Abstract
This study analyses views of Czech tennis experts of the long-term athletic development in tennis. Based on nine structured open ended interviews is the aim of the study to identify, confirm and/or review the ways of achieving the top tennis performance.
The study focuses on three topics of the problem - characteristic features of training, demands on successful players and importance of sport competitions. Results reveal the importance of specialization in the early age of children in the tennis training, and crucial is keeping principles of deliberate play and versatility as well.
Psychological factors are frequently mentioned requirements for successful players. Based on the interviews with experts the ranking among top players in youth age categories is an important aspect for the player development.
The research brings new and often required information for tennis federations, coaches, managers and researchers, dealing with the talent identification, selection and development.