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"How to play bigger than you actually are - just like the 5'3" Slovakian."
-- Steve Tignor, Tennis Magazine
1. Enjoy the Experience -
Cibulkova simply revels in the sport of tennis, even smelling the scent of
fresh balls before serving, and constantly hopping and weaving between
points. "The first step to playing tennis well is to play it enthusiastically."
2. Play Fast, But Don't Rush - Cibulkova doesn't waste time between points - yet still does not seem to rush. She maintains a speedy but steady pace. Playing promptly - but not rushed - helps you to avoid getting too negative or down about any one point or play.
3. Make Rackethead Speed Your Friend - Cibulkova knows that - when you are attacking - the faster you swing (with spin), the safer your shot will be.
4. Engage -
Cibulkova engages with her coach during practices and hits, exchanging
and discussing things. "Get involved in your own learning process, and you'll push your coach to think more deeply about your game."
5. Fight, Don't Whine - Cibulkova could make excuses for her lack
of height - but she doesn't. She compensates. For example, on the serve
she has developed a high toss to allow her to get as far into the court
as possible. On her groundstrokes, she tries to counter her lack of
size with speed and executing the first strike.
Excerpts from:
"Learning from . . . Dominika Cibulkova", Steve Tignor, Tennis Magazine (Jan.-Feb. 2017), Page 53.
"The Canadian has more to teach us than just how to hit aces."
-- Steve Tignor, Tennis Magazine
1. Don't Be Afraid to Aim High - Raonic
always believed he could crack the very top. "As a tennis player,
you're only going to become as good as you believe you can be."
2. Have a Plan -
Raonic was always well-organized and conscientious, at times using two
coaches and a trainer and even a specific consultant such as John
McEnroe for particular aspects of his game. You too can set a plan with goals,
work to get there and always believe that you can make any weakness at least a little better.
3. Learn to Volley (or improve on another shot that might not be natural) -
Raonic always had a massive serve, but could not back it up very well
with an easy volley. Raonic worked and succeeded at improving his
volley, thereby proving that you can still learn and gain from a shot
which does not come natural for you.
4. Think Long-Term - Raonic always presents himself as a player
steadily and methodically rising - and you can too. "[W]ins and losses,
ups and downs, surges and setbacks - they are all to be expected, and
they can all be part of your master plan."
Excerpts from:
"Learning from . . . Milos Raonic", Steve Tignor, Tennis Magazine (Jan.-Feb. 2017), Page 17.
1. Recognize your situation - Look at the situation so as to set aside the negative and accentuate the positive.
2. Make a plan - Use a road map of simple action steps.
3. Be consistent - Consistency works over time to win a higher percentage of points.
4. Support system - Every champion needs and uses a support system and team.
5. Just deal with it - Practicing how to deal with unexpected challenges readies you.
6. No looking back - Instead of mentally re-playing a negative play, re-frame it: visualize or picture the right move or motion.
7. Dealing with setbacks - Most journeys worth taking have setbacks,
twists and turns - so accept them as part of the journey. Circle back to
your plan and move forward.
8. Momentum - Every winner experiences momentum or "playing in the
zone". Achieving this often just means breaking down a difficult,
daunting, arduous task into small, simple, actionable pieces.
9. Learning - A champion must be willing to constantly learn. Learning
is the ultimate process by which you maintain momentum and bounce back
from obstacles.
Courtesy: Coach David F. Berens, www.BecomingAChampion.info
For more, see:
"Coaching Nine Valuable Life Lessons from Tennis", by David F. Berens, Certified USPTA Elite Professional, USPTA Addvantage (January 2017)
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