WHAT IS THE 135 FRAMEWORK?
At 135 Tennis Intelligence, we believe that understanding a player’s game starts with understanding patterns — not just point outcomes. The 135 Framework is our core methodology for profiling how a player competes, learns, and improves over time. It goes beyond traditional stats by focusing on the rally lengths that define every match.
Rally Phases: A Tactical Breakdown
Rather than treating all rallies the same, we break them down into three distinct phases based on shot count and player role:
- Shots 1-3-5 – Serve Profile: Serve, Shot 3, Shot 5.
- Shots 2-4-6 – Return Profile: Return, Shot 4, Shot 6.
- 7+ Shots – Long Rally Profile: The patterns that emerge when players settle into deeper exchanges.
Each of these rally lengths requires different skills, tactics, and decision-making. Some players may dominate in short rallies but struggle when the point extends. Others may be rock-solid in long rallies but unable to capitalise early. The 135 Framework shows us where a player excels — and where there’s room for growth.
Why All Three Rally Lengths Matter
A common misconception in tennis is that success comes from mastering one style — fast points, aggressive play, or consistent grinding. In reality, matches have a context, influenced by things like opponent style, surface, weather conditions and score. A complete player needs a complete profile to handle the different situations that occur in a match.
The 135 Framework ensures players are not one-dimensional. It helps coaches and players:
- Build balanced games.
- Identify and target opponent weaknesses.
- Design training sessions based on real data.
- Develop adaptable players, ready for any opponent or match scenario.
More Than Just Statistics – A Player Profile
Traditional tennis stats often focus on point-ending numbers: winners, errors, first-serve percentage. But those figures only tell you how a point ended — not how it was constructed.
The 135 Framework provides a tactical lens into a player’s game. It identifies how points are built, where momentum shifts, and what patterns define a player’s style.
Measuring Player Development Over Time
Because the 135 Framework separates rally lengths, it allows us to track improvements in each profile over time. Whether you’re coaching juniors or working with elite players and pros, the 135 Profile becomes a measurable record of growth — not just results.
And it doesn’t matter what level the player is.
Whether it’s a 12-year-old learning point construction or a college player or pro, the 135 Framework gives clarity, direction, and data to support their journey.
Smarter Coaching. Better Conversations. Real Development.
The 135 Framework is more than just a tool. It’s a way to talk about tennis that’s meaningful, measurable, and personalised.
If you’re ready to understand how your players play – and how they can play better – it starts with building their 135 Profile.