders with few weapons and I have seen many aggressive talented players enter the program reformed into grinders, losing their mojo and leaving the program. <br /><br />Most parents would agree that the USTA should broaden the sport, lower the fees to enter tournaments and allow the cream to rise to the top in a more fair and transparent support structure rather than the biased cherry picking sytem they have in place.The Dudenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-65509449589127554382010-07-28T17:17:52.909-04:002010-07-28T17:17:52.909-04:00I agree with Don't B Fooled. The decisions mad...I agree with Don't B Fooled. The decisions made in talent scouting and where the training and money are put to use don't make sense. From the 10s and 12s attention is given to quick, small players who get back every ball. The problem is that the bigger kids, who need more time to grow into their bodies, get ignored and have to try to fund everything themselves for the developmental years. After 4 or 5 years the results in the top players make 2 groups. One is a group of well trained, experienced smaller players who physically lack the power needed for the big leagues, and the other is a group of players with the size and power for a huge game, but who lacked the cutting edge training and constant supervision of traveling coaches during their development. The results are disappointing because the system hasn't identified players who are headed for a huge game in their late teens and early 20s. A bigger game style, by nature, takes longer to develop, especially for players who are growing into strong, powerful bodies. Often it isn't a 12s, 14 or even 16s ranking that tells the story. You have to watch the players and study their body types, strokes and athleticism. Who has the potential to play a huge game in their late teens and early 20s?<br /><br />(Written by the parent of a 6'3" top 15 national player who got there with no help from the USTA Player Development - not even phone calls returned.)Parentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-29191733502495952712009-05-17T23:42:00.000-04:002009-05-17T23:42:00.000-04:00To Chris
I really don't think it's all that compl...To Chris<br /><br />I really don't think it's all that complicated. The USTA should focus on supporting player development with the player's primary coach, especially as the kid is making the transition to pros, and invite the top kids to the Boca or Carson training centers periodically. Instead they are throwing the bank at the handful of kids in their program and none are on them are on the fast track anyway. Also, as for the US boys going to France the USTA should have sent 2 coaches and fpor the 5 or 6 main draw players and have the boys in the main draw pay thier own expenses but now all these kids are bringing their own coaches. USTA High Performance needs to think and operate more like a business and use the money they save for more player grants. Not that complicated at all.justthefactshttp://yahoo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-40983048035791092972009-05-17T11:09:00.000-04:002009-05-17T11:09:00.000-04:00Inconsistent USTA Vision
You are right justthefac...Inconsistent USTA Vision<br /><br />You are right justthefacts, there is an inconsistant vision in the USTA leadership. This is not so surprising when you look at how the USTA is organized.<br /><br />They change the board every 2 years, with every new president reinventing the wheel and trying to change the course to make their mark.<br />This all without longterm plans for player development and no developmental coaches...all ex-players mostly lacking in training and experience in coaching!<br /><br />They change the player development program every 2 to 3 years, (although, they might need to change this one faster) without getting to the cause of why they are not successful!<br /><br />The causes being:<br />1-limited funds for player development in the regions to run their own program in the sections with certified coaches!<br />Most leading countries have a substancial larger funding, specially percentage wise by overall budgert versus percentage of junior players in the country!<br /><br />2-A national run professional coaches education with a 3 year, 3 levels certification (like elsewhere in the world)<br />(National coaches would have to certify as well and only hired with proven background in developing players)<br /><br />3-A talent ID system in the section <br /><br />4-A long term plan for player development to be posted on the USTA website for everybody to see.<br />A plan the board will invest in and build upon for the future.<br /><br />5-Hire the best coaches, trainers, mental trainers available with the goal to be the best one can be!<br /><br />6-And finaly, the cause has never been in the past to develop top juniors,(alltough even that seems to have come to a halt lately), the problem lies in the transition from Juniors to pros.<br />Changing coaches at this time can be devastating to the confidence of the players, when they have not stabilized yet!<br />This is also a time when players need to make decisions on turning pro and going to college.