Why do players, especially club players, not like opponents who hit the ball softly? The same is true of tournament players, especially in the juniors. It seems many of these types of players prefer balls being hit harder to them.
Why would that be? It doesn’t sound logical. A harder hit ball would give us less time to react, while a slower hit ball gives us all the time we need to get into position and prepare for the shot.
And yet, we constantly hear disparaging remarks towards players who hit softly and are very consistent. Tournament players call them ‘pushers’ and club players describe them as players who ‘don’t hit the ball’. In both instances the remarks are said with disdain and obvious disrespect.
If growth is your goal, it would be better to accept the challenges the slower ball presents and try and find a way to play better against it.
The first step would be to respect the opponent, not because he or she has a difficult game to overcome, but because respect for the other is not an option.
Secondly, it would be good to seek out these players and play them as often as you can, rather than avoiding them because they are difficult to beat or because you feel uncomfortable playing them.
Finally, you have to figure out a way to play better against them.
This is where the tip of the week comes in!
Many coaches address this issue from a tactical perspective, so I will refrain from doing that. I would like, instead, to address this issue from the perspective of just getting comfortable hitting a slower-hit ball.
My experience suggests that the slower-hit ball is difficult because it gives us more time. Having more time requires us to be still and wait for the ball. And therein lies the rub, being still and silent is required for waiting.
There is very little stillness and silence in our everyday lives and anyone who has ever tried sitting quietly with their eyes closed will be acutely aware of what I am saying. If you have never tried, do so now for a minute.
Find a way to remain in that space of discomfort that stillness and silence creates for you and you will play much better tennis.
Enjoy the journey………….