Stephen Huss - "The data that Craig and his website provide is such a valuable tool for me as a coach to utilize and implement. Hard facts are so much better than beliefs, or what you think your eye sees in real motion."
Q: How has the new analytics affected your coaching?
A: It has definitely had an impact on the way I do things. With more factual data comes more knowledge and understanding; which is then passed along to the practice court and the players that I work with.
Q: Has your practice court changed?
A: I put more emphasis on the Serve/Return +1 than I did before, which comes from the information detailing that the majority of points come in the 1-4 shot range. I use the information on net play to encourage my players to improve their skills and use the net as a form of pressure. The 2nd serve data was something I was confident I already knew but it supports the time I put into it. There are numerous other examples of how I have adapted my practice court.
Q: How have you seen the new data incorporated by your players?
A: For me, it has been using the data as hard facts to convince my players how important the work we are doing is. Now I can show them percentages of what the very top players are achieving and have them aspire to get there and beyond. It is about the players using the information to see where improvements are necessary. Helps tremendously with goals and making improvements measurable. Now the dartfish data I am gathering on my own players can be compared to Craig's data from the very top players.
Q: Have you seen a steeper improvement curve?
Something like this is subjective and hard to measure but I do know that any way to improve the quality and engagement of practice means that improvement will go faster. Craig's data helps me as a coach achieve this.
Q: How has your mind changed with how you view the sport?
A: Not much has changed actually. I have always enjoyed using analytics, stats, and video as a way to improve as a coach, and to evaluate and inspire my players. Craig and his website provide terrific information and shortcuts to do this. As a coach, I need to be mindful of the trends and sometimes follow, or get ahead of where the game is going, because it is always getting better.
Thank you, Craig, keep that data coming!
