Having worked with professional athletes at the highest level of sports for over 20 years, you see a lot of great athletes. The honor and privilege to aid in the development of great careers allows a behind the curtain look and deep understanding of how the greats train, how they think, how they struggle and how they succeed. The one thing about all the best in any given sport (or careers in general) is how similar the commonalities are. Although personalities are different, genetics are different, backgrounds are different, some very clear and consistent similarities exist. The greats are different. They focus on the small details, they are consistent and obsessive with the daily work, they are always looking to find ways to get better every day, month and year. The understand adversity is part of the process and they use this as fuel for the next step in the journey. They love the process and they are the best competitors.
Although tennis is a major focus of what we do, we also work with some of the best in Baseball, Soccer, Basketball and Golf. Below is an article and some highlighted links about Dansby Swanson, the shortstop for the Chicago Cubs. Dansby is an athlete we have worked with for over 5 years and have spent more hours with him than some of his family. He has developed into one of the best players in Major League Baseball (MLB) and in addition to being a great athlete, he is an even better person and family man.
Dansby Swanson Quick Stats:
- Started working with Mark Kovacs in 2018
- 2021 World Series with Atlanta Braves
- 2022 All-Star and Gold Glove Winner
- 2023 All-Star and Gold Glove Winner
- One of his best stats is his availability. He was number one in the National League in games played in 2022 and 2023.
- Dansby Swanson was the only player in Major League Baseball to start all 162 games in 2022. This is a major accomplishment and was a testament to his commitment to his training both in the off-season and during season and also to his willingness to follow the plan.
- To add to this great stat, it was also a major contract year which puts an entire extra level of potential pressure. He signed at the end of the 2022 with the Chicago Cubs for 7 years and $177 million.
In tennis this is equivalent to being consistent with your serve percentage and groundstrokes. It is less about the winners and more about the right strategy and winning points by being strategic. Consistency is the commonality among all great athletes.
Power Hitting: Despite playing a position traditionally known for defensive prowess (shortstop), Swanson has displayed impressive power at the plate. His knack for hitting home runs and extra-base hits adds an extra dimension to the teams’ lineup, making him a formidable threat in clutch situations.
In tennis this is equivalent to being able to add a power shot or offensive component during points when needed. This may be hitting an ace on a big point or driving a backhand down the line winner during a typical rally. The ability to increase ball speed and power output when needed is a strength for tennis athletes. If you have consistency in your game, with the ability to up the power and speed of stroke when needed, it gives the player a much-needed competitive advantage.
Run Production: Swanson’s impact goes beyond his individual stats; he’s also a key contributor to the team’s overall run production. Whether it’s driving in runs or scoring them himself, Swanson consistently finds ways to contribute offensively and help his team win games.
In tennis this is similar to doing the little things during points that may not show up immediately, but contributes to the overall success. This could be sticking with a consistent gameplan that may take games or even a set to show benefits. Sticking with the basics, doing the quality work on a reliable schedule will provide results. It may not be flashy, but does result in overall winning opportunities.
Defensive Excellence: Beyond his offensive contributions, Swanson is a defensive stalwart, known for his exceptional fielding skills, strong arm, consistency and range at shortstop. His ability to make highlight-reel plays and provide reliable defense up the middle is invaluable to the team success on the field.
In tennis this is the same as players’ turning defensive positions into offensive opportunities. All the great players like Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Serena are the best at turning what looks like a defensive position into an offensive position. Players should work on improving defensive skills, so that more of the tennis court becomes an opportunity for offensive possibilities.
Clutch Performances: When the game is on the line, Dansby rises to the occasion. He has a knack for delivering in clutch situations, whether it’s with a game-winning hit or a crucial defensive play. His composure under pressure makes him a valuable asset in key moments.
In tennis, like all sports, the best players perform the best in the biggest moments. The term “clutch” is sometimes overused, but the concept is something that is noticeable in tennis. Why do the GOATs win more than everyone else, even when matches are close. This is a combination, of talent, mental resilience, training and a deep belief and trust in their training. The military has a saying that
“Under pressure, you do not rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training”
The level of training when no one is watching is the separator among the best and everyone else. It is also a major commonality among all the great athletes we have worked with as well as the hundreds of others we have studied.
Here is a short video of Dansby Swanson getting in weightroom session with Mark Kovacs during an off-season session before the 2024 season.
Here is a good article about his time as an Atlanta Brave and some of the work that went into it. LINK HERE
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