Nearly 25 years ago, during my first international coaching experience in Barcelona—first at the Bruguera Tennis Academy and later at the High Performance Center of the Catalan Tennis Federation—I learned one of the most valuable lessons in my coaching career. Beyond the friendships I made and the experiences I lived, witnessing the implementation of what’s often referred to as the Spanish System shaped my approach to coaching. This was a lesson in life, and it remains my guiding principle to this day.
At the core of this philosophy is a simple yet powerful idea: as coaches, our job isn’t to dictate exactly how players should perform every stroke, movement, or strategy. Instead, our role is to help them discover their own path. Why? Because the best tennis players aren’t just technically skilled—they’re problem solvers. And to become a great problem solver, players need to practice in real-world situations that challenge their decision-making, adaptability, and tennis IQ.
In our program, we don’t focus on telling players where to hit the ball or how to position their feet. Instead, we create practice environments that mirror the unpredictable nature of match play, pushing players to think critically. Whether they’re figuring out how to handle a wide ball or adjusting to a change in pace or spin, our players are constantly in scenarios that require them to make decisions. The idea is to let them explore and experiment, allowing them to find the solutions that work best for their game.
This approach shifts away from traditional instruction, where players are often told exactly what to do. We believe in discovery over instruction. It’s not just about how to hit a shot, but about understanding why it’s the right shot and how to adapt when circumstances change. For example, if a player is struggling with handling high balls, we don’t simply correct their footwork. Instead, we create drills that force them to repeatedly face those high balls, giving them the chance to figure out their own adjustments. This process of trial and error leads to deeper learning and helps players develop a true understanding of the game.
Tennis, as we all know, is unpredictable. Players need to make split-second decisions during matches, often without the guidance of a coach. By placing them in challenging, game-like scenarios during practice, we equip them with the tools to adapt and problem-solve on their own. This is what separates good players from great ones—the ability to think critically and make smart choices, not just execute clean shots.
Of course, every player is different, and we tailor these problem-solving challenges to each individual’s skill level. Beginners might face simpler situations, while advanced players are given more complex scenarios with multiple variables. The key is to strike the right balance, providing enough challenge to promote growth without overwhelming them.
While it might take a little longer for players to figure things out on their own, the long-term benefits are profound. The skills they gain from discovering solutions through experience stick with them for life. They become more confident, adaptable, and better equipped to face any challenge that comes their way on the court.
Our goal isn’t just to create technically skilled players, but to develop thinkers—athletes who can solve problems, adapt to new situations, and thrive in any competitive environment. When they step onto the court, they’re not just playing the game; they’re mastering it, one thoughtful decision at a time.
