Baseline Intelligence with Jonathan Stokke

Craig O'Shannessy: Using data to optimize strategy

Jan 24, 2022

Craig O'Shannessy, leading strategy analyst for the ATP Tour and former strategist for Novak Djokovic, discusses the importance of analyzing patterns and strategies in tennis matches. He emphasizes focusing on the opponent's weaknesses and the significance of practicing serve, return, and specific match segments. Other topics include the mental and emotional aspects of tennis, tactics that make the guest cringe, and minimizing errors to maximize performance.

48:03

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Episode guests

Craig O'Shannessy

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Quick takeaways

Analyzing opponent patterns and developing a game plan based on data can greatly increase the chances of winning matches.

Recognizing the significance of the first four shots in a point and adapting tactics accordingly is essential.

Deep dives

Importance of Strategy in Tennis

Having a well-thought-out strategy is crucial in tennis. Analyzing opponent patterns and developing a game plan based on data can greatly increase the chances of winning matches. Understanding the significance of the first four shots in a point and adapting tactics accordingly is essential. It's important to recognize the value of going to the net and the effectiveness of attacking second serves. Consistently executing offensive shots, particularly forehands, is key. Additionally, maintaining a strong mental game, including a solid pre-shot routine and positive mindset between points, can greatly impact performance. Emphasizing these strategies can lead to overall improvement in tennis players' skills and success on the court.

Introduction

3min

Analyzing Patterns and Strategies in Tennis Matches

24min

The Importance of What Happens Between the Points

12min

Tactics on the Pro Tour that Make the Guest Cringe

2min

Maximizing Performance in Tennis by Avoiding Errors

2min

Strategic Errors in Tennis and Novak Djokovic's Strengths

5min

Craig O'Shannessy is our guest for the third episode of Baseline Intelligence. Craig is the leading strategy analyst for the ATP Tour and most recently spent three years as the strategy and data analyst for Novak Djokovic from 2017-2019. He is also the founder of braingametennis.com, an educational website with multiple courses for the avid tennis player.

We talk:

3:32 - When he learned the value of using video for the first time

8:45 - Focusing on yourself vs. focusing on your opponent

13:45 - How he helped Rajeev Ram get back into the top 100

20:03 - What your strategy should be in the first four shots

23:48 - How often you should practice serve and return + 1

28:53 - The storm cloud analogy

30:24 - The leaking cup analogy

34:47 - The "center window" of the doubles court

37:50 - The future of tennis strategy

40:04 - What tactic makes him cringe the most

41:27 - The most important statistic in tennis

43:00 - What type of errors you want to make

**sound effects from https://www.zapsplat.com

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