See What Had Happened Was....
Most of the kids that I’ve worked with over the years cannot sufficiently answer one simple question after losing a tennis match.
That question is “What happened?
The typical response is “I don’t know”.
What hurts most is that they are telling the truth.
I referenced kids in the first statement, but as we all know, this may apply to tennis players of all ages and skill levels. We practice strokes on a daily basis and devote the majority of our efforts on the physical part of the game. Our physical ability may be at a premium level. However, when stroke production doesn’t generate positive results,
“What do you turn to?”
In the words of our juniors, most of us would answer this question with “I don’t know” as well.
Recently, I’ve come to learn the answer. One of the most over looked skill sets of the game is the Mental aspect. We adults should be held partially responsible for this weakness when it applies to our youth. Each parent and coach alike should arm their kid(s) and/or students with a plan.
Have you ever asked a kid what strategy will they employ prior to a match?
Have you ever taught a kid how to construct a point?
Without a goal or an established objective, there is nothing tangible to speak of once the on-court experience has taken place. When a goal is being established for a particular match or tournament, there are several factors at play. The physical realm we will again leave to the day to day training regiments that one may already have in place. For the sake of 'mind over matter', we’ll provide some universal keys to being mentally tough and staying focused while competing.
KEYS TO KNOWING WHAT HAPPENED: (DISCLAIMER - None of the following tips will transpire if you’re operating at a high rate of speed-SLOW DOWN and BREATHE while reading and playing)
1) Identify what your opponent does not like to do
2) Exploit that weakness
If this is not working…..
3) Do what you do best
If this does not work…
4) Approach the net at every opportune time
If this does not work…
5) Hit moon balls for consistency (the quality of moon ball should vary with each respective skill level)
If this is not working…
6) Employ the drop shot and lob strategy
If this does not work, assuming you’ve got the gist of this principle…
7) Make another adjustment
What has been outlined here is not really designed to provide on the court strategies for winning tennis matches. The important message that should be provoked while competing is that one must be constantly thinking of what is happening and what timely adjustments should be made as a result. There is an infinite number of strategies which suggests that we should run out of games to be played prior to continuing with an unsuccessful game plan.
Have you ever lost a set 6-0 and come back to win the match?
What happened?
Chances are several adjustments were made and/or different strategies were implemented.
We should focus more on what decisions are being made while competing than with the outcome-winning or losing.
What good is a victory if you don’t know how you won?
You were provided six on court tools that can be used when things aren’t going well.
My contention is that if you’re conscious, focused, and aware of what’s happening on every point of a tennis match, you’ll very rarely have to rely on any of them.
Try taking your brain to the court and not your game, then tell me what happened.
Chances are it will not be "See What Had Happened Was"....
"Chip and Charge, The Volley is a Powerful Thing"
Coach Ken Blakely
Metroplex Tennis Association
3/20/10
READ PAST ARTICLES
Got a question, comment, or suggestion for our Pro's? Send an email to info@cttatennis.org.
Make it a good one and we'll post it .
Don't forget to add your contact information (telephone & address) for recognition.
Good luck!
FROM THE PRO
© Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. Central Texas Tennis Association
For more information, contact CTTA at (512) 280-5800
