Why I play tennis: the aesthetics of the game

[ferrari_827]

I was never into team sports as a youngster, and besides, being only 5'7" is a bit of a handicap. Having good hand-eye coordination, it seemed I was destined to take up tennis.

The aspect of tennis which is most attractive and keeps me motivated is that it is a "beautiful" game, the various spins, numerous different shots, constructing points. To me, tennis is much more aesthetically pleasing than ping-pong, badminton, basketball, racketball. It is also a game which relys heavily on feel, technique, and reflexes rather than brute force.

Some competitive types don't appreciate the aesthetic elements of the game as much, but rather view tennis as just a sport with points won, lost, a winner and loser. But for some people, like me, it's not just winning points, but how you do it that counts just as much. It's about constructing points, using a variety of shots, having fluid technique.

So I am an admirer of players with the "pretty", fluid strokes, and over the years have become one myself. I spend more time practicing than matches, trying to perfect the various shots. The feeling of hitting the ball with power and precision once your technique is grooved is addicting. To me, I enjoy playing tennis whether it's with a 3.0 player, a hot college player, whether it's on beat up local tennis courts, or a fancy tennis club. It's not about a trophy, winning (or losing) matches, recognition. It's just love for playing tennis.

 

[eagle]

The love of the game plus for health reasons.

r,
eagle

 

[perfmode]

I was never into team sports as a youngster, and besides, being only 5'7" is a bit of a handicap. Having good hand-eye coordination, it seemed I was destined to take up tennis.

The aspect of tennis which is most attractive and keeps me motivated is that it is a "beautiful" game, the various spins, numerous different shots, constructing points. To me, tennis is much more aesthetically pleasing than ping-pong, badminton, basketball, racketball. It is also a game which relys heavily on feel, technique, and reflexes rather than brute force.

Some competitive types don't appreciate the aesthetic elements of the game as much, but rather view tennis as just a sport with points won, lost, a winner and loser. But for some people, like me, it's not just winning points, but how you do it that counts just as much. It's about constructing points, using a variety of shots, having fluid technique.

So I am an admirer of players with the "pretty", fluid strokes, and over the years have become one myself. I spend more time practicing than matches, trying to perfect the various shots. The feeling of hitting the ball with power and precision once your technique is grooved is addicting. To me, I enjoy playing tennis whether it's with a 3.0 player, a hot college player, whether it's on beat up local tennis courts, or a fancy tennis club. It's not about a trophy, winning (or losing) matches, recognition. It's just love for playing tennis.

I know exactly what you mean. I'm just as happy teaching newbies and hitting with middle-aged women as I am hitting with someone above my level. I just love the game and I can't get enough.

Btw, your post sounds like a nike commercial. You should contact them. lol

 

[tennisboy87]

Great post. I feel the same way as you. I've loved this game since I was 5.

 

[Rickson]

Tennis is all about winning. What good is a pretty backhand if you can't win with it? It is better to win with ugly strokes than to lose with pretty ones. j/k

 

[georgeyew]

I agree, playing tennis is an art....I have to keep reminding myself when I start playing sloppy

 

[fastdunn]

I play tennis because I simply like the sensation I feel (on my
hand) when I hit the tennis ball with a racquet.
I'm hooked on it and continuously strive for that good sensation.

Hitting golf ball, baseball and so on has similar feels but tennis
balls give me best sensation. As long as I struck the ball near
sweat spot, I can hit all day, win or lose, ugly or beautiful form
even against thw wall......

 

[tetsuo10]

Unless you play for money, winning don't mean squat.

 

[Paunchy Gandalf]

Great post!

Sure, winning is important, but what I remember after a good game (especially when I am playing with my normal hitting partners), is not so much whether I won or lost. I remember the really good points, my really great strokes which made me feel that even Sampras couldn't have hit them any better. I must confess that such moments are rare, but when they do happen, they can lift me for days. Who says golf is the only game you can dream about even when you are not playing?

 

[Tim Tennis]

Ferrari-827

So well said, tennis is a beautiful sport. I just don't think the average sports fan appreciates the athleticism of these great professionals. The slow motion shots we have now days show the beauty, grace and the tremendous power these wonderful athletics have both male and female. What is the saying, "the better someone is the easier they make it look."

No, tennis is not the ballet, it is about winning and being the best you can be, but when you reach the higher levels, you can't win without the smooth fluid motion, (which is pleasing to the eye) combined with the generation of power and purpose to destroy your opponent. That is nature baby. You got to love it.

