About the matrix

Purpose

To shape the development of aspiring youth and adolescent tennis players by informing coaching practice

“Talent makes winning possible. Character makes it repeatable.”

Instructions

Tennis Australia's Player Development Matrix (PDM) is a comprehensive coach resource designed to guide the development of tennis players from grassroots to professional. It details the key skills, attributes, competencies and program volume requirements to develop players at each stage of their journey.

The PDM has been designed as a Holistic Player Development educational resource to be used by tennis coaches. It is recommended that all other stakeholders only use in collaboration with a tennis coach.

The PDM is structured around five pillars: Vision, Character, Weapons (Competitiveness, Movement, Skill, Power), Priorities and Program Requirements - which are essential programmatic elements for success in tennis.

Except for the character pillar, each pillar is divided into specific competencies tailored to different age groups and stages of development. It is important to note that these competencies are set at an elite level and since development isn't linear, coaches can use these competencies as benchmarks for players to aspire to in their development journey.

The development stages used through-out the PDM are:

  • Experience - 8 to 10 years
  • Establish - 10 to 12 years
  • Immerse - 12 to 15 years
  • Accelerate - 15 to 17 years
  • Perform - 17+ years

Coaches should use the Matrix as a tool to ensure that their training programs are aligned with best practices and are tailored to meet the individual needs of their players.

How to use the PDM to assist in your Long Term Player Development Planning (LTPDP):

  • Develop a vision with the player
  • Set specific, measurable goals aligned with the vision
  • Track player progress globally
  • Assess player weapons (strengths), aspiring to be elite in one and competent in all
  • Ensure player priorities align with weapons and competencies for each age and stage
  • Align training and competition plans to developmental stages
  • Match tournament and competition schedule with goals and long term vision
  • Support on-going review and adjustment of the LTPDP
  • Educate and hold relevant stakeholders accountable

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