I am not a formal Grand Slam champion, but I do play tennis on a regular basis. Tennis is next to cricket for me. Because I moved to U.S.A three years ago, I had to choose a game I can play. I tried tennis, and I fell in love with it. I had an undefeated record for my high school, and now I am a member of my college tennis team. Because I have played tennis, on a very competetive level (reached state level when playing for school), I think I can point out some tips about mastering tennis. I hope everyone enjoys the review and those playing tennis can benefit from it::
INCREASE YOUR SKILLS: Even if you are playing for sheer entertainment, I would greatly suggest you to work on your skills. Trust me, the more skilled you are, the more you enjoy this game. Can you imagine your opponent serving you and nine out of ten times he faults, and when he gets his serve in your return is not good enough. Aaaahhhhhhhh, I will kill myself if I have to play in that manner. If possible, video tape yourself playing, and try to find out your own mistakes, and of course try to correct them. When you get on the tennis court to play, make sure you stretch and perform all the necessary drills, before you start playing the set. Avoid playing with the same opponent everyday if possible. Would you like to see India play Australia for 10 test matches and then 10 one day matches. Obviously no, playing the same opponent makes it boring, therefore you lose your interest in the game. So, try gaining more skills in tennis, work on your serve, ask for suggestions if available, don’t shy from playing someone better than you as it will only help you.
Play imaginary tennis: Some of you might disagree with me, but I can guarantee you that playing imaginary tennis would help your game a great deal. Daydream yourself playing against your opponent on an excellent day. Imagine yourself serving right on spot, hitting big returns, hitting winners all the time, not making my mistakes, not getting frustrated at all. Don’t let the negative thoughts come to your mind. Even if your game is not too good, imagine yourself as a very accurate player who rarely makes any mistakes. If you get time, try closing your eyes for five minutes, and sort of meditate tennis. Remember mental aspect of the game is very important but very few tennis players work on it. It helps you stay calm and enjoy your game more.
SEE THE BALL:: Or Should I say , ’’See the path of the ball’’. For those who play, ’’How often you miss the ball completely or hit it way out because you didn’t follow the path of the ball?’’ you know the answer. Seeing the ball is a very important aspect of tennis. When your opponent is serving, get in the ready position and concentrate on the point where the ball comes in contact with the tennis. You would notice some great reflexes within your body and you will be able to return the ball a lot better. For those
who have been playing tennis for while and are good in it know that sometimes the ball is hit too fast your don’t really see it but use your judgement. But if have traced the path of the ball, the direction in which its coming at you, you are able to hit it a lot better
- Play to Play, Not to win:: Don’t play for the sole purpose of winning the game, but enjoy it. Enjoy all the big serves you get in. Enjoy your returns, enjoy the points you win, enjoy the drop shots. Enjoy your health getting better because of this wonderful workout. And guess what, the more you enjoy the game, the more games you will win. Its a guarantee because if you enjoy the game, it helps you concentrate a lot more on the game.
I am sure I can write more, but trust me my review is already long, and I don’t want the readers to be bored. Please do comment on this review, criticism is welcome. I really want to know if my review is doing any good, and what areas do I need to improve on. If any of you have any questions about tennis just add it with your comment, and I will try to answer you with the best of my knowledge.
Take care and have fun
Jatt