Does the player have the character that maximises potential?

## Player desire to be the best version of themselves everyday
      
### Attribute
**Desire to be the best version of themselves**

- Striving to be the best version of yourself as a tennis player means committing to a journey of continuous self-development, both on and off the court.  
- It involves working to maximise your potential, pushing your limits, and excelling in every aspect of your game.
- This desire drives relentless practice, unwavering determination, and a willingness to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

As coaches, it's essential to model being the best version of yourself every day. This means:

- Setting the standard
- Being a role model for that standard
- Consistently emphasising and recognising the key attributes and behaviours that align with the ethos of being the best version of oneself

This approach leads to personal growth and success both on and off the court.

      
      


**Encourage Players:**

- Prioritise dedication and perseverance. Focus on the process of improvement to develop a growth mindset, enabling resilience and determination.
- Approach training and competitions with humility toward everyone involved. Maintain a mindset of continuous learning and openness to feedback while respecting others.
- Develop composure and focus under pressure. Encourage a broader view beyond immediate outcomes to navigate setbacks positively.
- Development to cultivate empowerment and ownership over one's own progress.
- Act with bravery and determination. Embrace challenges and step outside comfort zones to confront fears and unlock potential both on and off the court.
          


Use the mountain climbing analogy with your players: at each stage of the climb to the summit, "look up" to see where you're headed and what remains to be conquered; "look down" to recognise how far you've come; and "look out" to gain a new perspective and appreciate the view from your current position.
- Have players imagine the mountain peak as their ideal self, driven by their values and aspirations. Focus on daily actions needed to reach the first stage, representing their development and growth. As they progress, they'll face challenges, each marking their journey to a new stage on the mountain. Reaching each stage signifies progress and growth, a testament to their effort and perseverance. With each climb, they'll gain a broader perspective, appreciating their achievements and understanding the distance still to be covered. This journey builds character, resilience, and skill, shaping them into stronger players and individuals. Whether or not they reach the summit, they'll look back with pride at the challenges overcome and progress made, knowing it was all due to their hard work and commitment to improvement.
          

Best version of self


### Attribute

When coaches emphasise effort over outcome, they lay the foundation for long-term success and personal growth in their tennis players. By focusing on giving their best effort in every practice and competition, players develop a growth mindset essential for continuous improvement. This approach encourages players to concentrate on controllable aspects such as attitude, work ethic, and commitment to improvement. 

Valuing effort over outcome creates a supportive learning environment where players feel empowered to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from failure. They learn to appreciate the process of growth and recognise that success is about becoming the best player they can be, not just winning. This mindset fosters resilience and mental toughness, helping players bounce back from setbacks with renewed determination.

Prioritising effort also cultivates intrinsic motivation—the desire to excel for personal satisfaction and self-improvement rather than external rewards. Intrinsically motivated players are more likely to maintain their passion and commitment to the sport over the long term, leading to greater fulfillment and success on and off the tennis court.

Ultimately, coaches who instill the value of effort over outcome empower their players to reach their full potential and become resilient, self-motivated individuals ready to tackle any challenge.

      


- Encourage a mindset focused on learning and improvement, emphasising the importance of practicing and refining skills rather than fixating on winning every match. Maintain a positive, problem-solving attitude regardless of match outcomes, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth and long-term success.
- Shift the focus from winning to competing well, helping players understand that consistent effort and process focus increase their chances of success. Highlight the importance of skill development and mastery by encouraging work on specific aspects during practice, recognising that improvement leads to overall success.
- Instil a strong work ethic by praising hard work and dedication, emphasising that success in tennis, like any pursuit, results from consistent effort and commitment. Remind players that tennis is meant to be enjoyed; focusing on effort and the joy of playing reduces performance anxiety and enhances performance.
- Teach players to bounce back from losses or tough matches, emphasising resilience and learning from challenges. Help them set process-oriented goals, such as improving specific skills or strategies, rather than outcome-oriented goals like winning matches.
- Remind players that success in tennis is a journey, not a destination. Consistent effort and focus on improvement set them up for long-term success. Support players in developing their inner coach, encouraging a constructive inner voice that promotes positive action regardless of feelings, aligning with the philosophy that it’s not just positive thinking, but positive action that matters.
          


