Times are changing in sports at an incredible rate. Professionals used to emerge from some hard work on and off the field/court, but in the future this will not be enough because others will be doing more. In the future, professionals will only emerge if they change their mind, body and their true self. This article will be an outline on how to get a head start into what I believe are the necessities of the future, it won’t be easy to balance all this, but if you can dedicate your life to these disciplines then I guarantee success. Some involve sport/training directly and some indirectly.

Masteries

Nutritional – I cannot give sound nutritional advice because it is not my field but after watching the movie food inc I will not be eating the same things I used to eat. I highly recommend this movie if you can stomach it. I could only get through fifteen minutes and I started tearing up. (Don’t laugh, it is truly traumatic what happens to these animals) I try buy fresh organic foods from co-ops and markets when possible. From the information I have received thus far I would recommend you eat lots of nuts, berries, beans, fruits, vegetables and buy organic farm raised meats if possible. Give up the soda and stick to water. High fructose corn syrup is extremely bad for you so that should be enough to deter you from gatorade and soft drink.

Strength/power – Most sports require extraordinary amounts of power. Plyometric training like jumps, skipping are helpful. It is also good to test yourself to monitor progression of height and distance. If you are confused as to which exercises to do, jump on youtube and type in “plyometrics tennis” and you will get some great advice from the likes of Pat Etcheberry and others. Surfing youtube is definitely the way to go for on and off court exercises.

Movement – Again, youtube is a great resource. I recommend ladder training, cone weaving and reaction ball exercises if you have a partner. Make sure when you take off from a ready position that you don’t naturally take a step backwards, this can be corrected through repetition.

Social – A balanced social life is important for growth. If all you do is go to school, train and sleep then you are not connecting with others and fulfilling a very important part of your life. The only way to have good social skills is to be social. Go sit in a coffee shop and chat to some random who sits by you, or watch go watch football game with some cranberry juice and have a laugh.

Mechanical – Perfect mechanics can only be achieved with sound advice from professionals who know their stuff or rigorous self study if a coach cannot be afforded, however, they can’t be achieved unless you train mechanics in other aspects of your training. For example replacing “stretching” with yoga increases your efficiency because not only are you lengthening your muscles, you are strengthening them and developing your mechanics in all planes at once.

Tactical – Tactics are important in tennis. Game situations and match practice should be a time to work on specifics. Tactics can’t be thought up in a match, they must be “experienced” in practice. Observe if you are playing the most intelligent shot possible and moving the the most intelligent position possible when you practice so these patterns become autonomous during match play.

Study – I have one word. Youtube. Take time to study your favorite players. How do they move? What decisions do they make in which situations? Watch slow motion video in high definition to observe mechanics and movement. These visuals will inspire you to work on certain aspects in your training.

Relationship – Balance your relationships. I’m talking about with family and friends. Take the time and energy to visit and spend time with them when you can. They will always be there for you, make sure that you’re there for them too.

Muscular quality – A trainer once said to me that you are only as good as your tightest muscle. Massage therapy is important to keep muscles soft and supple so they can function at greater rates. I know it is expensive but if you can find it in your budget to receive regular massage then take up that opportunity, even if you have to barter for it. Bartering with Massage therapists can be difficult because their work is so much more difficult than other services like personal training or tennis lessons. You might have to offer two tennis lessons for a massage… sorry.

Financial – Financial stability is important. If you live beyond your means you’ll be forced to live beneath your means. (Don’t let your government be your guide hahaha) If you have to take up a part time job to pay for your training then so be it. Many tennis players don’t risk going straight onto the tour. You should look to playing college tennis or club tennis in europe if you are self sufficient because the tour is risky without financial back up. Injuries are always possible so you must take these things into consideration. I also recommend couch surfing if you can’t afford hotels. Times are tough, stay on a couch or two when you’re on the tour until you meet enough people around the world.

Earth – Don’t forget about nature. It is healthy to connect with the earth. Go for some nature hikes and observe some birds and squirrels. It is good to get away from the cities and the tennis court once in a while and enjoy what the natural world has to offer like humans used to do.

Spiritual – Tennis is a very spiritual sport whether you believe in the new age or not. Just the very idea of being present. Not thinking about the past or thinking about the future is paramount whilst in a tennis match. Federer is a great example of presence. He is almost always able to perform optimally for this reason. I recommend meditation for tennis players. Try taking a meditation class. Your brain is usually thinking about stuff all day, meditation gives those brain firings a rest and can give you access to your true self and this can be a window to true potential.

Yoga – I think yoga should replace general stretching. It is much more efficient that traditional stretches because the practice has a strong emphasis on posture, muscular lengthening, mechanics and body awareness. Go on the internet and see if your local gym has any yoga classes. Make a fool out of yourself and attend. Only the fool will not attend.

In the end, balance your life, use your resources and open your mind with your training. Use couch surfing for your travels, youtube for your study and facebook to stay connected with friends. I hope some of these suggestions are helpful. Good luck!