Marcin Bieniek

Every day counts. What was great 10 years ago now it is called „obsolete”. You can have your own opinion about different subjects but the truth is that if you want to move forward you have to accept new technologies. Nowadays number one tool that all people can’t live without is mobile phone. Can we use this device to get improvements in tennis? Definitely!

When I was 14 years old mobile phones were innovations. I remember times when big companies implemented first phones with mp3 player as well as first times we could buy mobile phone with camera. Of course the quality of the picture was highly blurry but it didn’t matter. Everyone wanted to have new mobile phone even when the only possible entertainment on this device was playing snake. These times are definitely gone. Modern world gives completely different possibilities.

What can we do with mobile phones? We can surf the internet all day long in any place in the world. There is no limitations according to taking great pictures, recording high-quality videos and sharing these pieces with friends in seconds. Additionally, mobile phone gives possibility to search all information: from education to entertainment. We can also listen to music, download helpful apps and book hotel in just a few clicks. It all looks spectacularly positive so why do we often complain at junior tennis players looking at their phones all they long?

Junior tennis players love their phones. If you go to the tournament it is surprising if you see athlete without a phone. Me, many other coaches and parents don’t fully understand the reason behind these actions but if we want to move forward we have to accept it. We had great childhood time without mobile phones but modern world is different. It is time to stop complaining and think how to use this situation to help our players achieve better results on the court. Is mobile phone designed just for entertainment? NO – it can be really helpful to your tennis career if you know how to use it.

You can’t change the fact that your players use mobile phone all the time, but you can show them how they can use it to improve faster as athletes. Here are examples of actions that your players can take to make mobile phone more tennis-friendly:

1. Watch tennis matches

We all know that we can learn a lot from watching professional tennis players. That is why it is really helpful to use mobile phone during tournaments to get some valuable lessons. Juniors spend a lot of time on courts or in hotels so it is a great opportunity to use these 20-30 minutes to learn from Rafa or Serena. Additionally it can have a good motivational boost before the match.

2. Scout your opponents

Internet has everything – scores, matches, videos etc. Too many times players limit their scouting just to look at past results of the next opponent. Unfortunately this information gives you no advantage while preparing successful strategy for your match. Look for videos on YouTube or contact players who played your rival before and try to get more info about strengths, weaknesses and game style. With this approach your mobile phone will be really helpful and can help you win this match.

3. Have visualization app

Visualization is used by many top athletes so our juniors should implement this training tool too. There are many visualization apps available on the market that provide instruction and peaceful music to help you relax and focus. Now you can make your phone your private mental coach. Isn’t it worthy?

4. Do your tennis journal

Tennis journal doesn’t take too much effort from player but it can be really helpful in long-term career. When you note down your daily plan, thoughts and eating habits it is much easier to take conclusions and make necessary changes or continue good work. Without this knowledge you will always guess about reasons of stomachache or poor training sessions so take few minutes a day and note on your phone several important aspects. You have always mobile phone with you so all you need is willingness to take some time and have positive impact on your career.

Maybe juniors spend too much time on their phones but there is no point to complain at it all the time. Times are different so our approach has to be different too. Let’s use this electronic device also for tennis improvement because it is possible. Implement given tips and give tools to your players to use phone for more than just Facebook.

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