The Impact of Survivorship Bias in Tennis Coaching: Why Copying Success Isn’t Enough

"In this episode of the My Tennis Coaching Podcast, host Steve Whelan explores the concept of survivorship bias in tennis coaching. Many coaches look to the methods used by top players as universal blueprints, yet this approach often overlooks the countless players who don’t make it to the top. Steve explains why it’s crucial to consider each player’s unique needs and circumstances, moving away from one-size-fits-all techniques."

Drawing on ecological dynamics and constraint-led coaching, this episode offers insights for coaches seeking to avoid common pitfalls and create more effective, individualized training plans. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to coaching, these insights will help you rethink your approach to player development.

Want to take your coaching further? Check out my 'From Drills to Skills' course! Learn how to design practices that build adaptable, skilled players without relying on outdated methods.

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Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to the My Tennis Coaching Podcast


• 01:03 Survivorship Bias in Tennis Coaching


• 02:16 The Role of Coaches vs. Players


• 03:59 Misconceptions in Player Development


• 14:53 The Importance of Individualized Coaching


• 19:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts