Throwing the Racquet

[NickOlsen]

I used to always do it when I was younger. Only broke 1 racquet ever tho. My temper got the better of me last night. Played so badly. Lost 6-0 against someone that I normally beat 6-3/4.

Didnt throw it hard, threw it sideways into the net. It did something funky and ended up about 3 feet into the opponents court, with a mammoth crack at about 2pm.

Goodbye brand new K90

 

[NickOlsen]

Any strategies for Anger Management on days like this? Sort of hurt financially.

 

[Federer's pet goat Leanne]

don't throw racquets. They have feelings too.

 

[Diver]

Any strategies for Anger Management on days like this? Sort of hurt financially.

Deep breathes and I would definitely take a time out.

The time out may slow the pace of the game down and also may provide
a few moments for you to re-focus

 

[mdjenders]

throwing a k90? yikes. you might want to buy a cheapo racquet at a thrift store or walmart and keep it in your bag for those moments of rage. put down the k90, pick up crappy frame, smash crappy frame, resume play with k90 feeling so much better.

 

[NickOlsen]

don't throw racquets. They have feelings too.

Sounds scarily like what my wife said. She's a pro cyclist and said "respect your gear", you look like a ****** when you do it anyway. She told me about cyclist throwing their bikes and helmets after losing a sprint. Now that image is funny and idiotic. Should probably think of that when I get my temper up. Internalize the anger and take it out on the opponent

 

[CAM178]

You should watch the Federer story on Tennis Channel. Might be up on YouTube or s/th. The crux of it is that they put up a new curtain at his club when he was a junior. They said that anybody that broke it would have to pay for a new one. First day, Fed gets pi$$ed and launches his racquet into the curtain, and breaks it. He had to get up at 5 am or s/th ridiculous like that, in order for him to get to the club when it opened, and he cleaned toilets and such until he went to school a couple of hours later.

Another great Fed story about his temper. He used to have an AWFUL temper. At a junior match, he was acting so poorly (yelling, cursing, throwing racquet, etc.), that his father said s/th to him from the stands. Fed piped up and told his father to shut up. His father didn't say a word. When they left the match, his father took Fed and shoved his head into a snowbank. He said that if he ever saw Fed behave that way again, that Fed would never play tennis again.

To learn not to throw racquet? Simple. Don't do it. That sounds simple. But think about it: right before you throw it, you have that split second where you know it's not the right thing to do, & that you're going to regret it. You're letting your anger control you. Another option is to give $10 to whatever club you are at each time you do it. Trust me: it will add up quickly.

Good luck, McEnroe! Ha ha. Just kidding, bro. We've all done it. You'll grow out of it, and hopefully soon.

 

[fuzz nation]

Ouch... can't say I've never been there, but I think you can get beyond it, too.

I think that it's important to recognize that if you're turning a tennis outing into a Shakespearian tradgedy of self-loathing, you're out there for the wrong reason. Seriously. How funny is it that we do all this practicing, take lessons, buy gear, post stuff on forums like this one (d'oh!), and still go out there and blow it... comedy of epic proportion!

One thing I had to do recently was to confront my expectations. There's a really big difference between what I want to do out there and what I can do, but I had to stop and actively figure that out. It changed my perception of the game. Now I'm fixated on staying positive when I play and I approach a match as a sort of problem solving exercise with a mandatory dose of trial and error. Not if I miss, but rather when I miss (and I know that I'll miss out there), try to find a fix. I think this is some of Vic Braden's most valuable insight and it's helped me a ton - go out there with a license to miss and you will prevail. You'll probably be more amused than enraged by your errors, too and the idea of air mailing your racquet will become irrelevant.

If you still catch that flash of rage and want to launch a jihad on your frame, just drop it on the court at your feet and put your hands on top of your head so the top of your skull doesn't pop off... smile, it'll pass in a second and your racquet will still be playable.

 

[shintan17]

I know you get too competitive sometimes, but I always tell myself...it's just a game. When you put too much expectation on yourself, you tend to play worse...try to relax and don't think too much..that's how Fed got where he is now.

I feel sorry for your K90!!!!!!!

 

[pmata814]

Any strategies for Anger Management on days like this? Sort of hurt financially.

I've only broken one racquet since I started playing tennis 2-3 years ago and I regretted it immensely. It was a prince 03 hybrid hornet (when they had just come out) so it was also expensive. I vowed to never do it again.

