August 2002
No matter how many lessons you take, or how long you rally with a buddy, you must compete in order to learn to play. Grappling with your problems is the only way. What you learn is more likely to stick in your memory and become a part of your working knowledge; otherwise, our tennis education will end after learning how to hit the ball. It's through sets and matches that you learn…..
· What happens when you hit your backhand short and down-the-line.
· How to respond to a drop volley with your opponent standing three feet
from the net.
· How and where to serve when your opponent keeps running around his
backhand and clubbing forehands into the corners.
· How not to get drawn into the net, and then passed, making you look
like a puppet on a string.
· How to prevent the net from beating you when your opponent approaches
(and he can't volley a lick).
· How to concentrate on playing points and keep score - at the same time.
· How to hit a lob that actually clears the net players head, and doesn't
land six feet out.
· How to lose without acting like a whining three year old.
· How to make a call on a shot that you're almost sure was out.
· How to keep trying when you're down 5-2, your hand and feet coordination
is making your feel like you've never played before, and you want to use the
lamest of excuses: "I'm having a bad day."
Playing matches is the only way to get "match tough". Learning how
to react in different situations and becoming a thinking player can only be
done with match play practice. Besides playing matches can be loads of fun.