Sorry to Say

I'm always entertained watching advertisements for tennis and golf equipment.

Why aren't there more great golfers and tennis players at the local  courses and courts?

It seems to me if folks would purchase the very latest racket or club, or even a different  brand of ball, their level of play would skyrocket them to  fame and fortune.

I hate to be the one to burst their bubble, but nothing could be further from reality!

Tennis and golf both are SKILL INTENSIVE SPORTS!

If players were to invest in practice time rather than shiny new toys, there would  be a path to a higher level of expertise open to them.

 Please don't misunderstand me when I mention practice.

What I don't mean is hitting hundreds  of balls aimlessly with hopes of becoming a local superstar.

What I do mean is purposeful  practice with a clear understanding of the physics involved in producing specific ball flights. 

When I was the Tennis Director at The Island Club there was a member (no name) who would spend a couple of hours a week hitting on the ball machine. He was trying to teach himself a top spin forehand by flipping the racket face over the top of the ball! (Hey, they say  to come over the ball on TV, right?)

After watching him get frustrated, I suggested that he try brushing up the back of the ball rather than rolling over it.

Well, the next week he was doing the same thing and rather than interrupt his workout I  just continued stringing my racket and left him to his own devices.

With the holiday gift giving season upon us, do yourself a favor and  drop a hint to your nearest and dearest that some tennis lessons (a couple of private lessons) would be the perfect way to express their love for you.

Equipment is of no value without the knowledge of how to effectively employ it.

When you take a lesson, first identify your need then let the coach know what you need and why. Example: I’m a doubles player and need help learning a backhand return or serve or I need to improve my forehand volley etc.

Get the information that you need, then go about finding a practice partner or rent a ball machine and PRACTICE PURPOSEFULLY .

I'm sorry to inform you that those new sneakers or that shiny new blue and red racket aren't going to raise your level of play - that’s the real deal, like it or not!