NCAA – Curtailing Character Development By: Craig Cignarelli

Written by: Staff on 17th August 2012

Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington, DC

NCAA - Curtailing Character Development By: Craig Cignarelli

epa03339340 Mardy Fish of the USA returns a ball to Xavier Malisse of Belgium in their semifinal match during the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington, DC, USA, 03 August 2012. Fish defeated Malisse 6-3, 6-4. EPA/SHAWN THEW |

It is difficult to argue against the statement “more competitive tennis results in better competitive tennis players.” Most developmental coaches agree that today’s players are incredible drillers but lack match play. Players avoid competing against their peers for fear of divulging weaknesses. Parents withhold their kids from playing practice matches against weaker players – a concept that is doomed from inception. The consequence of this insanity is an American generation lacking match toughness.

Lately, the powers-that-be have begun to advocate college tennis as an adjunct to the developmental years. College tennis would provide more match play and harden the competitive resolve of immature athletes. But the NCAA’s recent actions, along with junior tournament director’s decisions, have significantly hampered the match play import. For organizations presumably dedicated to the best interests of young athletes, you’d think they could do better.

In search of shorter matches, junior tournament directors have chosen to make the 3rd set a ten-point super-tiebreaker. A few days ago, the NCAA converted all singles matches to 3rd set super-tiebreakers in lieu of 3rd sets.

The NCAA’s decision to shorten college tennis matches reminds me of something…dessert without dinner…the final act without the movie…sex without foreplay. Something very strange is taking place on the American tennis front. Over the past few years, it seems business interests are outweighing player development interests.

In junior tennis, shorter matches mean less money one has to pay umpires, less to pay for tournament staff time, less for electricity, less court wear, and the ability to accept more participants with more entry fees. On the college front, universities seem to be chasing the television coverage. The sport has placed economics ahead of excellence.

All of this, though, comes at a cost. Third sets teach our kids about perseverance, about the importance of conditioning, about tactical adjustments and the joys and pain of winning or losing close matches. Third sets represent the “battle” moments in a tennis match. Third sets are where we transform mental midgets and form character.

At present, the world has caught up to American tennis. Some might say we’ve followed a mutated path in our evolving structure. Reducing the opportunities for our players to learn from the critical third set occasions is antithetical to player development. At some point, dinner, a movie and a little foreplay are necessary.

Topics: American tennis news, Craig Cignarelli, Ncaa, NCAA comments, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News