By Christine Staudinger Ezra, USTA.com
Whether you put them down on paper, or just let them swirl through your head, setting resolutions at the start of a new year increases your chance of making positive changes a reality.
Your goal could be anything from improving your tennis game to getting into top physical shape. Take a peek at the resolutions other dedicated tennis players are working toward in 2006 for some inspiration. Now you’ll know what your opponent is really thinking about in between serves.
From Steve W.
Fitness and conditioning! I'm a 4.0 player who has recently noticed my fitness is costing me matches. If I'm to progress, I'll need to be stronger and increase my stamina during matches. Just playing tennis a lot isn't enough any more. This year I resolve to get to the net faster and more often, improve my footwork, and get a part-time job at my racquet club.
From Leigh T. of Atlanta, GA
1. To get my 6-year-old on the court and to develop my 10-year-old's game.
2. To give up that inconsistent one-handed topspin backhand and concentrate more on my slice.
3. To put as much time on the court as I have clothes in my closet.
From Harriet L.
I resolve to continue to watch and tape all of Andre Agassi's matches as I have done since 1995. I am 83-years-old and cannot manage the walking required to attend tournaments. I hope that he can continue playing and thrilling us as he has in the past.
From Anne R.
My goal for 2006 is to get to the beginner tournaments. I'm 8-years-old and I like tennis, but my mom says I'm not ready. But that's what I want.
From Juliette N. of Rock Hill, SC
My resolution for 2006 is to drink more water and work out at least three times a week. This way I can play like a 30-year-old instead of a 40-year-old!
From Jackie of New York City
My tennis-related New Year's resolution for 2006 is… drum roll please …to play at least four times a month. Also, my ultimate tennis dream is to be at the finals of each Grand Slam. In 2005, I successfully checked off seeing the women's singles final at the US Open.
From Shelby W.
My resolution is to be No. 1 on my tennis team instead of No. 2 because then I’d get to play with 8th graders!
From Rafael C.
Next year, I want to be in better match-play shape, and I want to improve my volleys. I also want to be more consistent with my backhand and forehand, creating a monster to be reckoned with.
From Gina P. of Reno, NV
My 2006 resolution is to be a better USTA team captain. I want to do what I can to make our team fun and competitive and for each player to increase her skill and enjoyment of the game.
From Alyson M. of New York, NY
My resolution is to realize that my body has specific needs in order to perform at my highest potential. It does not matter that Agassi never stretches; my body needs stretching. I plan to be committed to a 15-minute cardio warm-up, followed by a 15-minute stretching routine prior to going on the court and giving it my all. I believe this will not only prevent injuries but keep me focused and on time.
From Ralph P.
I resolve to...
1. Hit the court hard.
2. Win my first USTA tournament.
3. Get back to playing on my beloved clay.
4. Attend a masters or slam in the latter rounds.
5. Get me a pair of the new barricade shoes :)
From Cooper of Valley Stream, NY
At 74-years-old and being new to tennis (three years), I have many resolutions. I resolve to get better, play as often as I can, continue to enjoy the game, and enter some tournaments!
From Michael E. of Bondville, VT
My resolution is to achieve a top-10 ranking in the New England 50s.
From John G. of Richmond, VA
1. Improve stamina by working on the exercise bike three times each week.
2. Improve the kick serve -- hit one per service game.
3. Improve topspin backhand -- hit three per set.
From Michael of Arvada, CO
My resolution is to play in at least one tournament this year and improve to a 3.5 level.
From Bill
I am a 63-year-old male who plays a hard game and is always trying to improve. When it comes to backhands, it is the weakest part of my game. I have developed a decent slice, but that’s where it ends. My goals for 2006 are as follows:
1. To develop a “non-slice” backhand.
2. To work on a topspin backhand.
3. To be able to “place” a backhand.
From Tanner B. of Duncanville, TX
My New Year's resolution is to be a SuperChamp by my next two tennis tournaments, one of which is a boys' 14s Champ tournament in Waco, Texas.
From Cynthia E. of the Bronx, NY
I am a college student, and tennis season is over. I want to continue to play tennis to stay in shape and have fun in between studying. The problem is that my school tennis court is going to be torn down, and I have no place to play. I'm on winter break with my family, so I plan to stay in tennis shape by playing at the tennis center near my house. I just hope that when I get back to school, I can find somewhere to play!
From McKenzie M. of Traverse City, MI
My resolution is to be even better at keeping my head perfectly still at the moment of contact on both forehand and backhand.
From Ann L.
1. Keep strings fresher.
2. Stick to training diet.
3. Get a better tan -- the pros look great and use sunscreen.
4. Get more friends out to play.
5. Learn to deal with old balls.
From Stephanie H. of Great Neck, NY
This year, I tore some cartilage in my knee. My doctor told me I wouldn’t be able to play for one year, so my resolution is that I get to play again in 2006.
From Ezequiel C. of Tarboro, NC
I'm currently a senior in high school and have been playing tennis for a year. Over the last three months, I’ve been playing for about 2.5 hours every day. I have a positive feeling that I’m going to be the first seed when the season starts. My 2006 resolution is to make it to the State Championships, but in order for me to get there, I have to pass the conference and regional tournaments first.
Linda C. of Indianapolis, IN
I need to find an off-day weight and conditioning routine.
From Ralph S. of Palm Desert, CA
My wish is to improve my overall playing skills from 3.5 to a 4.0, which would match my already 4.0 serve. At the age of 72, I find it too late to change my backhand to a double backhand and to run down lobs that go over my head when playing the net. But that doesn't mean I can't improve on my angle play and drop shots. I guess this wish will be fulfilled as long as I put the effort forward and try harder. I hope I’ll still be playing USTA competitively at 80-years-old.
From Lindy of Bensalem, PAI am recently retired and have several tennis goals that I made for this year:
1. Take lessons once or twice a week.
2. Improve my forehand -- always follow through and use a laid back wrist.
3. Get to the ball early and set up.
4. Long term goal -- go to Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon (I have been to the US Open).
From Lauren O.
My 2006 resolution is to move up from a 3.0-ranked player to a 3.5 before the summer season. I have been defeated one time these past two seasons while playing singles and am ready for a challenge. I get really excited about my matches and find that I play down a bit just to get more court time. I think that it is most definitely time to move up.
My second resolution is to go to Flushing Meadows for the US Open. I TIVO all of the matches and watch every stroke even after the tournament is over. I think that the greatest thing this year would be to see it up close and personal.
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