January 2015, Tip of the Month: feeling the pause

 Waiting for the pause………

There is a subtle pause before every swing. In practice the pause seems to be completely natural. Look for it. However, in competitive situations, the pause often disappears. Players become rushed and discombobulated and as a result the rhythm of the swing disappears as everything seems to speed up.. The mind becomes extremely active and as a result we move away and out of our body.

It is funny that most people fear being late for the ball and yet the reality is that most errors occur when players are early. Explore and see what is true for you.

The pause is a big part of the rhythm of the swing. The swing begins as soon as the opponent hits the ball and the speed of the racket preparation and the pause seem to allow the perfect timing we all seek. These things cannot be calculated by the mind. Only through trust and by bringing attention to our own body can the active mind become more silent.

The pause seems to be present in every stroke. Both ground strokes; the serve; the volleys; the overhead. It seems to be everywhere! However, it is very subtle, if you try and make the pause happen, your entire rhythm will be thrown off. Just observe the pause, especially in practice or when you are playing freely and let it happen.

Let’s see what happens when you let it happen!

 

 

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