The good news is that your opponet lives to fight another day. The bad news is he may return the favor.

Rickson, Does function follow form or does form follow function?

You got to love the game.

 

[StringBreaker]

Oww guys, I'm tearing up.......

But seriously, I have to agree that the sensation of hitting the ball perfectly and it going exactly where you are aiming for with depth pace and spin is the best thing about playing, its a great feeling.

 

[Tim Tennis]

Tetsuo10,

Unless you play for money, winning don't mean squat.

Are you serious? I play some guys that don't belong on the court with me and they give it 110% to try to win, and I respect them for it. I play some guys that I don't belong on the court with and I give it 110% to try to win and I know they respect me for my effort or they would not ask me to play again. It sounds like you are saying that if it was not for money you really don't try hard. I know you don't mean that.

 

[GrahamIsSuper]

I play tennis because I simply like the sensation I feel (on my
hand) when I hit the tennis ball with a racquet.
I'm hooked on it and continuously strive for that good sensation.

Hitting golf ball, baseball and so on has similar feels but tennis
balls give me best sensation. As long as I struck the ball near
sweat spot, I can hit all day, win or lose, ugly or beautiful form
even against thw wall......

Is it just me or did that sound slightly......erotic?

I have loved tennis forever, simply becasue one can never master it. there is always somone better, always room for improvement. Plus it frees me from stress, but lately just adds to it :lol: .

 

[Tim Tennis]

Damn Stringbreaker.

What is this?

But seriously, I have to agree that the sensation of hitting the ball perfectly and it going exactly where you are aiming for with depth pace and spin is the best thing about playing, its a great feeling.

I am going to have to have Rickson pay you a visit and bring a tear to your eye. :twisted:

It is about winning and being the best you can be.

 

[paulfreda]

Why

One: I just love to hit the ball.

Two: I love the beauty of the game.

Three: I love and appreciate being healthy enough to be out there running down a wide forehand.

Four: I love learning and discovering more about the game.

 

[!<-_->!]

Simply put, one of the few sports where you do not need to rely on others for success. If you fail it will be solely on you and no one else. No one can take away from your victory and you can't blame anyone else but yourself for failure.

 

[Trey]

Simply put, one of the few sports where you do not need to rely on others for success. If you fail it will be solely on you and no one else. No one can take away from your victory and you can't blame anyone else but yourself for failure.

How about these:

wrestling

any martial arts competition

badminton/racquetball/ping pong/handball/squash

Any track and field event except relays

swimming

diving

skiing

archery

bowling

you could go on and on




8)

 

[fastdunn]

Never intended to suggest any innuendo.

By the way, it must be that hairy tennis balls that give unique
sensation on impact. Have you guys wondered why you keep
hitting it against the wall for a practice ????

I play tennis because I simply like the sensation I feel (on my
hand) when I hit the tennis ball with a racquet.
I'm hooked on it and continuously strive for that good sensation.

Hitting golf ball, baseball and so on has similar feels but tennis
balls give me best sensation. As long as I struck the ball near
sweat spot, I can hit all day, win or lose, ugly or beautiful form
even against thw wall......

Is it just me or did that sound slightly......erotic?

I have loved tennis forever, simply becasue one can never master it. there is always somone better, always room for improvement. Plus it frees me from stress, but lately just adds to it :lol: .

 

[Brent Pederson]

I agree that there's something about the sensation of hitting the ball beautifully that is deeply satisfying. In fact, I keep a head prestige in my bag, even though I play better with other sticks, just because I love the feeling of hitting the ball with it. It's just so, so, sweet feeling. I just can't get enough...

 

[dozu]

If you like the sensation of hitting the sweet spot, you gotta try a wooden racket. that is sweet.

 

[tetsuo10]

Tetsuo10,

Unless you play for money, winning don't mean squat.

Are you serious? I play some guys that don't belong on the court with me and they give it 110% to try to win, and I respect them for it. I play some guys that I don't belong on the court with and I give it 110% to try to win and I know they respect me for my effort or they would not ask me to play again. It sounds like you are saying that if it was not for money you really don't try hard. I know you don't mean that.

I guess you missed my smiley face. Second, as you said, you respect people for effort EVEN if they don't win. So, it sounds like you agreed with me, that winning isn't everything.