Postings

Posted on November 04, 2001 at 17:59:11:

Usually I'm a 3.5 player on the court. However, recently, I've been losing all of my matches, even ones that I shouldn't lose. This is because, recently, when I play matches, all my consistency goes out the window and I play more like a 2.0 player. I suspect that this problem is psycological but I am not really sure why I play so bad in matches. Usually, during drills and such, I play very well and most of my shots land in the court with good pace and depth. However, once I get into a match, everything changes. I can barely return a second serve without it going to the fence. Can anyone give me reasons and ways to cure this dilemma? Thanks.

Posted on November 08, 2001 at 14:39:26:

In Reply to: Help!!! posted by josh ohe on November 04, 2001 at 17:59:11:

Your problem could be psychological . . . you might be tightening up when you're playing a match (ie. choking). You say you're a good practice player. In practice you're probably relaxed and stroking the ball well but when you get into a match, you sound like you tense up. Do you worry about the score? Are you afraid to play they way you do in practice? Often in drills, your practice partner or teaching pro is hitting a ball right to you so it is easier to hit a nice shot. That's why you play better in practice. However, in a match, your opponent is trying to hit the ball away from you and to make it hard for you to hit good shots. Here's what you should try. In a match, try to make sure you're in the right position to hit each shot. To do this, you have to make sure you're feet are moving and that you get set for each shot. In practice, work on having to run to hit shots that are hit away from you, rather than having balls hit to you all the time. If you are returning a soft second serve into the back fence, you are over hitting. In this case, it is tempting to want to kill a soft serve. But if you don't get it in, what's the point? Try to move your feet and get set for the return; then hit a nice easy return deep in the court. Once you start getting the ball in play, you can work on winning the point! But most of all, you need to relax when you play a match. If you're tense, your feet won't move and you won't play well anyway. Keep track of the score but try not to worry about it. Try to think more about what you are trying to do with your shots. Think about getting set up to hit your shots just like you do in practice. These are positive things that will keep you focused on each shot. Good Luck!

Posted on January 20, 2002 at 14:53:36:

In Reply to: Help!!! posted by josh ohe on November 04, 2001 at 17:59:11:

Quit practicing by drilling. My practice is always playing competitive matches. I found that one of the worst things I can do is practice volleying and overheads, even just prior to a match. We have a tendency to direct the serve and/or overhead back to our opponent so s/he can hit us another practice ball. Then, when the match begins, we continue to do what we have practiced. Arrggghhhh! Now, when I practice just prior to a match I attempt to hit it away from my opponent. I agree with the previous response, too. In drills the ball is hit "to" you as opposed to "away" from you. Therefore, you are required to hit returns while scrambling, stretched out and, in general, constantly "wrong-footed". Of course, I'm getting older. A sure sign is the fact that my opponents and I take a whopping 5 minutes or less of warm-up and then spin the racquet for service choice. (One more thing: I do most of my stretching after play begins. I've heard that stretching while cold can cause more injuries than starting slowly and stretching after the blood gets flowing.)

Posted on August 27, 2002 at 13:35:22:

Hi Iam 26, recently I took a USTA membership, thinking of playing some tournaments and make some money out of it. I tried in internet , but iam confused , finding out best way to become tennis pro . Right now my skill lavel is 5.0 and iam working out to improve my skill lavel. If anybody out there have any info or websites where i can get better suggestions, that will be a greate help right now. Thanks.

In Reply to: What is the best way to become tennis pro posted by kiran on August 27, 2002 at 13:35:22:

Doesn't it require good sponsors, technically and financially?

Posted on September 09, 2002 at 15:22:53:

anyplace i get rules/etiquette specific for mixed doubles? Thanks

In Reply to: What is the best way to become tennis pro posted by kiran on August 27, 2002 at 13:35:22:

kiran, it's a long hard and expensive road while competing on the professional tours. Sponsorship or deep pockets are mandatory. If you're serious about attempting this, you must start with the USTA satelite (futures) systems here in the States. There are circuits all over the nation and sure to be a circuit in your area. As you will quickly find out, the competition is steep and deep. Gone are the days of weak circuits in certain areas. Travel is inexpensive now, allowing all players to travel to any events they choose, and players are facing ATP point holders even in first round qualies. With success in the circuit comes opportunity to play in circuit finals. Once enough points accumulated, move on to Challengers, then on to ATP events. Not to burst your bubble, but the road is long, steep, and often feels impossible. 5.0 is a good rating for a club level player, but realize there are plenty of 6.0 players out there playing that have yet to receive ATP points.

Posted on November 07, 2002 at 08:41:10:

In Reply to: mixed doubles posted by cecilia on September 09, 2002 at 15:22:53: : anyplace i get rules/etiquette specific for mixed doubles? Thanks Rules are the same unless modified by the governing body of the league or event. Example: an organization or governing official may mandate that on deuce or ad, the woman must serve to the woman, and the man to the man. As for etiquette, this is the stickiest situation known in tennis! I won't even begin to touch that subject! I will put in that all players are court are there to compete and should be treated as competitors, unless the tennis is played at a fun social mixer. Good luck.