Commentary

How turn your game ON!

I was asked a question from a very good and experienced player recently, "how did I lose to that guy?" Of course the answer is always, "he was a better player today and won more points than you did", but beyond the obvious there are some subtle questions that must be addressed. Did you lose because your were #1 overplaying, #2 underplaying, #3 outplayed and #4 off?

#1 Overplaying occurs when trying to win points too early. Playing too
risky, swinging too hard, getting angry, losing track of winning points
and just trying to hit winners, and being careless is a sign of this type
of game. Not every ball can or should be hit for winners. The object of
the game is to control the point until there is an opportunity.

#2 Underplaying occurs because of not trying to win points and playing
too soft. Pushing, hitting short, slow, without purpose and not following
through on swings are signs of underplaying.

#3 Outplayed is a circumstance everyone runs into at some point where
the other player has your number and beats you like a drum. The feeling of
hopelessness is a clue you are getting outplayed.

#4 Off is a condition as stated. This condition cannot be blamed on the
other player taking your game away. The symptoms of being off are
feelings of being "out of balance," not getting breaks, unlucky, bad bounces,
unable to get any feel, always being late, having no idea where the ball is
going and missing shots you think you normally hit.

Over, Under, Out & Off
I am not aware of any statistics on which is more at cause for losing
when in a contest with a player of similar ability. I would assume they
would be somewhat equal in effect but each player would have a tendency towards one of the first two, Over or Under playing.

Being "ON"
In our most recent tournament I found myself in a difficult position, I
had to face not only a friend, but practice partner and someone whom I have
been instructing and coaching for a few years. I breezed through the
quarters and semifinals under our "fast format" tennis tournament without losing
a game. So I was definitely "ON." If fact I was on through the final
also, but I lost.