- Use a values-based approach to shape behaviour and connect with what matters to the player. Encourage reflection on personal values with questions like:
    What aspects of tennis do you find most meaningful?
    What qualities do you admire in yourself and others?
    What values do you strive to embody in your life and sport?

- Incorporate values discussions into team meetings, practices, or one-on-one conversations. Explore how values like integrity, resilience, teamwork, and respect apply to their tennis performance and everyday lives.
- Help players see how their values inform their goals and aspirations in tennis. Encourage them to set goals aligned with their values and consider how these values guide their actions and decisions on and off the court.
- Hold players accountable to living according to their values by providing feedback and reinforcement when they align with their values, and by addressing instances where they do not. Recognise and celebrate when players demonstrate their values in action, such as showing sportsmanship, supporting teammates, or overcoming adversity with resilience and integrity.
- Coaches should role model and lead by example, demonstrating their own commitment to values through their actions and using real-life examples to illustrate the importance of living according to one's values. Acknowledge the fear of failure and the discomfort that comes with pursuing meaningful goals. Explain that courage involves facing fear and discomfort and encourage players to view fear as an opportunity for growth.
- Use positive language to reinforce effort, such as "I love the way you chased that ball." Instead of chastising players, use positive association by saying, "If you get to the ball, show me what you could do." Encourage self-coaching by asking, "What's your inner coach got to say?" to help players bring their best.
          

Effort over outcome


## Attribute
Humility is crucial for character development and performance, fostering growth, resilience, and success. Players who approach training and competition with humility handle setbacks gracefully and understand that success comes from the collective efforts of coaches, teammates, and opponents. 

A humble attitude keeps players focused on continuous improvement and striving to push their limits, no matter their current success. Humility also promotes sportsmanship, respect for opponents, fair play, and a positive competitive environment. Ultimately, humility and respect are cornerstones for personal growth, excellence, and fulfillment in all aspects of life.


      


**Humility**

- Recognise that everyone has strengths and areas for development, and identify areas for improvement without feeling discouraged.
- Celebrate successes with humility, acknowledging that wins result from hard work and improvement, and accept losses graciously as opportunities for learning.
- Appreciate the skills of opponents and approach each match with a mindset of learning, regardless of the outcome.
- Embrace continuous learning and be open to feedback and coaching, listening and implementing guidance to enhance skills.
- Respect and appreciate the dedication, discipline, and hard work needed to achieve excellence.
- Maintain respect for the process and stay grounded and focused on continuous improvement amid challenges and pressure.

**Respect**

- Treat opponents with respect on and off the court, demonstrating fair play and good sportsmanship, regardless of the match outcome.
- Show respect to coaches, officials, and organisers by following instructions and demonstrating good sportsmanship.
- Treat teammates with kindness and support, fostering a positive team environment.
- Care for tennis equipment and facilities, understanding the importance of maintaining a respectful environment.
- Value punctuality and time management, respecting others' time, including opponents and coaches.
- Play by the rules, ensuring fair play and maintaining the sport's integrity.
- Encourage self-respect, as respecting oneself leads to treating others with respect.
- Express gratitude for the opportunity to play, fostering a positive and respectful attitude.
          


**Educate player:**
- Being better at sport doesn't make you a better person or happier.
- Being number one doesn't equate to being a better person.
- Understand the history of the game and appreciate the efforts of those before them, realising the game is bigger than any individual.
- The game rewards performance, not identity. Respect the game by contributing positively rather than through selfish or ego-driven actions.
- Adopt a service mentality for deeper fulfillment, aiming to leave the game better than they found it.
- Embrace the role of a custodian, focusing on what they can contribute rather than just what they can take.

