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Column by Kevin Record on the December Workshop - Tallahassee Democrat
According to Albert Einstein, here's the definition of insanity: “Doing the same thing over and over, while expecting a different result.”
So, if you want to play better tennis, it’s time to change.
As we head into 2011, here’s some notes and quotes, compiled from a three-day tennis coach’s workshop in Tampa last month, to help you along the way.
Among those on hand were one of Andy Roddick’s former coaches and Vic Braden’s top assistant. The workshop was conducted by legendary coach Steve Smith.
1. Begin with the end in mind. The first thing you have to do is set a goal. You will never know where you’re going if you’re always looking back. People with big dreams can accomplish big things.
2. Be brilliant with the basics. Know the fundamentals of each essential stroke and then practice the movements in front of a mirror, over and over.
Roger Federer developed his game by shadow swinging constantly as a youngster. His coach told him to repeat the proper motions, always emphasizing good balance and long follow-throughs.
3. Thought is your most powerful tool. If you think you can accomplish something, you can. Do not train or play in awe of anyone.
4. Attitude makes all the difference in the world. The most upbeat tennis pro in attendance was in remission from his second battle with leukemia. He was truly happy to be alive and fully engaged in the moment.
His mantra each morning is “Constant and never-ending improvement.”
5. Players are born out of defeat. Character is measured from how you respond to losing, and you can always learn more from a loss than you do from a win. Figure it out.
6. Where the strings point, the ball will fly. The strings never lie. In other words, elongate your hitting zone on every shot.
7. Dimensions of the court and physical laws dictate stroke production. It’s not about some pro’s unique theory or opinion. You have to know that the court is 78 feet deep and just 27 feet wide, people. The shape of your swing needs to match the shape of the court. It’s a giant rectangle. So many players these days are swinging like they’re playing on a giant circle.
You need to know that slow-motion video reveals that Roger Federer’s racket goes five feet out toward the target on his forehand before he recovers to the left. It would also help to know that Rafael Nadal consistently gets the racket over two feet below the approaching ball. This allows him to lift the ball five to eight feet above the level of the net every time he hits. Don’t be fooled by television.
8. Do you want to suffer the pain of discipline or the pain of regret? Practice is not always designed for your pleasure. It’s designed for your improvement. Those who attain greatness understand this so much better than the average folks. That’s why former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker always said, “If you want abnormal results, don’t do what’s normal.”
9. If you take a tennis lesson, bring a notebook and pen. Write down what you learned. Juniors, especially, need to know that taking a lesson is a privilege, not a right.
10. Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard.
11. Make it easy for yourself first, then difficult for your opponent second. Always design your game plan around your own strengths. Don’t try to play a game that you don’t own.
12. Accomplishing your dreams is a nightmare of hard work.
13. Repetition is the mother of all skill.
14. You can’t be great if you’re late. This year, show up early. Get to the ball early. Prepare your racket early. Get to bed early. Get the idea?
15. Get organized.
16. Champions are made when nobody is watching.
17. It’s not the will to win that matters most. It’s the will to prepare.
18. Know what your best shot is and know where you hit it from. Set your points up to take advantage of your strengths.
19. When you miss a shot, you deserved to miss it. Figure it out and don’t act so shocked.
20. Have a strong inner voice. Be positive. That’s the voice you will hear all your life.
21. You never want to get the point where you feel like you've arrived. You never stay the same. You’re either getting better or you’re getting worse.”
22. It’s a new day. It’s a new opportunity to be great.
23. Choking is a positive. It means you care.
24. If you have the right swing, there is no net.
25. It takes 14 muscles to smile and 72 muscles to frown. So, smile and have a Happy New Year.
Lots of cool Videos at the facebook page!!
Check out the TennisSmith Face Book Page!
Or Check out the videos at youtube
Column by Kevin Record on the December Workshop - Tallahassee Democrat
According to Albert Einstein, here's the definition of insanity: “Doing the same thing over and over, while expecting a different result.”
So, if you want to play better tennis, it’s time to change.
As we head into 2011, here’s some notes and quotes, compiled from a three-day tennis coach’s workshop in Tampa last month, to help you along the way.
Among those on hand were one of Andy Roddick’s former coaches and Vic Braden’s top assistant. The workshop was conducted by legendary coach Steve Smith.
1. Begin with the end in mind. The first thing you have to do is set a goal. You will never know where you’re going if you’re always looking back. People with big dreams can accomplish big things.
2. Be brilliant with the basics. Know the fundamentals of each essential stroke and then practice the movements in front of a mirror, over and over.
Roger Federer developed his game by shadow swinging constantly as a youngster. His coach told him to repeat the proper motions, always emphasizing good balance and long follow-throughs.
3. Thought is your most powerful tool. If you think you can accomplish something, you can. Do not train or play in awe of anyone.
4. Attitude makes all the difference in the world. The most upbeat tennis pro in attendance was in remission from his second battle with leukemia. He was truly happy to be alive and fully engaged in the moment.
His mantra each morning is “Constant and never-ending improvement.”
5. Players are born out of defeat. Character is measured from how you respond to losing, and you can always learn more from a loss than you do from a win. Figure it out.
6. Where the strings point, the ball will fly. The strings never lie. In other words, elongate your hitting zone on every shot.
7. Dimensions of the court and physical laws dictate stroke production. It’s not about some pro’s unique theory or opinion. You have to know that the court is 78 feet deep and just 27 feet wide, people. The shape of your swing needs to match the shape of the court. It’s a giant rectangle. So many players these days are swinging like they’re playing on a giant circle.
You need to know that slow-motion video reveals that Roger Federer’s racket goes five feet out toward the target on his forehand before he recovers to the left. It would also help to know that Rafael Nadal consistently gets the racket over two feet below the approaching ball. This allows him to lift the ball five to eight feet above the level of the net every time he hits. Don’t be fooled by television.
8. Do you want to suffer the pain of discipline or the pain of regret? Practice is not always designed for your pleasure. It’s designed for your improvement. Those who attain greatness understand this so much better than the average folks. That’s why former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker always said, “If you want abnormal results, don’t do what’s normal.”
9. If you take a tennis lesson, bring a notebook and pen. Write down what you learned. Juniors, especially, need to know that taking a lesson is a privilege, not a right.
10. Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard.
11. Make it easy for yourself first, then difficult for your opponent second. Always design your game plan around your own strengths. Don’t try to play a game that you don’t own.
12. Accomplishing your dreams is a nightmare of hard work.
13. Repetition is the mother of all skill.
14. You can’t be great if you’re late. This year, show up early. Get to the ball early. Prepare your racket early. Get to bed early. Get the idea?
15. Get organized.
16. Champions are made when nobody is watching.
17. It’s not the will to win that matters most. It’s the will to prepare.
18. Know what your best shot is and know where you hit it from. Set your points up to take advantage of your strengths.
19. When you miss a shot, you deserved to miss it. Figure it out and don’t act so shocked.
20. Have a strong inner voice. Be positive. That’s the voice you will hear all your life.
21. You never want to get the point where you feel like you've arrived. You never stay the same. You’re either getting better or you’re getting worse.”
22. It’s a new day. It’s a new opportunity to be great.
23. Choking is a positive. It means you care.
24. If you have the right swing, there is no net.
25. It takes 14 muscles to smile and 72 muscles to frown. So, smile and have a Happy New Year.
Lots of cool Videos at the facebook page!!
Check out the TennisSmith Face Book Page!
Or Check out the videos at youtube
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