Career Development Checkpoints

Career Development Checkpoints – Understanding the Process – by Chuck Kriese

At each and every level that you play, you will experience these checkpoints and usually have to go through them #1 to #4. Many players and their coaches/parents over time have tried to skip these levels but that just does not happen.

It is obvious that the faster that you can move through the levels, the better that it is; HOWEVER, if you try to take an elevator to #4, the traps are very, very many, and usually have to do with an inability to deal with the pressure of the responsibilities of the role. Remember always that underdogs do not ultimately win in this sport. Even when you are an underdog, you need to act proactively and handle yourself as the favorite. The number #3 level is the level that might feel uncomfortable, but it is the one that ultimately takes you where you are trying to go.

Level 4 – (Dominant Level – You start winning going away, and are set to move on to the next level)

-This level is Very Hard to Achieve

-Usually only an older and more experienced player moves to this level

-There is still pressure, but your physical, mental and emotional skills override the other guy.

-Unless skill is advanced enough and experience is enough, trying to play this level gives an all to lose and nothing to gain situation.

-Pretenders here are prime candidates for upsets from #2 level players as they usually have ducked the pressure of #3 level to try to be at this level.

-Contenders (the real deal guy) have 95% reliability chance for win.

Level 3 – Winning as a favorite – dirty work winning.

Butterflies that you have you must get to fly in formation !

-Best Level to be at, but also most scary and vulnerable feeling. (Most try to avoid this level

And bypass it to go to level #4. That is a huge mistake…..

-Best Ratio of success vs. player at level#2 if routines and fundamentals are followed

-A definite level of Non-comfort (goal is to become comfortable at being uncomfortable here)

-Player gains strength with each war zone success

-Must run plays and be at a plus-neutral for best chance of success

-Will always give yourself a chance to win if you can survive bad times

-Winning often feels more like a relief than an elation

-Must give up control, become vulnerable and then go out and play to win

-A 90-95% reliability of success vs. #1level and about 70%-80% vs. #2

-Will always give self chance to win at Momentum Checkpoint #6 (crunch time)

-AT THIS LEVEL, YOU USUALLY ALMOST LOSE BEFORE YOU ALWAYS WIN!!

ASSOCIATION BREEDS ASSIMILATION WITH LEVEL #2 AND LEVEL #3- Choose your friends and environment carefully

Level 2 – (Winning as the Underdog)

-Skills are good enough to win and player thinks he is good enough to win

-Very exciting level to play at as there is more to gain than to lose

-Low to medial pressure

-Will usually bring war-zones back on self as you are uncomfortable in leading vs. top player

-Usually has a fast start in matches, but doesn’t hold up if momentum swings the wrong way

-When the tide turns, the checkouts (mentally and emotionally) begin

-Play more reaction type tennis in warzones

-Successful only 10-30% of the time against a prepared #3 player

-AT THIS LEVEL, YOU ALMOST WIN BEFORE YOU ALWAYS LOSE!!

Level 1 (The True Underdog) No expectation for success.

-No Pressure and Easy to play at this role

-Most feel that they can just go for it, since you have nothing to lose

-Very low chance of success since leading is quite unfamiliar and uncomfortable

-Favorite saying after loss is: I had My Chances………

-Success rate is only 0-10% vs. a prepared #3

-Usually an accepted role since it is a fun role to play