We're Back !!
Welcome back. It's been a while.To all of you regulars who reached out to ask, cajole, opine, or inquire why the summer-long absence? Thanks. No excuses, just a crazy summer schedule with Nationals, travel, schedule changes, etc. I hope to return to a schedule of monthly submissions or better.
Did you see the Fed v Delpo match last night?
As a diehard Fed fan, I was, of course, disappointed by the result - but I think there are a couple of takeaways that are valuable to us regular human tennis competitors;
1- Belief. In his post-match interviews, Delpo refers to it multiple times. He also references how the support of the fans really helped fuel his belief in his ability to fight back and stay competitive. His belief is really a belief in his own preparation. Belief that he has trained properly and sufficiently. Belief that he has eaten, hydrated, and rested well prior to each match. Belief that he has prepared his mind to compete at his highest level. This belief won't guarantee a win, but the lack of it will virtually guarantee a loss. We've all heard coaches, pundits, and captains say, , if you walk out there believing that you don't have a chance to win, then you don't".
Just as significantly, Roger spoke about doubt, or the lack of belief, after the loss to Delpo. He referenced concern over what happens when he faces a top player- which goes to a clear lack of belief. He certainly wasn't feeling that in the remainder of a "career year", but clearly it bothered him during this Open.
The acclaimed Sports Psychologist, Dr. Larry Lauer, has developed a technique and practice called "Breathe and Believe". It is a between point routine that links controlled, and relaxing breathing with clear and deliberate belief-affirming thoughts- designed to recharge a player's confidence and belief as the match progresses. We often address this in HP training, and one of the biggest assets to the technique is not only the direct result, but the fact that it occupies the mind with breathe and believe thoughts, and stops the mind from drifting to results, mistakes, conditions, etc
2- That Forehand. It is huge, and one of the biggest reasons is the aforementioned "Belief". Delpo hits it without fear or concern for control. It is amazingly powerful and accurate, and a big reason is HIS CONFIDENCE IN HIS PREPARATION. But let's address another observation. That forehand of Delpo's is , at best, unorthodox. It is not the technique we see from most players, and it's not the technique that I teach. But it sure works. Point is, as we used to say where I grew up, " there is more than one way to skin a cat". There is more than one way to strike an effective forehand. If you have a technique that is a bit different than the norm ,but is EFFECTIVE and won't cause injury, keep at it. If you believe in it, and are succeeding with it, and it's not hurting you (but is killing your opponent!), bring it! I know many club players who fall into this category. Coaches shouldn't be trying to alter their technique, but encouraging them to keep exploring their uniqueness. We don't need to create robotic automotons, we need to develop players with BELIEF! I'm a big believer in sound bio-mechanics, and well developed parameters of technique - but I also think some players can accomplish amazing things with "unusual", not-so-classic techniques. Delpo's forehand is a prime example. He utilizes great mechanics and sound techniques even though it looks "different".
So there's a couple of thoughts from The Open that have direct application to HP and club level players alike. Keep banging away at what feels good and works for you. And more importantly, keep hitting what you believe in!
