The Seven Commandments of Tennis
Commandment #1: Thou shalt always be forgiving
The most important key to good tennis is to learn how to accept a lost point. If you allow the point to get under your skin, you will begin to make the long downward spiral to defeat. You must learn to totally forgive yourself for a lost point before you hit the next serve. Take a deep breath and say “Let it go.”
Commandment #2: Thou shalt always walk tall with shoulders back and head held high
Body language is a big factor in every match and something you can control to your advantage. Learn to show nothing but confidence before and after every point. This expresses a sense of strength which will help you to relax and at the same time begins to unnerve your opponent.
Commandment #3: Thou shalt learn to accept Murphy’s Law
Murphy’s Law means you must be prepared for the unexpected. You may get a bad call or two, experience sudden weather or wind changes, or hear a distraction from the sidelines during a match. These distractions are a part of the game, so be ready for them and let them roll off your back.
Commandment #4: Thou shalt remain focused at all times
Players will often lose focus when they are in the lead or when they feel hopelessly behind. Train yourself to remain attentive at every step of the match no matter how far ahead or behind you are. Steady focus is a key to success.
Commandment #5: Thou shalt learn to have fun in tennis
Too much seriousness or competitiveness can drain the fun out of the game and make you too tense, tight and anxious. Train yourself to look at the game as fun, something to really enjoy. Do this and you will play better. Be a little like Novak “The Djoker” Djokovic and fool around, make jokes and laugh during matches.
Commandment #6 Thou shalt not overthink the serve
Remember that tennis is a physical game, engaging the eyes and the body. Learn to pick your target and hit it there without too many verbal instructions to the body. The body does not understand verbal instruction, only visual input, so get into the habit of simply picking your target and letting the body hit it there without you getting in the way. The great tennis guru Tom Galway was the guy that first realized this and his book, The Inner Game of Tennis, became an instant classic as a result.
Commandment #7: Thou shalt learn to be proud of yourself
A key aspect of success is self-belief and the best way to develop it is to surround yourself with people who reflect your talent and remind you of just how good you are. This may be peers, coaches, stats, an accumulation of trophies or parents. Learn to listen to positive feedback and take it in. And keep your trophies out and all shined up. They are there to serve as a reminder of your past achievements.
