18/06/2015
One day a junior tennis player, whilst riding in the car with his coach to a tournament, was discussing his match and the tactics he needed to employ to beat his opponent.
The match was played on clay and it was a match he was favoured to win. His coach told him "Today I wan't you to serve and volley every point" The player proceeded to look at his coach with bewilderment as he never serve and volleyed and replied "What? But I can beat this guy if I play my game from the baseline" His coach was adamant that he wanted him to serve and volley every opportunity.
The match was played and the junior lost and was very upset afterwards and even held some resentment towards his coach. As they drove home the coach turned to the player and said " Well done. today you showed me why you will be a champion. You trusted me we're prepared to go out of your comfort zone and showed me we can work together as a team"
That player was Rafael Nadal.
Was a great story told to me by Emilio Sanchez a few years back at his academy as to what makes Rafa so great.
One thing parents and players must ALWAYS remember is that it is a long developmental journey and results can take too much of a priority over developing a player to reach the long term goals that are set. Whilst building the right foundations technically, tactically and physical are of upmost importance it's the look in the eyes and the desire of a junior to be willing to do whatever is required, and be prepared to take a fall. Like Rafa, when someone is put out of their comfort zone, that is truly when a person's true character is on show.
And that's part of the reason why Rafael Nadal is arguably the greatest and fiercest competitor in world sport today!
