Preparing for a tournament

Alois Rosario Answered 10 months ago

Hi Carlo,

With only 2 weeks before a tournament, the key is not to try to overhaul your players’ technique, but to sharpen what they already do well and give them confidence going into competition. Here’s how I would structure the focus:

1. Serve and Return (biggest impact in a short time)

• Teach players to have at least 2 reliable serves.

• Spend time on serve consistency under pressure.

• Practise serve returns: short push, long push, and positive topspin return against long serves.

2. First Attack

• Train the players to recognize a long push and open with a controlled topspin, not just push back.

• Work on placement of the first attack (wide angles, into the elbow).

3. Match Play / Pressure Situations

• Play lots of practice matches to simulate the tournament.

• Use “game to 5 points” drills to put them under pressure.

• Teach simple tactical ideas: consistency first, attack weak returns, vary placement.

5. Mental Readiness

• Keep the training positive, remind them to focus on effort and attitude rather than fear of mistakes.

• Encourage routines between points (breath, reset, plan next ball).