<br />The choice is fairly simple, but made difficult by management companies and the lure of fame by parents...<br />A lot of our young talents are confused and undisciplined and get a lot of bad advise and are derailed before they even get a chance to break through.<br />Most of the top juniors are coached by their parents with the lack of experience to guide them properly and become handicapped in many ways to reach the top.<br /><br />I agree that there is a lot of wasteful spending going on, but remember, these guys have never had to watch a budget!<br />It would have been a lot cheaper to bring one of those coaches over to the US for that period of time!<br /><br />When Patrick McEnroe says they will send someone to the Grand Slams to cover, you are right. <br />That is inconsistent with the girls <br />But don't think they will be there at the qualies!<br /><br />And I feel you are right, the Grand Slams are good experience for juniors, to learn to handle the stress of playing at the big stage and learning to maintain their disciplines.<br /><br />Maybe the board will figure this out someday and choose a professional approach....<br /><br />Chris TuckerChris Tuckernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-71557570358383112212009-05-17T01:13:00.000-04:002009-05-17T01:13:00.000-04:00To Chris...My take is the reason the USTA is not s...To Chris...My take is the reason the USTA is not sending a boys team to the Jr Slams is a lack of a consistent vision. The organization probably spent $100,000 plus to send five kids and a couple coaches to Spain for 5 weeks for player development but see no value in the jr. slams as player development. Last year they sent 3 kids w/ 2 coaches. Yet this year they took a team of 4 players to Carson and the Easter Bowl and a bunch of futures but no jr. slams. The jr slam experience is invaluable for player development which is why all the US boys who qualified for the main draw are going over alone. The girls through are sending a team. It will be interesting to see what other countries with rich federations don’t send a team. I bet the USTA will be alone on that one as well, especially for a country that hosts a grand slam.justthefactshttp://yahoo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-1230878228601185262009-05-16T22:27:00.000-04:002009-05-16T22:27:00.000-04:00To Justthefacts
It sounds to me that the USTA (re...To Justthefacts<br /><br />It sounds to me that the USTA (read McEnroe and Higueras) don't think to much of the juniors going to the Grand Slams this year if taking care of them is an after thought!<br />Maybe they don't think they are worth it to send a full team this year??<br /><br />It sounds to me they are cutting down the grants and money so players become more dependant on the USTA...<br /><br />Money is not always the answer to developing players, but it obviously does help if you don't have any at all to travel.<br />Suggestion: try a grant from the section....<br /><br />Chris TuckerChris Tuckernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-20754709855031966082009-05-16T17:25:00.000-04:002009-05-16T17:25:00.000-04:00To Chris Tucker
Agree with your assessment 100%. ...To Chris Tucker<br /><br />Agree with your assessment 100%. Of course McEnroe is going to put a positive spin on the future of US tennis after a year at the helm butthat’s exactly what it is, PR. The USTA should support player development, not try to take it over. The US it too big a country for that. Leave it to the coaches who have developed these kids and give these kids and their coaches support. And the USTA does need to be more inclusive, especially in support. And to “don’t be fooled”, not only does the USTA not support the top 50 players, they don’t $$$$ support all their top 5 players in each age group eitherjustthefactshttp://yahoo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-63768380893641997672009-05-16T12:43:00.000-04:002009-05-16T12:43:00.000-04:00Patrick McEnroe sees bright future for US tennis??...Patrick McEnroe sees bright future for US tennis????<br /><br />Well, after one year as general manager, I am surprised to hear that statement.<br />Let's sum it up:<br /><br />After making major changes in the fall and firing several coaches the results of the top juniors and junior pros have been disappointing to say the least.<br />And this after some great results before with our 14's and 16's boys and girls winning the international team championships!<br />Some of the junior pros seemed to make some strides as well...<br />Wouldn't it be logical to say that we would expect some of those to come trough the ranks and lead the ITF and future and challanger events???<br />What happened to these kids one might ask......<br /><br />Of the kids that spent an extended time in Spain, we have to also conclude that the results of those kids after that training period have not been encouraging....<br /><br />There are no kids on the horizon that are dominating in the juniors or pro circuit....<br /><br />Most of our top players have been dropping on the rankings and starting to look at other interests...with no one in sight yet to take over...