Tennis is more of an individual game: MacCurdy

Chandigarh, Feb 23 (UNI) It ususally took 7 to 10 years to train a player before he could become a top notcher and even then there was no absolute guarantee of getting good returns, according to Doug MacCurdy, a professional sports consultant.

Addressing a press conference after his one week up-gradation of coaches and players development workshop at the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association Stadium in Sector 10 here, MacCurdy , former director of USA Tennis Development from 1998 to 2001, stressed that ''the same programme would not suit all players.

''Same recommendations should not be given to a bunch of 60 trainees. Each Requirement of player differs from one player to another. Tennis is more of an individual game,'' he said.

MacCurdy, a former Director of International Tennis Federation, said ''the CLTA concept is very impressive. The infrastructure and training facilities are of high standard. The ratio of trainees and coaches is satisfactory. I have seen coaches on all courts during training sessions here.'' ''The coaches should study and improve their qualifications by appearing for ITF level II or III certification. At the same time certification alone is not the full proof. Proof is on the court,'' said MacCurdy.

After his evaluation, MacCurdy has recommended that CLTA should chalk out plan to provide more practice and competitions to the trainees. ''Regular in-house matches,'' is one of the recommendations to the CLTA management. Participation in a tournament should be logical one.

''Selection of a tournament for participation is also a bit tactical. Playing at wrong level is harmful,'' said MacCurdy, who is a recipient of the International Tennis Hall of Fame Educational Merit Award.

MORE XC UNI JN AB RK2015