You have to understand, women who play club tennis have a lot on their minds. If you knew the half of it, you would truly admire how they are able to absorb as much coaching instruction as they do. That said, it must be as frustrating to coach us, as it is frustrating for us to be coached. Here is a glimpse into what may be going on in the mind of a woman during a tennis lesson:
What tennis Coach says, what we hear…
Coach says: “To help you remember, just imagine you’re making a Champaign toast at the end of the stroke.”
We hear: “They’re serving Champaign on the vineyard deck.”
Coach says: “As you approach the net, move forward, watch the ball and opponents racquet angle. Then shift to poach or cover the line. Don’t just rush the middle.”
We hear: “Watch the ball, the opponent and racquet angle, then make poached eggs at the same time, like a magician.”
Coach says: “It’s easy to remember: speed, angle and contact.”
We hear: “It’s easy to remember: speed…what are the other two again?”
Coach says: “Don’t try so hard. You’re pushing the ball through, not using acceleration and the weight of the racquet to do the work for you.”
We hear: “Don’t try so hard. You’re too pushy and could actually use to loose some weight, and stop blaming the racquet.”
Coach says: “You’re getting much better, but you need to play more games and get more experience.”
We hear: “You’re not as good as you think you are.”
Coach says: “Serving is like a bow and arrow dynamic.”
We hear: Blink, blink “(sound of crickets)”
Coach says: “Find the opponents backhand, it’s usually their weakest shot.”
We hear: “Find where you lost your keys, just look in the weirdest spot?”
With understanding, there is hope.
Let’s play!