One thing to think about is how unpleasant it is for whoever is out on the court with you. I had not thought about this until days AFTER I broke the racquet. I apologized to my hitting partner the next time we were on the court and he confessed that it was very unpleasant for him. Now I just take a deep breath and exhale and repeat as necessary

When you start feeling that urge again...immiediately place your racquet on the floor carefully and softly and just...brreeeaaatthheee.

If you absolutely must release your anger then try hitting a tennis ball with your racquet (into the fence so that you don't risk hitting someone).

 

[Mountain Ghost]

Throwing Racquets

Keep up the good work! The best way to get over throwing racquets is to keep breaking expensive frames and then to put your growing collection up on the mantel so everyone (including YOU) can view the direct evidence of your advanced anger and economic management skills. Hiding your animalistic tendencies is dangerous for the world, since the explosive episodes become repressed, the pressure builds up and the hair-trigger on your manically-developed ego grows to be even less controllable.

As you advance, a natural progression would be to start throwing racquets into the fences, so you can mark your territory by ripping all the wind screens.

MG

 

[kevhen]

Play a more violent sport than tennis.

 

[Federer's pet goat Leanne]

As you advance, a natural progression would be to start throwing racquets into the fences, so you can mark your territory by ripping all the wind screens.

MG

Hahaha ripping the wind screens.

I usually start kicking stuff (fences, ball hopper) when I get mad, but I've toned it down to just flailing my arms around.

 

[PimpMyGame]

Remeber - a racket is for life, not just for Christmas.

 

[Oxford]

I shoot competitive target archery. I love watching those guys like you come unglued and sometimes throw their bow on he ground. We call it "gravel tuning".

The good shooters know that those "throwers" will always be out of he game early. And never a serious threat. Ever.

ox

 

[Purostaff]

Next time bring a wal-mart racquet to slam it with... otherwise, have fun wasting $$$

 

[shwetty[tennis]balls]

I certainly have had my fury of racquet throwing, especially at a younger age. As one might expect, I think that mental management of anger comes with experience, age and a *****-load of patience. Another factor, I have found, to affect anger is that of the pressure of the game. Is it a match that has a lot on the line, in terms of ranked playing? For a lot of guys, this pressure is really heavy. For other guys, even though it might not be a tourney, just having your pride being questioned because your opponent, who for no rational reason happens to be winning even though you are ten times better all around than him/her, even though you beat him/her 99 times out of 100, this attack on your pride, often self-inflicted, is enough to make you crack and break down.
Just try to maintain focus and review your game plan. If your game plan isn't working, then revise it a little. The point is, get your mind off of your rage and concentrate on your gameplan, this will almost always get your head back to where it needs to be, and off of the poor racquet that takes an endless beating. It's healthy to let off steam, but don't give your opponent a reason to exploit your anger, this will only empower him/her more. I like the Sharapova approach to regrouping in times of mental strain, that is , just turn your back to your opponent for a few seconds in between serves just to regroup and to wipe your mind from the previous point and remember the bigger game plan you set out for yourself.

 

[DrewRafter8]

There are few joys in life, but racquet throwing for me is one. I LOVE to watch someone hurl their stick, especially when they are my opponent. It is a shame when it's a racquet I wouldn't mind having.

I personally have never thrown one. But, I'm called a tightwad, just ask my wife. Just think about burning $200.

 

[Hot Sauce]

Just remember your financial situation and think to yourself that you can't afford to buy a new one.

 

[adams_1]

When you start feeling that urge again...immiediately place your racquet on the floor carefully and softly and just...brreeeaaatthheee.

That's what I do. Calms me down well enough.

I never throw my racquets. I used to, very rarely, but really really softly. More of a drop/slide than a throw, and only on grass. If you're not going well, a busted racquet won't help you at all.

 

[doggieboy]

Ha...I think your problem is solved.

I used to always do it when I was younger. Only broke 1 racquet ever tho. My temper got the better of me last night. Played so badly. Lost 6-0 against someone that I normally beat 6-3/4.

Didnt throw it hard, threw it sideways into the net. It did something funky and ended up about 3 feet into the opponents court, with a mammoth crack at about 2pm.

Goodbye brand new K90

Haven't thrown your racket in a long time and the first time you decide to launch it in a while you crack the frame? My guess is you are cured.

 

[fuzz nation]

Mountain Ghost wins this one on style points!

 

[Eph]

Back when I was a very good FIS skier, I would take a half hour before my time to race and just sit and clear my head. Maybe do a free run down an open trail. On the way there (usually driven), I would sit and think and relax.

When you do stuff like that, you expose your weaknesses. Stay stoic the entire match. Try to learn from your mistakes.

