Wednesday, September 02, 2009

My Brain

I am so frustrated with my tennis game these days. It's like I am a complete beginner again and nothing is working. I have the footwork resembling someone with two left feet and I can't hit a proper top spin forehand on a good day. I quit!

Okay, breathe. That's crazy talk.

I am not quitting, but it is ridiculous loving something so much even though it makes me bonkers. I'm a slave to the silly game. That's why I fork out $2000 dollars a year so I can play on indoor courts in the winter at an overpriced gym. It is the reason why I get up every morning at 4:30 so I can work out and get in a few rounds with the ball machine before work. And it is responsible for turning my usually calm self into a swearing lunatic on the court when things aren't going right.

There is, of course, a perfectly good reason why my games sucking these day. My coach has decided that I am ready for the next step in advancing my level of play, it's called hitting early. Basically, if you watch professional tennis and compare it to the average joe/joelene on a tennis court, one of the biggest differences you'll see is contact point. Professionals can hit the ball a lot earlier and that's how they generate speed. And although it may sound simple I am learning it's extremely difficult to do.

In order to master 'hitting early' one must learn to trust their instinct. When you make contact out in front it is almost like hitting blind, you have to trust that your body's in the right place and just swing. Your brain is going to try and fool you into waiting, hitting when it's safe and after you've fully processed where the ball actually bounces.

It's a strange mind fuck, hitting the ball before you're brain has fully determined it's okay. And, although I feel like I have taken two steps back with respect to my skill level, it is amazing to discover that instinct trumps the almighty brain. I need to remember this the next time my brain commands my hands to reach for a chocolate bar even thought my gut is telling me NO.

Alright enough rambling, got to get to bed because I'm up again at a ridiculous hour tomorrow morning so I can practice 'hitting early'. I hate tennis. I love tennis! I'm so confused!

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