My Reflections from Lionel Cox 2024
Last weekend, I had the privilege of captaining the Buckinghamshire U12 girls’ team at the 49th Lionel Cox Shield—an event that brings together ten counties in a vibrant festival of tennis. This year, I approached the event with a fresh perspective, focusing less on traditional tactics and more on how behaviours drive performance.
Embracing a New Coaching Philosophy
Inspired by Mark Bennett’s PDS (Performance Development Systems), I shifted my coaching focus from tactical execution to fostering the right behaviours. Mark’s central message is that “Behavior drives performance.” This simple yet profound principle guided my approach to the event. I encouraged the team to “be the best you can, with what you have today,” setting the expectation to give whatever they could, regardless of their current level of skill or energy.
During our team discussions, the concept of being brave surfaced, which the girls interpreted as playing their best tennis, especially during high-pressure moments. We agreed that this bravery would manifest as commitment—fully dedicating themselves to their decisions on the court.
Behavioural Observations Over Tactical Commands
As the matches unfolded, I consciously took a step back from the usual flurry of tactical advice. Instead, I observed the players’ behaviours, focusing on their commitment and how they communicated and supported each other. This was a shift from my usual coaching style, and while it was challenging, especially with the ubiquitous presence of more traditional coaching around me, it was a commitment I needed to maintain for consistency.
The event became an opportunity for real-time learning and feedback, where I looked for and acknowledged positive behaviours like commitment, regardless of the match outcomes. When I noticed a drop in commitment, I refrained from immediately offering solutions. Instead, I asked the players to reflect on their level of commitment and to think about what they could change themselves, stepping in with tactical advice only when absolutely necessary.
The Impact of Behavioral Focus
This approach was different and admittedly tough to stick to amidst the conventional cheers and coaching shouts surrounding us. However, it proved to be profoundly effective. Not only did it allow the players to take ownership of their actions, but it also kept them focused on aspects of the game they could control—like their attitude and effort.
Interestingly, the feedback from the players was overwhelmingly positive. They appreciated observing their own and their partner’s commitment, which helped them play with purpose and stay focused throughout the competition. This focus on behaviour rather than outcomes helped us achieve my best-ever finish at the event, culminating in bringing home a medal.
Reflecting on the Experience
As a coach, this experience reinforced my belief in the power of focusing on behaviours over outcomes. It was enlightening to see how shifting the focus from technical skills to behavioural skills could have such a transformative effect on performance. It also highlighted the often overlooked fact that what coaches and parents say during matches can sometimes become just white noise to players or even a distraction.
Moving Forward
This weekend was a testament to the potential of behavioural coaching. As I continue to refine my approach, I invite other coaches to consider how they can incorporate behavior-focused strategies into their coaching. It’s about more than just winning matches—it’s about developing players who are not only skilled but also resilient, adaptable, and mentally strong.
For those interested in exploring this coaching philosophy or sharing your experiences, please feel free to reach out at steve@mytenniscoaching.com. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to learn from each other.
