New concepts and technology for coaching Tennis - Wearables

What would I do if I were returning to tennis coaching after a multi-year hiatus.

Tennis is becoming technology-driven, and more player-focused than ever. In the '70s and '80s we considered ourselves high-tech when using video cameras for analysis. While video is still useful with more up-to-date technology, I'd look at integrating advanced tools like AI and wearables while prioritizing mental and functional training, and adapting to new rules like off-court coaching. 

Tennis wearables have become integral to modern coaching and player development, offering real-time data and analytics to enhance performance, technique, match analysis, health monitoring, and injury prevention. These include racket attached sensors and wrist worn wearables. You might add these to your previous teaching methods so you can align with modern trends.

Tennis Equipment Costs - It's a bargain

I'm guessing at these prices based on memory but here is a representation of how to value your tennis gear.

Late 1970's Corolla $2k, Stan Smith Shoes $12-15, Jack Kramer Racket $20-25. Current price Corolla $20k, Newest Endorsed Shoes $60-130, Newest Endorsed Racket approx. $200. Everything went up 10x since mid 70's as the dollar went down in value.

The quality has improved generally along with the technology so I'd say we're good on most things. Don't buy the latest frame and when you find a frame you love pick up a dozen of them when they are being discontinued. You can always get your money back on Ebay if you switch out.

Pick shoes that work for you and avoid the logos with endorsements that add cost. If you are hard on shoes get and apply shoe-goo at Wal-M and wear those shoes when practicing and not playing or teaching.

Clothing, well that's your call but the modern fabrics are so much better at surviving stains, wear, and maintaining color that if you get the top quality stuff and wash cold you'll have it for years.

No matter what you think the value versus cost of tennis equipment right now is as good as it has ever been. Just don't think that you can buy skill with fancy equipment. Do the deep and repetitive spending on training, instruction , and competition whenever possible.


Addendum: Everything went up but tennis balls. I think they were $2 a can in 1960 and haven't seemed to budge since then. Spend your money on new tennis balls and laugh.

Sustainable Tennis Balls - Wilson new Technology

This is about time.  I've been wondering when they'd get around to improving tennis balls like they have rackets, shoes, and clothing.

It was so wasteful in so many ways.  The price on these may be justified if you get to use them longer without replacement so in this rare case of so called improvements it could be a WIN! WIN!

We'll see.  In the meantime at least they're trying.

Wilson Trinity Ball

Men's Tennis Fashion: Can it be cool again?

Cool again

I'd suggest you look to Federer to detect a move in fashion.  Money will help bring it.  I suspect Uniqlo will make a run for the title of new fashion in men's tennis for the 2020's.

Federer and Uniqlo - Global Brand Ambassador

Artificial Intelligence for Line Calls - It has arrived

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-02/this-200-ai-will-end-tennis-club-screaming-matches

For two hundred dollars this is a dream come true for important match play in the realm of amateurs.  I've been waiting for this and I think things will only get better.

Soon, we'll have tennis rackets that help analyze strokes.  Oh wait, they already do.

Things are moving fast.