Dare to Be Aware

Maybe it’s just my personality from being a coach, but I am—and I have always been—very observant and aware of my surroundings and the actions of the people in my surroundings. 

As we are now adapting to our new routines and beginning to get our daily lives back in stride, we are all being much more focused and aware of our surroundings and the actions of the people (we are exposed to) in those surroundings. 

For instance, if I am checking out at the grocery store, I am constantly aware of everything and everyone around me.  

• Who is wearing a mask? 
• Who is not wearing a mask? 
• What is the distance in which people are standing next to me in line? 
• What is their body language? 
• If I speak to them, are they polite and friendly or pushy and rude? 

The same theory of awareness applies to my observation of people, aka my opponents on the court. 

• I observe where they are positioned on the court in relation to my position. 
• Are they right or left-handed? 
• Do they have a favorite shot?  
• Do they have a weak shot? 
• What is their body language? 
• Are they aggressive or passive in their playing style? 

So, as you now “dare to be aware” of everything that is going on around you in your daily activities, apply that awareness to what’s going on around you on the court when you are competing. 

Wayne Clark is a professional tennis instructor with over 25 year’s experience coaching players on all levels of the game. Wayne is also qualified in pickleball instruction and is on staff as an instructor with The Pickleball Academy of Southwest Florida at East Naples Community Park. Contact Coach Wayne by email at coachwayneclark@aol.com, or by or by phone or text at 239-450-6161.