High Performance. Training during a Futures circuit?

Training during a Futures circuit? 

By Gustavo Granitto, GTC Tennis Academy & Consultancy.

During January, February and March 2017, we were doing nine weeks of competition in the USTA Futures Circuit here in Florida. It included a previous week of preparation, four consecutive weeks of competition, one week of training and three consecutive weeks of competition.

With a qualifying of 128 players, this circuit is, in my opinion, the best in the world at this time of year. It is an excellent opportunity to compete and to collect points. The level is extremely competitive. It is easy to plan regarding logistics and costs. Without a doubt, this is a great way to begin the year, and at the same time try to earn points that can support the rest of the journey. It is excellent for every player, fundamentally for American players to have this circuit at “home.”

All venues are clay, a surface that cooperates in the transition from hard court to “polvo de ladrillo”, and vice versa. Facilities are magnificent, most notably the new USTA National Center in Orlando.

Planning the probable number of matches coming from qualifying and if all goes well, passing to the main draw is a key. Also, relate it to the objectives outlined. Stay motivated permanently. But anything can happen. The player wins a game and his confidence triggers or loses an unexpected game and everything starts again.

We set very ambitious and specific objectives: to improve tactical and technical aspects during the current competition. At the same time, to achieve a physical condition according to the style of game that is sought. The player must have a very open mind to combine his desire to win with his desire to improving what he needs.

Below, an example of the training session after the first four tournaments with my colleagues Gonzalo Bernardo, Ignacio Siga and Martin Anselmi in GTC Academy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=O0I_vkTezXg&index=13&list=PLGzxP_VbxJK3O2N5W33aLwqNv_7jNKd4V

The tactical benefit is to play with margin and over zones. The goal is the ball should pass between the cones. Score goals like soccer!

Also, asking the player to be solid into a high level of intensity, with emphasis on support, stance and proper use of the upper body. Player has to be very perceptive to the ball to for the best decision making. We implemented the drill with not pre-established feeding, with duration and recovery similar to the game situation.

As we mentioned before, the player needs a sharp mind to improve and be very receptive to learn, remarkable factors that stand out in Genaro Olivieri in his first stage of transition from Junior to Professional.