Tennis Instruction: Prepare Early — or — Wait Have you ever
wondered about the following (all too common) scenario? Most
tennis players prefer to play “up” whether recreationally, in
leagues, or in tournaments. Further, most players believe they
actually play better with or against a superior opponent.
Certainly no one is expected to win in those situations, so
perhaps playing with “nothing to lose” actually improves
performance. But I think the reason lies elsewhere, and has more
to do with rhythm and timing than with the supposed challenge of
playing up. Somehow a lesser player gives us less pace, less
rhythm, less predictable shots. If weaker players don’t always
know where their shots are going (fairly rude observation), then
how could we? Further, their shots bear little resemblance to
the even paced, well measured balls we receive from our local
tennis pros. We play darn well in the latter scenario, but
explore unfathomable depths in the former. What gives? Consider
the professional example. The rallies