<br /><br />There are quite some juniors and pros that do not seem to appreciate the new attitude and direction of McEnroe and Higueras and have chosen to train elsewhere...in some cases even in different countries.....<br /><br />Patrick states that they are open on what they want to do, but there plan must not be, because nobody can find them....<br />And why then hold a conference call to explain when it is so clear what you are doing...<br />And why do you have to remind Higueras and your coaches on what to do if your direction is so clear....<br />Or is Patrick even wondering if this is going in the right direction???<br /><br />Maybe everyone might think I am overly harsh with my comments...but then again, all I am looking at is the results and actions...<br />US tennis a bright future?<br />Please don't insult everyone's intelligence in stating US tennis has a bright future!<br />And stating that it is passion driving the both of you!??<br />If it really was passion, you would take this as a full time job and we would see a lot more of Higueras instead of him staying at home in Palm Springs!<br /><br />And yes, I know, it takes time to build a program.<br />But you deffenitely would expect some plan...and some transparency in where this is going.<br /><br />The USTA board will let Patrick McEnroe go a long way before anyone will step in and pull the brakes...<br /><br />It has never before been a problem developing top juniors....(until now maybe)<br />The problem has always been with the transition to the pros...<br />But the USTA board has continually changed the program every 2 or 3 years....<br />There has never been a long term plan available to build on.<br />And then when it seemed it was going into the right direction...guess what, they changed it again!<br />And they continue to go with great ex-players to lead the program with no experience in building a program!<br />Some other leading countries have gone a different route and hired trained developmental coaches to lead their program.<br />The USTA board might be wise to study this..<br /><br />Hopefully it will not be too late!<br />Otherwise it might be a dark future for US tennis....<br /><br />Chris TuckerChris Tuckernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-75871239624876993942009-05-14T10:33:00.000-04:002009-05-14T10:33:00.000-04:00Tennis Said...
I don't expect the USTA to throw m...Tennis Said...<br /><br />I don't expect the USTA to throw money at mediocre player, if that what you think top 50 are...but they should stop acting like they are looking out for the best interest for the top 50 kid's, they are not...top 5 yes but that is where all the $$ is going leaving the rest to fend for themselves. <br /><br />They talk big, Regional Training Centers,or $$ to local acadmies but it means nothing and in the long run it is still the same kids over and over who benefit.<br /><br />Look, the NBA, NFL and MLB doesn't foot the bill for their young players so I guess these tennis "prodigies" win in the long run...let's see if it can produce some winners.<br /><br />And, I believe, Sam Querry was one that the USTA shunned until he started knocking "thier" kid's around when he it the 16's.Don't B Foolednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-17937559830393962522009-05-14T08:23:00.000-04:002009-05-14T08:23:00.000-04:00Tom C, you are very insightful and not caught up ...Tom C, you are very insightful and not caught up in the McEnroe name. <br /><br />Patrick has to REMIND Jose because Jose didn't grow up in America. He may be a citizen now, but he grew up and trained in Spain. He is going with what he knows and is most comfortable. As for the staff, I'm not sure of that one. It may have to do with the fact that Patrick has come into a job, based on name, with no previous track record of having put together a succesful development/training program, coached at a junior level and developed any players. Being the Davis Cup Captain or Roddick's coach doesn't count. <br /><br />One thing that I find perplexing is that USA tennis is in the hands of a man who is rumored to be only working 10 days a month due to his other commitments. If there is any truth that rumor, Patrick's statement of how long his plan will take should be pushed back quite a few more years.Tennis Fannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-64925069956378404382009-05-13T21:01:00.000-04:002009-05-13T21:01:00.000-04:00Austin, That was kind of a strange comment. For a ...Austin, That was kind of a strange comment. For a kid that age to beat someone of that caliber on any surface is promising, especially on clay in 3 sets after losing the 2nd set. Dent beat 2 top 20 players last month in Miami before losing to Federer in the 4th rd. Harrison won again today in 3 sets on clay against a clay court specialist so maybe there is an American who isn't worried about playing on clay. That would be nice.Claycourt American? Hopefullynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-40274276507514912792009-05-13T20:22:00.000-04:002009-05-13T20:22:00.000-04:00stop whining, the USTA cannot pay to help every sc...stop whining, the USTA cannot pay to help every scrub player who wants to play tennis. they can only