Pro Coaching: How Does It Really Work?

[johnyandell]

Let's get your thoughts on Matt Cronin's article "Pro Coaching: How Does It Really Work?:

[stotty]

Pro coaches

What I always wanted to know is how exactly does the employment of the coach in the pro ranks come about. Say you're number 25 in the world and you've just parted company with your coach and are looking for a new one, what happens? Do you put an ad out somewhere? Or do pro's come flocking once they hear you're on the market? Who is selecting who? Is the coach selecting who he would like to work with...or is the player selecting who he would like to be coached by? What's the most dominant factor here...or does the factor change the higher or lower the player is ranked versus the reputation of the coach? Is there a balance of power? Also what's the pay like? How much do top coaches get paid? Is it a percentage of the players earnings or a fixed monthly/annual fee?

Maybe I'm a little naive about these things, but I'd love to know how this side of things works. Anyone got a clue? Post your answers please...maybe Matt himself can let us know...

[makhan67]

Well, if you are playing on the Junior or Pro circuit you will come across lots of coaches. Generally, a player and/or his parents will scout a coach and then approach him for a contract if they like his work. Coaches also approach the players if they feel that the player has what it takes to be a world beater. The terms and conditions and salary, etc., are decided taking into consideration the talent of the player and his financial health (sponsor, etc). Once they start working together they will know whether they are going up or down.

I believe that a Coach plays an important role in player's development. The Coach trains the player in his home country then travels with him to tournaments. They generally arrive at the site of the tournament a few days prior to the start of the Championships to get used to the conditions. 2/3 days prior to the start of the official matches the coach arranges at least 2 practice sessions, per day, and they might sandwich a gym session here and there. At the day of the match the Coach will have his player hit for 20-25 minutes prior to the match, then match, and then late in the evening they might discuss the match. If the player has won the match, they may hold another practice session working on the positive aspects that worked in a match. The timing of the practice session depends on the availability of the court at the site of the Championships. Generally, one or two practice courts are available but the players or their coaches must book these courts. If the player has lost the match, the coach may console the player that winning and losing is part of the game, and then he may sit with his player to jot down the weaker areas that led to his loss (Coaches also record these areas as matches unfold). They then practice these weaker areas, and get ready for the Doubles match, or the next tournament. Lots of money, wisdom, patience, and hard work is needed to take the player to the top.

If the coach is competent and sincere with the player they then develop a team which is ready to face wins and losses as they come.