Coaching Girls and Women in Tennis

1. Women’s and Girls Tennis
Technical Comparison
WTA ATP
Two handed BH 96% 4%
Spin Rates (serves, FH) 1-3K 2-5K
Serve pull push
pinpoint platform

2. Tactical Comparison
WTA - Predominantly baseline play, through the
court, breaks occur more often, serves tend to
slice/topspin, volleys tend to end points (1.2 volleys),
some players have equal FH/BH. Winners occur
relatively more (size/speed allows more winners)
ATP – some net play, more angles, breaks rarer,
serves can kick more. Volleys may not end points (1.7
volleys), most players have better FH than BH. Forced
errors occur more (size/speed allows more court
coverage)

3. Development
GIRLS and BOYS
are similar
Until age 13

4. Development
Speed (50 m) Girls Boys
Age 8 10.9 10.4
Age 10 9.9 9.5
Age 12 9.3 8.7
Age 14 9.1 8.1
Age 16 9.1 7.8

5. Psychological
TEAMS
Girls – more group-oriented
may seek to please
more internally focused
Perception
of Athleticism
(early social
Learning)

6. Psychological
What others think
How they fit in
Praise
Friendship
Cooperative
Recognize efforts

7. Exercise Physiology
And Sport Medicine
ACL injuries, jumping
Female Triad
Length of upper limbs
Muscle mass F 35%, M 41%
Muscle Training gains F 4%, M 6%
Heart F 80% smaller than M
But anerobic is same
Flexibility F is 7% greater than M
Strength Training F 2/3 of M, proceed slower
Stride leg less
Rely more on technique and speed

8. WTA Professionals
WTA ATP
Average Age Top 100 25 27
Age First Reached Top 100 22 23