Facebook groups in good discussions

There are very good discussions in some facebook groups about non linear (implicit) and linear (explicit) coaching in tennis. While we have a lot of studies about implicit learning in sports like basketball, cricket and volleyball, there is still a lack of targeted research in tennis. At the same time accustomed truths beginn to waver. Methodical traditionalism with clear statement to „technique coaching first“ is no more the only way to coach, yes it is heavily critisized.  Action approach and game based learning are essential elements in the Play and Stay concept of the ITF and of national tennis associations all over the world with changing constraints like balls, fields, rackets, rules and more. But there is coming up a confrontation between the representatives of a „both is possible“ and those who plead for the purity of implicit learning.

In any case there are some clues that indicate the need to overthink traditional explicit coaching that has a primarly focus on the players technique. Facebook groups in good discussions weiterlesen

Comparing dynamical systems concepts and techniques for biomechanical analysis

Abstract

Traditional biomechanical analyses of human movement are generally derived from linear mathematics. While these methods can be useful in many situations, they do not describe behaviors in human systems that are predominately nonlinear. For this reason, nonlinear analysis methods based on a dynamical systems approach have become more prevalent in recent literature. These analysis techniques have provided new insights into how systems (1) maintain pattern stability, (2) transition into new states, and (3) are governed by short- and long-term (fractal) correlational processes at different spatio-temporal scales. These different aspects of system dynamics are typically investigated using concepts related to variability, stability, complexity, and adaptability. The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast these different concepts and demonstrate that, although related, these terms represent fundamentally different aspects of system dynamics. In particular, we argue that variability should not uniformly be equated with stability or complexity of movement. In addition, current dynamic stability measures based on nonlinear analysis methods (such as the finite maximal Lyapunov exponent) can reveal local instabilities in movement dynamics, but the degree to which these local instabilities relate to global postural and gait stability and the ability to resist external perturbations remains to be explored. Finally, systematic studies are needed to relate observed reductions in complexity with aging and disease to the adaptive capabilities of the movement system and how complexity changes as a function of different task constraints.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254616000156

Matt Kuzdub on dynamical systems theory and coaching tennis

Some things are wonderful 🙂 . One of them is to find somebody, who shares my convictions. Matt Kuzdub, tennis coach, and a facebook friend, has written a wonderful statement about non-linear pedagogy and the dynamical systems theory and what it means for learning and coaching in tennis. I am working with kids and players, who  come for one or two hours in the week to play tennis under the guidance of a professional coach. Matt is working with very ambitioned players and goes with them significantly more intense. But he shares my perception: there is a better way to learn and to coach. And it is evidence based!

http://www.mattspoint.com/blog/learning-in-tennis-an-intro-to-dynamical-systems-theory

Questions

To the most frequent articles in forums for coaches in social networks belong videos of players in training sequences. Coaches set pictures of their players from practice to get from other tcoaches tips for technical corrections.

In the comments on the videos you will find many motivated and well-meaning advices from colleagues from all over the world. In most cases, this is about „tips“ for changing the technique.

But there are also articles from coaches who ask the right questions about the videos: „In what context was the video recorded?“, „How are the results (not visible in the video) of the hit?“, „Balls were in play or is the play-off from the basket? „, ….) Questions weiterlesen

Peace of cake 2

Constraints led coaching: modify court-size.

(This drill is created by Chris Koehler, TMS Coach)

A and B play rallies. The size of court is modified (picture). This makes a difference and forces both players to a modified view on the game and on tactic.

You can play matches in the violet court or in the yellow court (advanced players). Picture 1 is for warm-up in the service-fields.

Players are forced to to overthink their strategies. Peace of cake 2 weiterlesen