help a certain amount of players, and they shouldnt waste it on average players, they need to spend it on players who can actually do something with the help. <br /><br />and when you said, top 50 junior, what exactly did you mean??tennisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-73392193245815303572009-05-13T19:51:00.000-04:002009-05-13T19:51:00.000-04:00I find it interesting that Patrick has had NUMEROU...I find it interesting that Patrick has had NUMEROUS conversations with Jose and has to REMIND him that most great american players are attacking players and we don't want to stray from that mentality. Also, Patrick has to REMIND his staff of his wishes while w/juniors at GS events. Why should Patrick have to remind Jose of his philosophy? And why does Patrick have to remind his HP staff of his wishes?Tom Cnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-59710536891970240982009-05-13T16:40:00.000-04:002009-05-13T16:40:00.000-04:00As a mother, I have been in the middle of junior t...As a mother, I have been in the middle of junior tennis for the last 7 years. I have traveled all over the country and been to every level tournament.<br /><br />The USTA picked out thier "favorite" kids in the 10's and have been working with basically the same core of kids ever since. <br /><br />The "others" may get some encouragement by way of CTC, Zonals or other team tennis experiences but that is about it. A few hours of some local USTA coach giving some tips..but that is about it.<br /><br />Money for travel..NO, Money for coaches...NO, Money for gear, NO for lessons, NO. Am I bitter? NO, I get the system, I encourage my kid to play and life goes on.<br /><br />Will the USTA produce top players, Maybe...but do not make it sound like the USTA is out there "helping" the average, above-average or even top 50 junior player out there...it just is not, and will not happen!!<br /><br />JMHO....<br /><br />If anyoneDon't B Foolednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-61435436304508863812009-05-13T12:38:00.000-04:002009-05-13T12:38:00.000-04:00txcollege10s,
Just saw the Harrison-Dent result. ...txcollege10s,<br /><br />Just saw the Harrison-Dent result. Any loss Dent has in three sets doesnt surprise me, but its a confidence-building win for Harrison.Austinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-78410343584846792922009-05-13T12:28:00.000-04:002009-05-13T12:28:00.000-04:00Ms. Lewis should be an advisor to the USTA. I thin...Ms. Lewis should be an advisor to the USTA. I think McEnroe is on the right track, and Higueras is also. It was Oscar Wegner who in his revolutionarly 1989 book predicted that the lack of US clay courts, particularly in California, would cause a downward USA trend given he knew that the modern tennis techniques he advocated ("waiting" and hitting across the ball rather than conciously through the target line)would one day dominate the higher levels of tennis. Lewis is as astute as usual and Oscar Wegner should be hired as a National Coach as the final piece of the USTA solution.John Carpenterhttp://www.moderntenniscoaches.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-1122602783509381362009-05-13T00:03:00.000-04:002009-05-13T00:03:00.000-04:00On McEnroe's comment..."every American in the main...On McEnroe's comment..."every American in the main draw at those two junior slams would be looked after, watched over and helped by either a national coach or someone else from High Performance" <br /><br />Well, I hope that someone from the USTA communicates with those players in the main draw that they will be "watched over and helped" as not sure that some of those players have been contacted that a USTA coach will be there or, most importantly, what the plan will be if any. Seems it will be hard to coordinate with each player making thier own arrangements with thier own coaches. Well intented but may end up being more smoke and mirrorsjustthefactshttp://yahoo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-55465570699198977342009-05-12T23:30:00.000-04:002009-05-12T23:30:00.000-04:00I too was on the call and was happy about what I w...I too was on the call and was happy about what I was hearing. I hope that they move quickly to establish these training centers in a variety of places around the country -- not just in the already heavy with training center south. It is arduous and difficult for young players to grow their ability with a tournament system that involves a tremendous amount of weekend travel. To have regional centers where these kids can go to grow their game with like-abled players will be a true gift for the driven. They sound great and with Patrick at the helm I have confidence that they will happen.Karin Burgesshttp://www.tennisidentity.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10016685.post-40657964814704058592009-05-12T23:02:00.000-04:002009-05-12T23:02:00.000-04:00Did anyone else notice that Ryan Harrison beat Tay...Did anyone else notice that Ryan Harrison beat Taylor Dent today at the Sarasota Challenger? I know it is the battle of the bad backs, but Harrison seems to be playing well.txcollege10shttp://www.texascollegetennis.comnoreply@blogger.com