Dissecting High Performance In Tennis #76: Craig O’Shannessy – It’s not only about 0-4, but…
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Apr 25, 2020 
In this discussion, Craig O’Shannessy, a renowned tennis strategy analyst and coach who has worked with the likes of Djokovic and Ram, shares intriguing insights about tennis training. He debunks the common misconception of the importance of 0-4 and explores how junior tennis data shapes player development. Craig explains why a higher first serve percentage isn't always advantageous, emphasizes the significance of making opponents miss, and advocates for focusing on strategic patterns rather than isolated shots. This conversation is a game-changer for players and coaches alike!
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Match Rally Length Reality
- Match data reveals 70% of tennis points last 0-4 shots, mostly short rallies.
- Practice focuses too much on long rallies, misaligning training with reality.
New Coaching Mantra
- Shift mantra from 'don't miss' to 'make the opponent miss' to force errors strategically.
- Focus training on serve, return, and first two shots rather than endless groundstroke rallies.
Practice vs Match Environment
- Practice courts resemble Tuscany's comfort; match points reflect Switzerland's harshness.
- Short rallies in matches are high-pressure like climbing a glacier, requiring different practice focus.
