This course looks at the theory of Momentum and how you can apply it to your own game or help your players develop their own momentum strategy. Momentum is a different way of thinking about the tennis match. It is an attempt to harness on w of the most powerful forces in sport and use it to your advantage. historically, those who have been able to use the power of momentum have obtained better results. Players are able to consciously recognise what is happening to during a match and where the momentum swings are, who is in control of momentum and how to change momentum. 

Momentum as a Player 

There are are several challenges in adopting the Momentum system. If you are a player and are looking to developing momentum but are new to the concept,  you will have to approach it with an open mind. Playing according to momentum is different from playing to the score and it means you will have to think in a slightly counter-intuitive way. Playing to momentum is closely related to playing to the score and part of momentum theory is based on doing the right thing (running the right play) depending on the score. It still requires a different mindset and needs to be practised for some time before you begin to see results.

Momentum is an advanced strategy that moves you away from relying on 'emotion' to win your match. Staying in a positive frame of mind and feeling good about yourself will not win you matches. Emotions are important but they are notoriously changeable. Playing according to momentum means you use but will not be dominated by your emotions. 

As a player, playing to momentum means that technique plays less of a role. Most players when asked about  how they won or lost a match will refer to particular shots that worked or did not work. For example "My second serve was not working" or "My backhand was inconsistent". They might also refer to a narrative such as "I have not  been playing enough recently" or "I was I'll last week". When you play using momentum, you will see and analyse matches in a very different way. Because it is different it will be uncomfortable at first and seem a little strange. It  does, however, require patience and tenacity before you master momentum theory.

Momentum as a coach

Your main challenge with Momentum theory as a coach is to explain it. For some coaches, it may appear a little complex and they have trouble articulating the theory to their players. There are several levels to momentum. These levels are like  'approaches'. For example, you can use momentum according to the score or you can use it according to what happened in the previous point. You can also do both at the same time. It is for this  reason that I have provided a Momentum Workbook and structured practice for  you to follow.

As a coach teaching momentum theory, you will come up against resistance from your players. This resistance will be based on the fact that momentum is somewhat counter intuitive. For the reasons I have given above, your players will offer at least some resistance to Momentum theory. For this reason, it is very important to focus at least as much on HOW you teach momentum as to WHAT you teach. 

At the end of each section you will be set a comprehension test about what you have read. This will be a series of multiple choice and single  answer questions. You will need to pass each section before you move onto the next. If  you pass, you will receive a certificate from the RPT (Register of Tennis Professionals) and you will become qualified to teach the course in any country that recognises the RPT certificate. Your name will be added to the RPT register and you will be supplied with a code. This code will act as a reference for job applications and can be used in your job title.