The SportsGrad Podcast

#227: How to be a Performance Analyst for Pro Tennis Players with Shane Liyanage

Feb 12, 2023
Shane Liyanage, founder of Data-Driven Sports Analytics, shares his intriguing journey from a law career to working with elite tennis players like Aryna Sabalenka. He discusses key tennis metrics, emphasizing the importance of shot sequences and tailored game plans. Shane details his unique analyst-coach collaboration and reveals how pressure points influence live coaching decisions. He also shares essential productivity habits and highlights the tools of the trade, including Python and VR applications, that aspiring analysts should master.
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INSIGHT

Career Change Through Credibility And Side-Work

  • Shane transitioned from law to analytics by following curiosity, upskilling, and working in reputable sports organisations.
  • Combining industry credibility with side projects enabled a full-time move into performance analytics.
INSIGHT

Shot Sequences Drive Winning Play

  • Court position and shot sequences determine which shot to play and when to attack or defend.
  • Combining contact location, spin, speed and opponent position reveals the best shot choices for different player types.
ADVICE

Train Two-Shot Sequences

  • Encourage players to think one shot ahead and practice two-shot sequences in training.
  • If they can execute two planned shots in a rally, they control most points and increase finish rates.
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