Presentation

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Title

Talent Detection: Can it work?

Abstract

Talent identification in tennis can either mean talent selection or talent detection. Talent selection involves choosing among existing players. Talent detection deals with identifying potentially good players among children that have not played tennis. This presentation deals with talent detection.

Keywords

Talent detection

Summary

Talent identification in tennis is divided into two categories: talent selection and talent detection.
Talent selection normally occurs when a national association, other organization or an individual must decide in which player or players to invest financial and/or human resources. Budgets are always limited to some degree, so a selection must be made taking into account factors such as tennis skills, physical and mental traits, results and perceived potential.
Talent detection in a matter of picking individual children to play tennis with a view that they possess certain abilities that will give them a reasonably good chance for success in the game at some point in the future if they stick with it.
In this presentation, three talent detection programs will be discussed. One has been in place for over 15 years, another is in its second year, while the third represents the cornerstone for player development that has been in place in a number of countries for decades.
The CHART program in Chandigarh, India visits small villages in rural northern India looking for children that seem to have many of the skills required for high level tennis. To date the program has been limited to boys only. generally, four to six boys are selected every few years. They live at the tennis center in Chandigarh and are taught tennis from scratch. Many CHART players have achieved ATP rankings and won numerous national titles.
The China initiative started in 2008. Selection tests were given in the provinces of Yunan and Tibet. The program is directed by Vjeren Friscic and Ico Oreskovic. The goals of the are to give disadvantaged children a chance for a better life and, possibly, develop into international tennis players.
Talent detection was a mainstay in the former Soviet Union and largely remains in place in Russia and other countries. Many countries utilizing this system have consistently produced world class players.
I believe that talent detection can work if there is continuity in the program and the players have adequate exposure to appropriate competitive opportunities.

Title 2º

Junior to Pro: General Observations and Specific Case Studies

Abstract 2º

Of the thousands of players participating in competitive junior tennis, only a few make it to the professional level. Included in the presentation are some of the key elements needed to succeed and some of the stumbling blocks encountered by many players. Information is also provided on the background of some players that have been successful and the views of a current young star.

Keywords 2º

Junior Pro Observations

Summary 2º

The stories of the players that have made a successful transition from junior to pro tennis are as varied as the players themselves. However, there are some factors among successful pros that will be discussed in this presentation.
Tennis talent in every sense is essential. All pros have talent for tennis or they would not be there.
Commitment and belief are major components needed to succeed. Hard work is essential, not just in terms of training hours logged, but in quality and focus.
there are many pathways to success. some "systems" have consistently yielded pro players. However, there are countless individual pathways that have worked as well. Unless there are major problems encountered along the way, most talented players that possess the right ingredients in their arsenal will make it.
Players that reach pro level normally made some very large jumps in their levels of play at various times during their formative years. Stalling at a particular level for too long is a bad sign.
Success at junior level can be achieved through on outstanding trait. At pro level, a more complete package is required.
In this presentation we will take a snapshot look at five American players that have reached the ATP top 25 in recent years. We will also discuss some of the reasons for success that three siblings from Zimbabwe achieved - somewhat against the odds.
Finally, we will look at the history and prospects for the current #1 male junior, Yuki Bhambri of India.

Dinner

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CV

Name

Doug

Surname

MacCurdy

Curriculum vitae

Doug MacCurdy is currently advising the All India Tennis Association to help develop the national coaching structure. The ITF and Olympic Solidarity support this project. The program in India is based upon a successful two-year project in China, preceding the 2008 Beijing Olympics He is also a partner in Dynamic Sports Development, LLC, a company involved in leading the promotion of collegiate and junior sport. MacCurdy was Director of USTA Player Development from 1998 to 2001. From 1984 through 1997, MacCurdy was Director of Development for the International Tennis Federation. He advised National Associations, implemented development programmes, educated coaches and trained players in over 160 countries. In 1995, MacCurdy was named General Manager of the ITF while continuing to serve as Director of Development. MacCurdy is a Master Professional of the United States Professional Tennis Association and an International Master Professional of the Professional Tennis Registry. He received the International Tennis Hall of Fame Educational Merit Award in 1993 and the ITF Award for Services to the Game in 1998.

Conditions

I agree with ITF Worldwide Coaches Conference 2009 conditions

History

Member for

2 years 39 weeks