The McCraw Method

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Research Institute

For the past 8 years I have conducted numerous studies on the ITF Junior Circuit and the ATP / WTA Tours. These have shaped my philosophy enormously and validated both my beliefs and dispelled long-held coaching myths about the game. Below you will find a selection of studies that I think will shape your outlook on coaching. Enjoy!

If you would like to join the McCrawMethod Research Team for 2009 and be part of this years studies, please contact me.

2008 ATP & WTA Tour Comparison

The results are in for the 2008 ATP & WTA Tour Comparison. The results may suprise you. See below for an analysis of outcome type and percentage of point outcome for Clay, Grass and Hard Court.

You can also download an overview of Coaching Applications broken down by surface. This will assist in the tactical development for junior players.

ATP & WTA Tour Point Outcome by Surface:

Hard Court - Australian Open and US Open findings combined.
Clay Court - Findings from Roland Garros (French Open).
Grass Court - Findings from Wimbledon.
Coaching Applications - Tactical development for junior players.

2008 Point Outcome - ATP Tour

This study was conducted on the ATP Tour at the 2008 Australian Open (Hard Court - Plexi-Cushion), Roland Garros (Clay Court), Wimbledon (Grass Court) and US Open (Hard Court - Deco Turf) Championships. It attempted to investigate the connection between outcome type, percentage of point outcomes and court surface. The intended use of the study was to assist in the tactical development of junior tennis players. Download Research.

The most significant coaching implication from this study is: ATP Tour players do not change their game when changing surfaces to end points any differently. They may however, change the type of shot hit during the point to achieve a different outcome type, but the point ending combinations are the same no matter the speed and type of surface.

2007 Point Outcome - WTA Tour

This study was conducted on the WTA Tour at the 2007 Australian Open (Hard Court - Rebound Ace), Roland Garros (Clay Court) and Wimbledon (Grass Court) Championships. It attempted to investigate the connection between outcome type, percentage of point outcomes and court surface. The intended use of the study was to assist in the tactical development of junior tennis players. Download Research.The most significant coaching implication from this study is: WTA Tour players do not change their game when changing surfaces to end points any differently. They may however, change the type of shot hit during the point to achieve a different outcome type, but the point ending combinations are the same no matter the speed and type of surface.

For further discussion on coaching and player development implications that came from the study click here.

2006 Point Sequence - WTA Tour

This study was conducted on the WTA Tour at the 2006 Australian Open (Hard Court - Rebound Ace), Roland Garros (Clay Court) and Wimbledon (Grass Court) Championships. It attempted to investigate the sequence in which points were won and to explore the connection between this and winning games, sets and matches. The intended use of the study was to assist in the tactical development of junior tennis players. Download Research.

The conclusions of the study and implications for coaches and players are:

Not all points in tennis have equal weighting. If you win certain points you gain a statistical advantage over your opponent.
While the total number of points won in a match is important, the sequence in which a player wins points is more important.
The significance point sequence has on determining the outcome of a match necessitates players be educated on it's importance.
Knowledge of point sequence should serve as a platform from which players build tactical intentions and act as a framework for decision making during a match.