**Educate on the Basics:**
- Say thank you.
- Look people in the eye when talking.
- Greet people warmly or with a firm handshake.
- Thank tournament directors after tournaments.
- Thank courtesy drivers.
- Clean up your mess, like ball cans and water bottles, after practice.
- Do not allow abusive behaviour, such as 'spraying the box.'
- Thank those who have supported you, like parents who drive you.
          

Humility and Respect


## Attribute

### Self-Regulation
Essential for managing emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, especially in high-pressure situations. Helps players stay composed and focused, make better decisions, and maintain performance consistency. Promotes resilience by enabling players to bounce back from setbacks and cope with stress and adversity.

### Perspective
Helps players keep achievements and setbacks in context. Avoids extreme reactions to victories and defeats, fostering a balanced outlook. Encourages appreciation of the journey of improvement and growth. Promotes gratitude for the opportunity to compete and keeps players focused on the bigger picture beyond individual matches or tournaments.

      


**Self-Regulation:**

- Teach players to identify their ideal performance state and regulate emotions, especially during high-pressure situations.
- Use simple breathing techniques to help players relax and centre themselves on the court.
- Encourage players to acknowledge mistakes, understand them, and move forward without dwelling on negativity.
- Emphasise the importance of attention and focus. Teach visualisation techniques to enhance concentration and reduce distractions.
- Encourage players to refine and adjust techniques independently, taking initiative in practicing specific skills and strategies.
- Help players organise their time effectively, balancing school, training, and other activities with a sense of responsibility.

**Perspective**

- Emphasise that every practice and match contributes to long-term development and success.
- Highlight the importance of contributing positively to the team and valuing collective efforts.
- Encourage acknowledging and learning from the strengths of others.
- Teach players to balance competitive drive with enjoyment of the game.
- Help players see pressure situations as opportunities to showcase their skills.
- Encourage viewing setbacks as valuable learning opportunities.
- Instil gratitude for the opportunity to play tennis and appreciate the support from coaches, teammates, and family.
- Emphasise that consistency and dedication lead to sustained success and personal growth.
          


**Self-Regulation:**

- Understand the positive relationship between perspective and self-regulation. Perspective provides insights that aid regulation.
- Teach that competing is not life and death.
- Educate that individual reactions and behaviours are personal responsibilities.
- Help players choose positive responses and behaviours that increase success, regardless of feelings.
- Emphasise the importance of boundaries and accountability. Support players in maintaining their standards.
- Use tools like the 'how we feel' app to help players understand and manage their emotions, learning to perform despite natural emotional variances.

**Reward the right behaviours:**

- Praise positive actions. For example, "Great control! That must have been frustrating, but you stayed composed. Well done!"
- Acknowledge when players recognise helpful and unhelpful thinking, showing their inner coach is developing.
- Address undesirable behaviours by identifying triggers and feelings. Discuss strategies for better responses in the future.
          
          
          

Self-Regulation and Perspective


## Attribute

- Honesty and ownership are key traits that build the integrity and character of tennis players.
- Honesty fosters trust and positive relationships with coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, and themselves.
- It shows respect for the game's rules and fair play principles.
- Integrity enhances the sport and reflects positively on the player, earning respect and admiration.
- Honesty builds self-awareness, helping players acknowledge strengths and weaknesses, assess performance, and take ownership of their actions.
- Taking complete ownership is essential, empowering players to control their development and performance.
- Accepting responsibility for successes and failures demonstrates accountability and agency.
- This mindset motivates players to seek improvement, set ambitious goals, and persist through challenges.
- Ownership fosters resilience, helping players bounce back from setbacks without making excuses or blaming others.
- Embracing honesty and ownership cultivates character and mindset, laying the foundation for long-term success and fulfillment on and off the court.
      


