The Creation of a Mental Skills Training Program in Elite Youth Tennis: A Coach-Driven Approach to Developing Resilient, Confident Competitors

in International Sport Coaching Journal

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E. Earlynn Lauer Western Illinois University

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Mark Lerman United States Tennis Association Player Development

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Rebecca A. Zakrajsek University of Tennessee

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Larry Lauer United States Tennis Association Player Development

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/iscj.2019-0012
Keywords:
coaching; performance; player development; youth sport
In Print:
Volume 7: Issue 1
Page Range:
74–81
Restricted access

In this paper, we describe the development and content of a mental skills training (MST) program and how a strength and conditioning coach/certified mental coach delivered this program within a United States Tennis Association (USTA) Player Development (PD) program. The purpose of the MST program was to create resilient, confident youth tennis competitors. Specific mental strategies (i.e., journaling, routines, breathing, imagery, self-talk) were identified to best meet the objectives of the MST program and were delivered using a three-pronged approach: (a) classroom lessons, (b) strength and conditioning sessions and on-court lessons, and (c) homework assignments. Specific ways that the USTA PD coaches reinforced the use of these strategies during tennis practice are described. Recommendations for coaches to integrate an MST program in high-performance youth sport environments are also provided.

E.E. Lauer is with Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL, USA. Lerman and L. Lauer are with United States Tennis Association Player Development, Orlando, FL, USA. Zakrajsek is with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TX, USA.

E.E. Lauer (e-lauer@wiu.edu) is corresponding author.
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