# @mytenniscoaching on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DcJ_kY8uc1U
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/69372499-mytenniscoaching-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/77c6d6e166.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-08-17T21:23:30.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Steve Whelan | International Tennis Coach Developer (@mytenniscoaching) — https://gondola.cc/mytenniscoaching

## Caption

Ten myths tennis coaching should have left behind by 2026.

1. One correct technique

Movement solutions depend on the player, intention, ball, opponent and environment. Function cannot be judged by appearance alone.

2. Repetition creates “muscle memory”

Repetition can change performance, but repeating a movement does not automatically develop adaptable skill.

3. Beginners need the basics before playing

Beginners need simplified problems not the game removed entirely. The game can be scaled from the first session.

4. Basket feeding builds match confidence

It may produce confidence under predictable feeding. That confidence does not automatically transfer into competition.

5. Improvement proves learning

Good performance during a lesson may be temporary. Learning requires relatively persistent change demonstrated through retention or transfer.

6. More feedback means more learning

Constant feedback can direct attention towards the coach and create dependency. Players also need opportunities to perceive, explore and regulate themselves.

7. Variability is a fault

Functional variability allows players to adapt their movements to continually changing situations.

8. Skills can simply be broken apart and reassembled

Removing the opponent, ball flight or intended outcome can change the information regulating the movement. The “part” may become a different task.

9. Copying a professional develops the same skill

A professional’s movement emerged around their body, history, intentions and performance environment not yours.

10. An elite player using a drill proves it works

That is an observation, not evidence of what the drill develops or whether it caused the player’s expertise.

This does not mean technique, repetition, feedback or simplified practice never have value.

The myth is believing they work universally, independently of the player, task, intention and context.

Which number will tennis coaches defend most aggressively?

Follow mytenniscoaching for evidence-based tennis coaching and skill-acquisition content.

#TennisCoaching #CoachEducation #SkillAcquisition #PracticeDesign #EcologicalDynamics

## Stats

- **Views:** 2,971
- **Likes:** 32
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## Tags

ecologicaldynamics, coacheducation, practicedesign, tenniscoaching, skillacquisition

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