**Honesty:**
- Adhere to the rules, even when unobserved, playing with honesty and fairness.
- Be transparent in actions and communication, providing truthful information to all.
- Maintain self-awareness, acknowledging strengths and areas for development.
- Take responsibility for actions and decisions without making excuses or shifting blame.
- Demonstrate consistency in words and actions, aligning behaviour with values.
- Show respect for self and others by being truthful and sincere in interactions.

**Ownership:**
- Fully dedicate to the sport with regular training, practice matches, and physical conditioning.
- Maintain a strict regimen of practice, diet, and lifestyle choices to enhance performance.
- Accept responsibility for actions on and off the court, including training and interactions.
- Take full responsibility for performance, decisions, and results, acknowledging individual effort and commitment.
- Prepare thoroughly for matches by studying opponents, analysing footage, and developing tailored game plans.
- Strive for excellence by continuously challenging oneself and enhancing skills, tactics, and mental toughness through feedback and practice.
          


- Encourage open and honest communication, making it safe for players to express themselves without fear of judgment.
- Regularly check in with players to provide opportunities for them to voice concerns or share feedback.
- Offer honest and constructive feedback focused on specific behaviours or actions, not generalised criticisms.
- Clearly define expectations regarding behaviour, effort, and attitude on and off the court.
- Encourage players to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, understanding their role in success or failure.
- Help players develop problem-solving skills to overcome challenges and setbacks independently.
- Recognise and celebrate players' efforts and progress, emphasising improvement over perfection.
- Foster a culture of self-reflection, encouraging honest self-assessment of performance.
- Hold players accountable for commitments and actions, providing support and encouragement to learn from mistakes.
- Act as a mentor and support system, helping players navigate challenges, set goals, and take ownership of their careers.
- Coaches should demonstrate honesty and ownership in their actions and decisions.
          

Honesty and Ownership


## Attribute
For tennis players, courage is essential on and off the court for mental resilience, performance, and personal growth.

- Matches can be intense and unpredictable, causing anxiety and doubt. Courage helps players push through mental barriers, stay focused, and perform their best despite internal turmoil. Facing tough opponents, serving for the match, or making comebacks requires courage to embrace challenges with determination and confidence.
- Courage is vital in training, competition, and personal development. It empowers players to confront obstacles, pursue goals, and manage setbacks and injuries. Courageous actions in personal decisions contribute to overall well-being and success beyond athletics.
- Courage off the court fosters resilience, integrity, and self-assurance. It helps players handle adversity, pursue passions, and thrive in various aspects of life.
- Acting with courage inspires others, motivating teammates and supporters to persevere and pursue their dreams with determination.
      


- Embrace tough opponents, difficult matches, or new skills as opportunities for growth.
- Bounce back from mistakes with resilience, learning, and a positive attitude.
- Stay committed to your vision and game style, regardless of short-term outcomes.
- Make choices that align with your values and goals.
- Confront difficult situations to discover your strengths and areas for improvement.
- Experiment with strategies in practice and matches, adapting to opponents for better success.
- Manage pressure and nerves, especially in important matches.
- Take responsibility for your performance and actions on the court.
- Set ambitious yet realistic goals for improvement
- Show resilience in defeat, learning from losses, staying positive, and using setbacks as motivation to improve.
          


- Emphasise effort and progress over winning or losing. Encourage players to challenge themselves and embrace learning, regardless of outcomes.
- Create high-pressure drills, like tie-breakers or match points, to help players manage nerves and perform under pressure. Extend challenge points to make players comfortable with discomfort.
- Encourage calculated risks in practice, such as new shots or strategies. Emphasise that mistakes are natural and offer growth opportunities.
- Provide specific, constructive feedback focused on improvement. Praise instances of courage and resilience.
- Celebrate and recognise courage and resilience publicly, both on and off the court.
- Incorporate mental toughness training, like visualisation, breathing exercises, and mindfulness, to help players cope with adversity and stay focused.
- Model courage and resilience in your coaching. Take risks, try new methods, and admit mistakes to inspire players to step outside their comfort zones.
          

Act with Courage

Attribute

Descriptions

Practical application