The Unknown
Semi-Pro
Today I was hitting with a mate and the court next to us there were two state league players playing a practice match, both similarly rated. One was grinding away, putting everything into his shots, grunting and cursing - kinda reminded me of David Ferrer. Putting absolutely everything into his play. The other player was complete opposite. Completely relaxed, taking his time between points, seemingly not exerting a lot of effort, not trying to smack the crap out of the ball, almost as if he was having a playful hit around with some juniors, and almost staying silent the entire match. Maybe akin to Bernard Tomic, but with more mental resolve.
The relaxed player won in a tight three setter.
Personally, on the spectrum of playing relaxed to playing intense I think I'm right at the end of the spectrum, to the point that it is detrimental to my game. I play tight, often rush my shots particularly on easy put aways and overheads where I overhit the ball, and play with a lot of tension on my muscles, contributing not only to losing power but making me fatigued. I think I play like this because I believe its what I need to do to tell myself Im putting in 100% effort into the match. Ive never played a competitive match a not given everything I have. Sometimes I feel like I would play better relaxing more, just like I do playing social tennis against oldies at the club some Saturday arvos, but
Where do you sit on this spectrum? And how do you find the right balance between maintaining a relaxed state and playing with intensity so you know you're putting in maximum effort? Have you changed you approach over your playing career with positive results?
The relaxed player won in a tight three setter.
Personally, on the spectrum of playing relaxed to playing intense I think I'm right at the end of the spectrum, to the point that it is detrimental to my game. I play tight, often rush my shots particularly on easy put aways and overheads where I overhit the ball, and play with a lot of tension on my muscles, contributing not only to losing power but making me fatigued. I think I play like this because I believe its what I need to do to tell myself Im putting in 100% effort into the match. Ive never played a competitive match a not given everything I have. Sometimes I feel like I would play better relaxing more, just like I do playing social tennis against oldies at the club some Saturday arvos, but
Where do you sit on this spectrum? And how do you find the right balance between maintaining a relaxed state and playing with intensity so you know you're putting in maximum effort? Have you changed you approach over your playing career with positive results?
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