Developing Tactical Training Patterns for Players

with Kevin Epley,
University of South Carolina Head Coach;
2019 ITA/Wilson National Women's Coach of the Year;
2019 SEC Coach of the Year;
2019 Elite Eight appearance; 3x Sweet Sixteen appearances ('07, '17, '18);
15 NCAA Tournament appearances in 15 seasons as a head coach (South Carolina, William & Mary, Fresno State);
over 275 career wins;
has worked as a traveling coach for professional players Megan Moulton-Levy, Lindsay Lee-Waters, Lindsay Davenport and Patty Schnyder;
former head coach of the St. Louis Aces (World Team Tennis League);
former U.S. Olympic team assistant coach (2000 Sydney games);
former U.S. Federation Cup team assistant coach (1997-2002)

Kevin Epley, head coach at the University of South Carolina, digs into his method of training his players tactically. College tennis coaches have limited time to work with their players and therefore must solve the problem of how to be efficient in devising training programs for their teams. This video featuring Coach Epley will introduce you to a simple, yet very effective system to accomplish this task.

Developmental Philosophy

Epley begins by breaking down his developmental philosophy and why he creates tactical patterns to train his players. He urges coaches to ask the question: "How do you manage your time in the development of your players?" His personal answer to that question involves expediting the learning process in a manner that allows coaches and players to work more effectively during limited practice time.

Learn Multiple Tactical Patterns of Play

Next, Coach Epley dives into how to use primary and countering patterns that are simple, yet effective. He explains why you should use patterns with your team and how patterns can be used to score additional points against opponents in match play. You'll learn primary attacking, countering, and defensive patterns plus how to use them to get any shot you want on the court. Additionally, Epley breaks down how to shift the court so the opponent is the one doing all the running in a rally.

Coach Epley aptly demonstrates the drills and techniques he has used with great success with his South Carolina women's team in this video. It's cutting-edge information on drills and patterns for coaches and players who want to use aggressive tactics on the court. Epley's strategic and tactical information challenge some conventional tennis teaching, but are front and center for the way the game is being played today.

63 minutes. 2020.