Episode 116: Mike James - A Numbers Game

In this episode, we´re talking all things data with ATP/WTA tennis analyst Mike James.

Mike is a former UK tennis coach who moved into the world of tennis data analysis in 2014. 

Since then he´s worked with many top players and coaches like Stan Wawrinka and Misha Kecmanovic and is now the data analyst for the 2020 French Open Champion Iga Swiatek. He has also set up his own company, Sport Analytics.

Mike tells us how he fits into a pro players team, and what information they will ask him for. 

He explains what he tracks, what trends he looks for and how that data and video footage can be used for player development, scouting reports, pre and post-injury comparison reports etc. 

If you´re a Coach, he also gives you his top tips for how you can use data to help you improve, and in turn improve your players. He also details how he sets up a scouting report on a player.

A great listen!

Highlights from the episode:

[06:50] Mike describes his journey into tennis analysis

[20:03] Mike talks about his experience working with Stan Wawrinka and his coach Magnus Norman

[23:32] Pen & paper at the ready! Mike details how he sets up a scouting report on a player.

[30:31] Find out at what stage in a match there would tend to be longer rallies.

[33:33] Why his relationship will be with the Coach and not the pro player.

[37:11] What is the criteria for a "net point" and why it varies.

[50:19] Mike talks Primary Patterns and if this applies to the top players

[53:52] How he fits into Iga Swiatek´s team and how they use him

[1:00:56] One for Coaches! Mike gives his top tips for how you can use data to improve your players.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:-

Mike James on Twitter: @mikejamestennis

Mike James on Instagram: @mikejames_tennis_analyst

Tennis Coaches Support Network on Facebook

Summer Training Weeks at SotoTennis Academy...

Email info@sototennis.com for more information!