UK, Owner of Science in Tennis, MSc Sport & Exercise Science,
Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach, Master Tennis Performance
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN TENNIS AND IN WHAT
WAYS?
I have been involved in the game since the age of 4! Started playing the
game as a junior competing at junior, national and UK university level. After studying I began combining my passion for tennis both coaching and delivering strength and conditioning support ranging from mini tennis to professionals. Now I manage Science in Tennis which delivers sport science support to clubs and players alongside being a partner with Claudio Pistolesi Enterprise. This involves helping players looking to compete in the US College System, whilst assisting players competing on the tour.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE IN TENNIS OR "TENNIS MEDICINE"?
I work with a wide range of players providing evidence based physical training methods. This can vary from a junior player going through growth to professionals. The aim is to use strength and conditioning training to reduce injury risk, but also educate players on how to live a healthy lifestyle.
WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING ABOUT "TENNIS MEDICINE"?
How everyone is unique and the body responds very differently to different training methods. Also I find growth very interesting and how most effectively to support players during these times.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE "TENNIS MEDICINE" DIAGNOSIS TO TREAT AND WHY?
Working in strength and conditioning I would say I have two favorite areas to focus on. The first is looking at movement competency screening. This involves looking at basic movement patterns such as squat, push, pull, lunge, brace, rotate and hinge and how the body move through these movements. I also like to consider jumping, hopping and bounding in different planes of movement. This can be done under fatigue and/or with load as well to look how the body works in these positions. I believe these basic movement make up the fundamental movements of tennis and if these cannot be done with efficiency, stability and adequate mobility the body will eventually break down when put under the challenges on court. I also like to monitor growth using the Mirwald formula which has been shown to be a non invasive, reliable way to monitor growth and individuals.
HOW DO YOU THINK WE CAN IMPROVE THE FIELD OF "TENNIS MEDICINE"?
I feel the evidence base can be used more effectively by coaches and this certainly can be improved by coach education and making it more applicable for them. I also feel more research is needed in the interplay of stroke modification and strength and conditioning how this reduces injury but also enhances performance.
WHY DID YOU JOIN STMS AND HOW ARE YOU INVOLVED?
I am lucky enough that I get to combine two passions in my life tennis and sport science/medicine and that is why I am a member of the STMS. It also allows me to learn from the best in the business and continue my journey of development. I am currently a reviewer for the sport science and coaching section of the journal.
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