In most (if not all) professional sports, there are certain physical and genetic traits that are selected. in cycling for example, it's aerobic capacity, vo2max, lactate threshold, fast twitch muscle activation, all of which translate into how much energy/oxygen an athlete can theoretically convert, and whether the athlete's naturally inclined to climb, sprint, etc. These are genetic traits that can't really be changed, and this is why some people are considered naturals and rise to the top easily, while others are late bloomers and plateau. What are the specific physical traits that make a talented tennis player, aside from the generic "athletic" label?
I've only dabbled with this sport, along with some others. But what I notice about tennis is nearly all of my limitations have originated from "between the ears". Maybe this is why I enjoy tennis so much since picking it up again a few weeks ago. It's a game of the mind, and you can be as good as you want to be, provided you have the mental agility to improve and time to spend. I feel like this is a sport where technique developed through practice trumps raw physical talent, which is the case in any sport, but it's especially true in tennis. Curious to get others thoughts on this.
I've only dabbled with this sport, along with some others. But what I notice about tennis is nearly all of my limitations have originated from "between the ears". Maybe this is why I enjoy tennis so much since picking it up again a few weeks ago. It's a game of the mind, and you can be as good as you want to be, provided you have the mental agility to improve and time to spend. I feel like this is a sport where technique developed through practice trumps raw physical talent, which is the case in any sport, but it's especially true in tennis. Curious to get others thoughts on this.