Movement: the Flow Split Step
March 22, 2017
Today’s post includes a drill you can do on your own to develop the flow split step.
Author: Ean Meyer
Mental: 2nd article on the Obstacles to Optimal Performance
March 10, 2017
Tips for Handling Fear Take a look at fear and ask yourself ” What is the worst that could happen if I followed through on this fear-producing situation?” If you can live with the worst-case scenario, you can go beyond your fear. Vigorous exercise coupled with relaxation or meditation helps to put fear into perspective. … More Mental: 2nd article on the Obstacles to Optimal Performance
Strategy, the Fourth Foundation: You
March 8, 2017
Just like it’s important for you to understand your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, you also need to understand your own. Don’t try to do what you’re not capable of doing. If you’re incapable of hitting a power serve, why try it? If your backhand is much weaker than your forehand, run around it. If your … More Strategy, the Fourth Foundation: You
Rehearsed vs Improvised Strokes
March 6, 2017
In a match you cannot think about or experiment with your strokes. Practice is the time to experiment, but you should mostly rehearse your strokes so they become familiar and dependable. A rehearsed stroke is acquired through practice at a comfortable pace. An improvised stroke is a spontaneous reaction that occurs during match play or … More Rehearsed vs Improvised Strokes
Obstacles to Optimal Performance: Fear
March 3, 2017
“All things in the cosmos will be aroused to movement through fear. This movement will be cautious, and cautious movement will bring success” – 1 Ching no 51 Fear is a natural emotion. It’s a survival instinct and indicates that you need to be alert. Trying to fight or force away fear creates a counter … More Obstacles to Optimal Performance: Fear
Strategy Third Foundation:Opponent Awareness, Busting a Strength
March 1, 2017
Most strategy involves finding an opponent’s strength and denying him a chance to use it. The one exception is when you decide to bust a strength. Some players lose confidence when you break their strength down. Boris Becker was such a player on the ATP tour. His forehand was amazing, but it fell apart as … More Strategy Third Foundation:Opponent Awareness, Busting a Strength
Movement: Anticipation
February 27, 2017
Since most moves in tennis are only a few yards, it seems like raw acceleration should be the determining factor in getting to the ball. But, of far greater importance, is anticipation and the ability to change directions without losing balance. Anticipation means knowing early where your opponent is likely to hit and being ready to … More Movement: Anticipation
Achieving Optimal Performance: Centering and Reflection, 7th in a Series
February 24, 2017
“What is skillfully established will not be uprooted. What is skillfully grasped, will not slip away. Thus, it is honored for generations” – Ta0 Te Ching Centering Optimal performance is greatly influenced by your ability to remain centered within. Centering means remaining true to yourself and performing up to your capabilities, regardless of the changes … More Achieving Optimal Performance: Centering and Reflection, 7th in a Series
Third Foundation: Opponent Awareness
February 23, 2017
Learning the foundation of awareness of the other side of the court is a key ingredient to becoming a good player. Once the match starts, most of your attention should be on your opponent’s side of the court. The greatest tool for exploiting your opponent is the utilization of the Two Opposites. There is a … More Third Foundation: Opponent Awareness
Six Steps to Better Footwork
February 20, 2017
Step One: Bouncing Keep your feet moving. Stay light on your feet (Butterflies). It’s like leaving your car in “idle”. You can generate speed more quickly while using less energy. Step Two: Split Step Probably the single most understated and underrated lesson in the art of moving is the split step. The split step can … More Six Steps to Better Footwork
Rhythm & Flow Tennis 