posted Jan 11, 2007

You learn quickest from the best and who better than Michael Johnson to knock him into shape?
Good luck to him, the hard work will pay off.

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posted Jan 11, 2007

2007 is showing a lot of promise for Andy. I think that he will deliver also.

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posted Jan 11, 2007

Can't wait to see how he does....he has talent and now hopefully the fitness! My thanks go to Michael Johnson

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posted Jan 11, 2007

Great news that Murray has teamed up with Michael Johnson - the man's an absolute legend and a great thinker, too. Hearing his athletics commentary on the BBC for the past few years has been a privelege.
Lots of positive vibes coming from the Murray PR machine at the moment! Working with champions like Johnson can only be a good thing. Murray was in the papers today talking about winning the AO and, after beating Davydenko and Ljubicic, I'd say he's looking like a decent (outside?) bet.

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posted Jan 11, 2007

Well done to Brad and Murray! I am a Running Technique & Running Fitness specialist for Academy footballers and I can confirm the level of fitness for the majority of running sports are very poor indeed within the UK. I have been trying for 2 years to enter the British tennis knowing full well I can improve any tennis player, but was laughed at and was ridiculed as a nutter. I recall doing an evaluation on one of the country's finest 13 year tennis player. He was awful, yet he had been selected to train in Spain's academy. The tennis system, as well the majority of running sports infra-structure is wrong. I do hope the clubs will take the initiative now and not wait another ten years to catch up on the world. Colin Harris, Former GB International Athlete and Bobsledder.

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posted Jan 12, 2007

So out of interest, how will doing 200m reps help a tennis player?

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posted Jan 12, 2007

Thank you for your comment.
Many things. Michael/I would check if he was breathing correctly. If erratic, and I expect it probably would be. We would correct and regulate to provide quicker recovery. This will provide higher productivity and performance during his game. Is he running upright or using a slight lean forward? Body weight transfer is essential for tennis players to move quickly from a starting position. Arm swing? Is he using all his energy from his legs, arms or both? Arms never tire in running; legs do if you do not use your arms to transfer power through the hips to the legs. For tennis, we would correct and would see a substantial difference in hip thrusting from a standing position in conjunction with gravity. Bending your head or torso forward does not move the body forward (try it) but tilting the hips forward does! Stride length? Does he have a 90 degree leg split when running? If not, then may not be driving off the back leg. Are his knees high? Vital to cover the ground quickly. Measurement of his strength and stamina. Does he die in the last 50m? Finally, how many tennis players do you know can run 200m? Tiger Woods does weights! Ali used his brains to win 8 out of 15 rounds! Basically the LTA needs to look outside tennis for other things to enhance players and the association. I again will write to them offering my services and hope they will take notice. Thank you

Colin

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posted Jan 12, 2007

Thank you for your very comprehensive reply. I hear they are making big changes to the coaching at the LTA - maybe a good time to get your ideas heard.

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posted Jan 20, 2007

what do you advise for a 12 yr boy playing national level tennis and he is currently looking to increase speed across court and also increase strength in upper body?

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