The case has been made that you should use the score to improve your game. The theory instructs you to go for more when you’re up in the game, use your strength to attack your opponent’s weakness when you’re up by a little (30-15), or exploit their weakness regardless of your strength when you’re down 15-40. Trying to close it out? “Play the weakness”, it says. Okay. Now, I encourage you to evaluate this approach for yourself and be realistic about what is helpful and what is not. Let’s look at what makes the most sense for you. (more…)
Why is it so hard to maintain composure in tennis? There is no team or person on the sideline to cushion the blow of a missed shot at a critical time. There is noone to pull you out of that frustrating place when you can’t seem to find your shots. The truth is you are exposed at all times; there is nowhere to hide when things aren’t going your way. You are all alone out there to deal with the emotional ups and downs. (more…)
As I’m sure you know, self-belief is critical if you expect to win at any level. The best in the game have it most of the time–especially Federer and Nadal. But, they too, have their moments, especially when they’re playing one another. (more…)
Of course we are all dumbfounded at not only the length of Isner and Mahut’s historic match, but how they could maintain their concentration under these conditions for that long. In an interview, Isner himself, had great difficulty articulating how this was possible: “I don’t know. I guess we both served incredibly well. It’s grass. We were hitting our spots, a lot.” (more…)
No doubt John Isner and Nicolaus Mahut are part of something amazing, absolutely amazing. Patrick McEnroe is right that win or lose Isner and Mahut have to feel special. They’ve touched every tennis player on the planet. This will be a memory they will never forget. (more…)
Rafael Nadal exemplifies grit, perspective, hard work, discipline and motivation. Asked today about John McEnroe’s belief that if Nadal stays fit he could bag at least 12 Grand Slams, Rafa laughed. “I’ll see what happens at the end of my career,” Nadal responded. “I’m very happy to have seven Grand Slams already. This is more than I dreamed of. I feel very lucky. If I still improve my tennis I hope I have more chances to win. I just want to keep fighting to play well. I want enough motivation to keep practicing and get on the court. This is what I have done all my life.” (more…)
We can learn a lot from the pros. Watch and listen this week and see what you can glean from their approach to the game. After all, if they are competing for their livelihoods, they must have figured a few things out about what mindset is optimal in competition. (more…)
Establishing a healthy relationship between young players and their parents, given the overwhelming pressure to win in this game, requires our awareness, long-term vision and commitment. Player’s potential, self-esteem and long-term happiness are on the line. (more…)
I think one of the more difficult challenges we all face in the game is making effective adjustments in the middle of a match. The key question is what factor(s) are responsible for the increase in unforced errors or sub-optimal execution of your shots (i.e forcing passing shots, low first serve percentage, going for too much at the wrong time). Is it the sudden awareness of physical tension that is causing you to hold back or overhit? Are you doubting your strokes which is creating moments of indecision just before you hit? (more…)
Jun
07
2010
Anxiety and physical tension are, arguably, two of the most damaging symptoms that can impede our ability to play our best tennis.
In my experience, getting our bodies loose when our nervous system is ramping up is a worthy pursuit, and achievable. The benefits are numerous: self-confidence, greater enjoyment, more passion and, ultimately, results. (more…)
