Some players are willing to suffer. Some don’t want to experience too much pain. Their pain threshold is low. Part of the genius in the Spanish approach is to gradually expose players to more and more suffering, through the grinding attrition of longer and longer drills.

Over time the player becomes inured to the pain and becomes tougher and more able and willing to suffer. Playing on slow red clay also helps to contribute to this quality of character.

If the courts are very fast and the points are short, it is difficult to develop this important quality. It could perhaps be developed off the court with a tough physical trainer.

Life itself contributes to a person’s capacity to suffer. Players who have experienced a hard life with setbacks and tribulations are more likely to develop a strong capacity to suffer and endure.

As coaches, we should consider and measure our players’ suffering capacity, and also strive to build up this capacity gradually over time. This is part of building the mindset of a champion.