If you need a second to collect yourself, take it. You control the game when you're serving. You can control the game when you're receiving, too. The game is mainly mental man, you gotta relax. Just relax, and remember each point is a new opportunity.

 

[metamike]

My opinion is people who throw and drop their racquets don't be deserve to be handling something that's (likely) worth over $100. Anyone who breaks their racquet on purpose ( by throwing it, and don't say bs like "oops i threw and you broke" - because the second you threw it you realized it could break) shouldn't even be playing tennis.

 

[Katlion]

Any strategies for Anger Management on days like this? Sort of hurt financially.

Think of this:You lost because of yourself, the racquet didn't do anything!!

 

[Commando Tennis Shorts]

Wear a hat or a headband or a wristband or something. That way, when you get pissed, throw your hat at the ground instead of your racquet. That's what I do.

 

[metamike]

Think of this:You lost because of yourself, the racquet didn't do anything!!

This is a kid that throws his tennis racquet at the net when losing.

Don't tell him stuff like that unless you're ready to be tried for assisted suicide when he looses 6-0 to someone worse than him :grin:

 

[NickOlsen]

This is a kid that throws his tennis racquet at the net when losing.

Don't tell him stuff like that unless you're ready to be tried for assisted suicide when he looses 6-0 to someone worse than him :grin:

Bit of respect? I asked for suggestions for dealing with anger oncourt, not putdowns. I am 25, and havent thrown a racquet in about 7 years, and the first time I did, it broke.

Haven't thrown your racket in a long time and the first time you decide to launch it in a while you crack the frame? My guess is you are cured.

That's my thinking aswell, but I wanted some positive feedback on here. Which about 50% of the posts contain.

Schwetty - very helpful advice. Thanks.

 

[jakul]

I myself have broken alot of racquets when I was younger but the older I get the better I am at controlling my emotions on the tennis court. Away from it I'm very mellow. I guess some players eventually get better at keeping their emotions in check while others just can't do it at all no matter the age. Looking back at it now the only regret I have is breaking so many Radicals that I am now constantly in the hunt to replace.

 

[Zets147]

We, tennis players, all share too much of the perfectionist trait.

 

[redsoxrock930]

generally if you throw them into the back fence they don't break also kind of skidding them on the ground is kinda fun and stress relieving.

 

[Willy H.]

do the bounce if you must launch your racquet in some way. thats what i do. it's where you flip it head first into the ground and then catch it by the handle after it bounces up off the ground. i've seen pros do this too. does little to no damage and is effective in releasing anger and looks kind of cool.

 

[Andres]

You can ventilate your anger and frustration by screaming and yelling. Keep your racquet in your hand and scream. That's just as good, and you saved 120 bucks.

 

[tomuchskillz]

throwing a k90? yikes. you might want to buy a cheapo racquet at a thrift store or walmart and keep it in your bag for those moments of rage. put down the k90, pick up crappy frame, smash crappy frame, resume play with k90 feeling so much better.

lol i plan on doing dat with my cracked blade

 

[Indrid Cold]

Once a racquet gets pretty beat up, I don't mind tossing it a bit. Usually its just a toss strait down but sometimes I helicopter it. Once I was trying to throw it into the net but missed into my opponents court. He was a good friend so he wasn't pissed but I've never seen him more afraid in his life.

 

[timokabo]

if i am super pissed i would just use passion and break the stick properly

 

[jasoncho92]

Ehehe, good thing i dont have anger problems. I used to just throw my n95 in the air and try to make it bounce on the head but that was cus i didnt care about the racket since i got it for 35 bucks. I dont try anything even close to that with my ps85 though since its new lol. But calm down, its just a game and your not playing for money

 

[TravelinMan]

Once a racquet gets pretty beat up, I don't mind tossing it a bit. Usually its just a toss strait down but sometimes I helicopter it. Once I was trying to throw it into the net but missed into my opponents court. He was a good friend so he wasn't pissed but I've never seen him more afraid in his life.

Did one of those just last week but one better. With some impressive unintentional wrist snap, I launched the stick over the net and into the next court while they were playing their point. I knew the folks but still felt like an idiot.

I like the idea of keeping a cheap throw racquet in the bag. When I played golf, I kept a club in the bag that I had broken in 3 pieces just to remind me about anger management.

Being a hacker/duffer and a perfectionist is NOT easy!!!

 

[LuckyR]

The bottom line is: it is the unusual junior who has not launched a racquet at least once or broken/bend at least one stick. However, at some point most of us learn that "losing it" mentally equates with losing. Losers continue and winners drop the practice, just ask Safin...