Video Analysis is an immensely valuable resource, it represents an important component in the broader strategy of optimizing your players' performance.

Furthermore, FCT has private individual and group lesson spaces which show a history of all analysis and interaction. This gives the player confidence to see where they're at and know where they're going. 

Video analysis can revolutionize coaching by providing powerful insights that benefit both coaches and players. However, to gain these advantages, you need to know how to utilize it effectively.

In this article, we’ll explore common pitfalls to avoid and the rewards you'll gain by steering clear of them. Let’s dive in.

Pitfall 1: Overloading Your Feedback

In video analysis, simplicity is key.

I understand the temptation to fill videos with many annotations to show off your expertise. However, the reality is that excessive feedback will likely overwhelm your player, causing them confusion.

Focus on 1-2 annotated insights per video. 

Keep in mind, improvement comes from small, gradual steps. You can't become a champion in one video analysis lesson. It takes time and progress is implemented like a step ladder.

Keep your feedback concise and actionable. Your players will appreciate it. Additionally, providing less feedback often means you save time as well.

The actionable insights are 1. The elbow is tracking too far away from the head, and 2. The racket head is coming up at the wrong angle and should not be open yet. 

Pitfall 2: Not Involving your Player

Make sure your player is actively involved in their own development. Many coaches are surprised by this tip… But being the coach doesn’t mean you have to analyze every video alone.

Your aim should be to inspire your players to take charge of their own development. Teach them how to evaluate their technique, compare their images to those in the FCT Pro Library, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of how to improve.

See below: comparing a player with a pro in the FCT Pro Library. Here, the player can review their own technique and easily compare an image in the FCT Pro Library. The player can see they are late with turning the shoulder and getting the racket back.  

Pitfall 3: Impractical Comparisons

When using comparison features, be considerate and choose models with similar attributes and skill levels. For instance, in the Full Court Tennis Pro Library, we have current tennis pros on the tour along with pros that are 40 and over, and pros that are 50 and over. It's appropriate to use the model according to your age. This approach fosters realistic expectations, genuine connections, and achievable goals. 

I also strongly recommend incorporating slow-motion analysis with voice-over feedback. This is a NEW Feature that is coming out shortly on the website and this method allows for greater flexibility in analyzing a match to be able to switch back and forth between annotation, autoplay, and slo-mo record.

To stay on top of your game and keep growing as a coach, you need to use all the tools available to communicate your coaching methodology as easily and precisely as possible. Using FCT and all of its tools allows you to do this. 

As you integrate video analysis into your coaching toolkit, remember: simplicity, empowerment, and relevance are essential for success.

Above are some of the ATP Tour Players in the FCT Pro Library.

Above are some of the older pro players in the FCT Pro Library.

How do you incorporate video analysis into your coaching? Tag FCT on social media and let us know!

Read more of our blog to learn about Live Video Call Lessons, Multiple Participant Lesson Spaces, and Stroke Analysis Lesson Spaces.

If any of this hits home for you, shoot me a message. I’d love to see how I can help.

Brian Teacher

CEO and Founder of Full Court Tennis

bt@fullcourttennis.com