Magicians and Mechanics

By Chris Lewit


Annacone: the spectrum is from magician to mechanic.

There are different types of learning styles and personalities that shape players' technical development. Paul Annacone, esteemed professional coach and author, has described a spectrum thar runs from magician to mechanic.

Magicians are players who are creative and intuitive in their approach to learning technique while technicians are analytical and rational. For players who are trying to get better, it's important to figure out what type of learner you are on the spectrum.

Coaches and parents should also try to uncover how their kids or students learn best. Understanding that different personalities can benefit from a range of approaches can dramatically improve technical teaching effectiveness when building a Winning Pretty game.

Which?

A player's personality and learning style will have a big impact on the way they learn and should be taught. Players should strive to create the optimal learning environment based on their learning type.

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Chris Lewit is a leading high-performance coach, author, and educator. He is the author of the best-selling book, The Secrets of Spanish Tennis, and a new technique book, Winning Pretty, which will be published by New Chapter Press in paperback in 2025. Secrets of Spanish Tennis, Second Edition will be published in September 2024, also by New Chapter Press. He is also a contributing editor for Tennisplayer.net magazine and a long-time member of the USPTA and PTR. As an educator, he has presented at several large conferences including the PTR International Tennis Symposium. Chris is currently studying kinesiology and biomechanics and headed for graduate school in that field.

As a player, Chris Lewit played No. 1 for Cornell University and competed on the USTA and ITF pro circuits. As a coach, he has recently worked with several No. 1 junior players in the US and has trained hundreds of nationally ranked juniors. He directs a full-time academy for homeschool/online players and a high performance summer camp program, as well as high performance training for all ages and levels, all at his club in the beautiful green mountains of Manchester, Vermont. Contact Chris directly by phone/WhatsApp 914-462-2912 or chris@chrislewit.com.


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