The Importance of Scheduling

Scheduling. Sometimes a daunting word, it can be an asset when done correctly and it can be detrimental when done incorrectly. It can effect a player’s development and, quite obviously, their rankings. Another effect is on the player’s physical and mental well being.

On development, it can influence their progression if players play too many events at the lower level of tournaments (i.e. Challenger). The level of competition is not consistently strong enough. Conversely, if a player enters too many events where there is not the chance for some amount of success, it can be difficult to develop a sense of progression.

On rankings, if done effectively, scheduling can progress the player up the rankings. Attaining certain ranking goals can help players with their developmental goals as well as attaining levels of accomplishments. This in turn can make aging up easier. Playing USTA National Championships in the player’s current age group and playing up in the Levels 2 & 3 events is the example when an age up birthday nears. This depends upon each player’s individual goals.

On physical and mental well-being, playing more than three events per month can be too much physically depending what precedes and follows those events. Also, the level of events and results need to be considered. There should be time scheduled to improve on existing parts of the player’s game and to develop new ones. In addition, scheduling physical and mental rest and recovery is essential.