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Special Olympics offers training and competition opportunities in 30 Olympic-type sports for athletes 8 years or older.  For children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 through 7, Special Olympics provides a Young Athletes Program. Special Olympics coaches have a unique opportunity to work with athletes in competitive situations to assist in their training for life. As a grass-roots organization, Special Olympics relies on volunteers at all levels of the movement to ensure that every athlete is offered a quality sports training and competition experience. Individual donors, corporate partners and many others make it possible for Special Olympics to offer children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy through participation in the program.
English > Coach > Coaching Guides > Tennis > Planning a Training Season > Coaches' Top 10 Principles of Effective Planning
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Coaches' Top 10 Principles of Effective Planning

  1. Assign assistant coaches their roles and responsibilities in accordance to your training plan.
  2. When possible, have all equipment and courts prepared before the athletes arrive. Walk the court area and remove unsafe objects.
  3. Provide positive reinforcement and "make it fun."
  4. Safety: Each athlete should (1) find their own personal space, (2) hug rackets against chest when listening to instructions from the coach, and (3) hit only on a cue from the coach.

  5. Alter the plan according to weather and the facility in order to accommodate the needs of the athletes.
  6. Change activities before the athlete becomes bored or loses interest, keeping all players involved.
  7. Devote the end of the practice to a fun, group activity that can incorporate challenge and fun and provide athletes with something to look forward to at the end of each practice.  This will also assist with assessing the players' progress.
  8. Coaches should maintain a command of the court through voice, direction or delegation.
  9. Summarize the session, and announce arrangements for the next session.
  10. Recognize your volunteers.
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