Real Tennis Players - Like You! - Asking For, and Offering, Advice on the Sport They Love
Player to Player is USTA.com’s regular feature in which everyday tennis players are given a forum to ask advice on the sport they love – and their fellow players will dish out advice. We’ll post a number of the best responses we receive to our question of the week. PLAYER TO PLAYER DOESN'T WORK WITHOUT YOUR QUESTIONS, so please send any queries you’d like answered, or responses to other players' questions, to Player@USTA.com.
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This week's question from Mary: | "I've been invited to play league tennis this year. I've never played organized USTA tennis before, only social tennis, and I'm feeling a little intimidated by all the rules and regulations, not to mention the specific tennis etiquette. What's the best way to not make too many mistakes and have fun playing, while trying to improve my game, make new acquaintances and be a good team member?" | | Please share your thoughts with Mary by e-mailing Player@USTA.com and include your name and hometown.
Got a question of your own? Send that along, too! | |
READ OTHER PLAYERS' ADVICE
Last week’s question from Marie:
(Please note: There's no need to send additional responses to this question)
"How can I improve upon focusing on the ball instead of watching my opponent?"
PLAYER RESPONSES:
From Eric R., Santa Rosa, CA:
Trying too hard to focus is counter-productive. Imagine a patient with hypertension being yelled at by his doctor, "Just RELAX, dammit!!" Trying too hard just creates more tension, not better results.
What works is becoming more positive in your attention to the ball itself. It has to be an almost worshipful (lol) attention to the individual spin and speed of the ball. You have to become absorbed in reacting to the hit of the ball, like a tennis detective, then quickly moving left or right with your racquet and feet before the ball has crossed the net. The sound of the ball, the force of the spin, the observation of spin by racquet angle and finish are the details.
Your opponent will have habits; we all do. Keep your mind on the game by thinking about his/her game in between points. What is their serving pattern? Does it change according to side? What stroke of theirs produces more errors? How short is their second serve? What shot of yours should you follow to net? Change a losing strategy by applying these details.
Tim Galwey wrote the bestseller, "The Inner Game." Read it. His mantra is to park the distracted part of your mind on the ball by saying, "ball, ball, ball," until breathing out exactly at the point of contact. The ball becomes your chosen object of desire.
It may take a month or so of practicing this approach before your "monkey mind" stops messing around with your game. Try it. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
From Andrew H., Houston, TX:
Based on my experience and conviction, watching your opponent as she/he is setting up to return your shot is invaluable because it frequently (not always with "clever" players) will give you an indication of what to expect. This, then, provides you with anticipation as to more or less where your opponent's return is coming. Then, when your opponent's ball leaves her/his racquet, you can focus on the ball but also use your peripheral vision or your opponent's position on the court so you can return the shot either for an outright winner or make your opponent run. This strategy can be very useful, since anticipation gives you a "heads up," or if you are not quick on the court, anticipation will provide more time for you to get to the ball.
From Carole A., Sarasota, FL:
I start counting (to myself) the minute my opponent strikes the ball, and I don't stop counting until I strike the ball (usually up to five counts). This keeps me focused on the ball until after I have hit it, and then I can look up. Try it! It really works! Good luck!
From Sidney J.:
As strange as it may sound, try to read the writing on the ball during the warm up. You will be surprised at how much focus you will have. Then work on carrying that over during the match. It really works.
From Kai H., Lake Balboa, CA:
You can control what the ball does. You can't control what your opponent does. That being said, focus only on what is in your control. You can regulate how you hit the ball, whether you add topspin or slice. You can regulate how you move your feet and your speed. My point is that you have to realize in the game of tennis what you have power over and what you can't do much about. You are playing the ball, not your opponent. Hope that helps a bit!
*Please note that any advice given out in this forum should in no way be confused with actual medical advice. Before starting any new exercise regimen or altering your existing one, we strongly urge you to consult with your regular physician.
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