Coaching Methods Flashcards
7 cards from real ITF practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Coaching Methods flashcards as text
Which coaching approach is most effective when introducing a complex new stroke to a beginner?
Answer: Break it into small sub-skills taught progressively
Breaking complex skills into progressive sub-skills allows beginners to build competence at each stage before combining elements.
What is the primary purpose of using 'blocked practice' in early skill learning?
Answer: To build initial movement patterns through repetition
Blocked practice uses repetitive drills on a single skill to help learners develop stable initial movement patterns.
A coach notices a junior player holds tension in her shoulder during the serve. Which correction method is most appropriate first?
Answer: Use tactile cues by gently touching the shoulder to increase awareness
Tactile cues heighten body awareness for specific areas of tension without disrupting the overall movement pattern.
According to ITF coaching principles, what does 'random practice' help develop compared to blocked practice?
Answer: Better long-term retention and transfer to match situations
Random practice, though slower to learn initially, produces superior long-term retention and the ability to apply skills in variable match conditions.
When coaching a player on tactical patterns, which question type best promotes thinking skills?
Answer: 'What options do you have when your opponent is pulled wide?'
Open-ended questions that present scenarios require players to analyze options, developing tactical intelligence rather than just recalling facts.
What is the ITF's recommended ratio of positive to corrective feedback for developing players?
Answer: Approximately 3–4 positive statements for every corrective one
A 3–4:1 positive-to-corrective ratio sustains motivation and trust while still providing necessary technical guidance.
Which practice structure best simulates the unpredictable nature of match play?
Answer: Situation-based drills with varied ball feed and decision-making tasks
Situation-based drills that vary ball placement and require decisions most closely replicate the unpredictability players face in actual matches.