A 9yrs old asks to finish a race, what reasons do you have to mentally crap out?

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/marine-helps-boy-finish-race-viral-photo-160700586.html

The marine, Myles Kerr was a model citizen and the world could use more people like him, but I'm more impressed by the 9year old, Boden Fuchs.

Boden Fuchs, for whatever reasons got into a marathon, seemingly running well beyond his own physical limitations, but have the courage to asks for motivation to finish the race. Do you know what more impressing? From the article, I gathered that he only asked for motivation and a companion to the finish line, not to be carried and allow someone else to finish the race for him. To me, there's nothing more beautiful about sports and competition than this. The desire to finish and be the absolute best that you can be on any given day.

So, why am I making this thread? Because I'm curious as to why as tennis players (or a competitor in any of your favorite sports), when things get gloomy, one mentally checks out and only plays as a shell of his/herself.

I've played against many people who mentally checks out against me. Sometimes it's because I'm really on that day, sometimes it's because my opponent really didn't have it, and sometimes I'm just barely edging by game after game in what was once, a competitive match. And I'm sorry, I just find this sort of behavior to be disrespectful to myself as a competitor, and to the sport as a whole. It doesn't bring me any satisfaction playing against someone who isn't trying.

I have the utmost admiration for Myles Kerr, and even more respect to Boden Fuchs for showcasing what many adults in competitive sport, professional or recreational lack.

 

[lightthestorm]

There's a difference between mentally checking out (choking... not seemingly trying) and actually not giving an effort.

But great story.

 

[TomT]

I agree, Say Chi Sin Lo, that it's no fun to play somebody who deliberately isn't trying, and I don't like myself when I've done that a few times.

However, as lightthestorm mentioned, there's a difference between mentally crapping out and actually tanking. I quite often mentally crap out in the sense that I, while consciously trying to do my best, will repeatedly make errors that I feel I shouldn't be making.

In my case I think a major factor in this is my fitness level, which is improving, but still low even for the low level rec competition that I play. Another major factor is that I really don't have certain skills grooved enough or solid enough to have full confidence in them when games and matches are on the line. Hence, it's a crap shoot as to whether I'll make the right shot or whatever at those times. The remedy for this is just lots more hitting, practice, and match play I think.

And yeah, you have to admire people who have the guts to run that last few miles, or the equivalent in whatever sport or endeavor ... no doubt in some, and sometimes lots, of pain.

 

[TennisCJC]

Even in rec tennis, there's stress. You practice, some pay for lessons, some spend time in the gym, and since you have invested a lot of time and maybe $ into being a good tennis players, you want to play well. So, when you start losing or playing poorly, ego, emotion and nerves can get involved and suddenly you choke. Everyone does it. Your brain just does work well when it is happening. I think if you accept that it is just a normal part of the game and try to remain cool and fight through; you can shake it off.

 

[Raul_SJ]

I've played against many people ... even if he was tanking, it shouldn't matter.

 

[10isfreak]

I used to be very concerned about match results and my overall performance. Then, I started seeing mistakes and performances in the light of statistics: our performances are bound to vary around an average until it changes.

Mistakes occur, bad days exist; it's all a question of probabilities. Despite all of it, the show must go on because giving up will soon make your likely defeat a definite part of your past...