( OH WOW )
– both on and off the court . It is about ‘ developing more than a professional relationship , a kind-of connection outside the court , where you really understand the player as a person , and what triggers them to become the best they can be ’.
One must also adjust to different personalities and different games . This means being ‘ very flexible with your way of coaching because every player is different ’.
There has to be a solid foundation built upon honesty and communication . Player and coach must be ‘ on the same page . If you ’ re not being 100 per cent honest and truthful and clear with the message , it ’ s difficult to adapt your way of training to the player ’. This is significant , as an honest appraisal is arguably the key to most things , professionally and personally .
Greatness in any arena demands the ability to confront reality , and a willingness to discard the layers and examine the cold hard truth . It ’ s this lack of pretence and brutal honesty that enables individuals to progress without limits .
Vallverdu speaks of ‘ controlling the controllable ’. He also believes that ‘ positive actions and positive thoughts , bring success and positive results . If you are doing things the right way consistently , success will come in one way or another ’.
Recognising health as the ‘ key to life ’, Vallerdu ’ s ‘ number one priority ’ is to ensure the optimum health of his player , now and in the future . This encompasses all aspects ‘ from nutrition to strength , to cardio to mental health ’.
In tennis , the need for mental stamina could hardly be overstated . According to Vallverdu , ‘ the players that make it to the top of the game are the ones most committed to the game mentally , on and off the court ’.
Acutely aware of the demanding nature of tennis and the constant pressure players face , he advises an awareness of ‘ timing ’. In fact , Vallverdu believes the timing of information is perhaps the most important part of coaching , being the determining factor between a positive or negative impact .
Vallverdu seems ideally suited to the challenges and opportunities that tennis presents . He has a fixed , intractable determination that would not be easily , if at all , swayed . There is a deceptively subtle , significant drive to push boundaries and to pioneer new ground .
In writing about sport , I am often reminded of Socrates and his great proclamation that the ‘ unexamined life is not worth living ’. Success in sport demands an unbridled commitment to constantly analyse performance ; examination really is a great tool for keeping things in perspective and for preparing for a successful future .
Vallverdu not only has the tenacity , but an analytical awareness that ensures a perpetual state of improvement – for both coach and player ; and it ’ s an approach that promises much for his future !
Imogen A . Rose is a writer based in Brisbane . She is also a Director of Rose Media ( www . rosemedia . com . au ).
8 OH ! MAGAZINE ( APRIL 2017 )