COACH'S CORNER...

Welcome to another season and I hope that you will enjoy the coaching and playing tennis this year, whether you are an adult or child, a beginner or a seasoned player there will be something for you to work on and together we can positively improve your game. take  some time to  look through  some of the items on this  page.

TECHNICAL IMPROVEMENT THROUGH PERSONAL DISCIPLINE

So often we do not improve at tennis because of our own bad habits. John MacEnroe maintains that he could have been a 10% better player if only he could have focused more, however I feel sure his behaviour must have made most of his opponents play at least 10% below their best!!!

Most of these points are as important during training as they are during matches. In the match situation you are on your own, tennis is an individual sport (singles) and you should consider yourself totally responsible for your preparation and performance.

Your Ten Top Tips for Personal Success

1 - Get mentally prepared and stay mentally tough, keep your mind on the game.

2 - See every mistake you make as a stepping-stone to your future success, in other words learn from your mistakes.

3 - Look after your equipment, in a match the umpire will award points to your opponent if you drop, kick or throw your racket, instead of getting stressed SMILE, this can really put your opponent off!!!

4 - Never attempt to hit a ball that is clearly going out - especially if you are standing behind the baseline.

5 - Never just hit a serve that has clearly bounced out, why practice a shot that you will never have to play in the game situation? Instead try to catch the ball on your racket and put it calmly in your pocket, this will often confuse opponents.

6 - Never attempt to start serving with only one ball, however do think about wearing shorts with decent pockets and only holding one ball on your first serve, this is pretty obvious and yet how many players do you see fumble with that second ball when their next shot is so often a double handed backhand...think about it!!!

7 - Remember that the volley and the smash are designed to finish the point off, if you are not punching the volley away or really hammering that smash down then ask yourself why? So often a weak volley or smash landing mid-court gives your opponent the chance to make an easy winner/passing shot.

8 - No matter how bad you think you are playing or how cross you feel inside, do not let your opponent see this "GET OVER IT". Instead ask yourself what am I doing wrong and change it, do not continue to make the same mistake over and over again.

9 - Remember a quitter never wins and a winner never quits.

10 - Remember you are privileged to be playing tennis. Many others would love to have the opportunity you have been offered. You are an ambassador for your sport, your club and your family and you must be aware of this at all times and conduct yourself accordingly.

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