Courting Questions
Question: Tonny … I am just not playing well today and don’t know why.
In my ongoing quest to teach my students about one-on-one competition I have to deal with this statement all the time.
My first response is always: “Compared to who?”
The moment you are comparing yourself to an imaginary standard or level, you have taken yourself out of the reality of competition. Your opponent has presented a problem for you, and instead of finding a way to combat him/her more successfully, your mind is wondering. Why? Why can’t I hit the shots I was hitting last week? Why is my forehand not working? Why is my backhand slice not effective today? Why?
Who cares!
Give your opponent some credit (do what?), and accept that you have to play today with the shots that you are in control of. When you accept the truth, the challenge in front of you should give you great motivation.
Remember …
â–ºIt is not all in your control (your opponent is not a stiff)
â–ºStop searching for your shots, you just might find them
â–ºDon’t try to escape the challenge … deal, persevere and overcome
Question: Tonny … I can never find my rhythm when I play with a particular partner. What should I do?
Stop looking! Your rhythm does not exist.
You are probably asking why you cannot hit your nice strong drives against this player who hits these weak, loopy floaters into the back court. It is very likely that you prefer to play certain players that hit you your “favorite ball.” However, all is fair in love and tennis.
Deal with the challenge in front of you and get in sync with the tennis of the day.
“Waiter, what is the soup du jour?”
“The soup of the day!”
Today’s soup equals today’s tennis.
