HP Tennis Pro

https://youtu.be/CaVaF6TkSUU

It was difficult to bear witness to two of my players who had lost to their rivalries 5-6 times, consecutively, in tournaments. I didn't know how encourage them, only to send them both this poem, Desiderata.

And I, now, need this poem more than ever for myself, as a tennis coach! I believe this poem speaks to the timeless human condition we are in.

I often observe to understand what my students care more: the destination or the journey? The modern life is about goals and reaching the end game. Yet, shouldn't what we are free to do belongs in our happiness within our journey? To me, if anything is good, is noble, or worth of admiration, I want it to last as long as possible; I do not want it to end.

The observation in tennis is easy! Ones who care more about the destination are usually less happier than ones who enjoy more about the journey (process). I understand this is a subjective, qualitative statement from a behaviorism perspective.

Feel free to share your perspectives on this. What do you, and/or your players, do to "strive to be happy" when dissapointments and failures are inevitable?

Desiderata - A Life Changing Poem for Hard Times Newest episode to our Powerful Life Poetry series. We hope this finds you well in these troublesome times.-Read by Shane MorrisMusic by Tony Anderson-Max Ehr...

I heard someone says: "explaining a joke is like dissecting a frog; you understand the joke, but the frog dies."

How do you explain (teach) tennis without letting the frog die? 🐸

Our summer training has its ups and downs...yet, our spirits are always high for tennis! 💪🎾

In term competitive tennis, Miyamoto Musashi has something to say:

"When you cannot be deceived by [an opponent] you will have realized the wisdom of strategy.”

“You win battles by knowing the enemy's timing, and using a timing which the enemy does not expect.”

“Becoming the opponent means you should put yourself in an opponent's place and think from the opponent's point of view.”

—Miyamoto Musashi

All being equal (technical and physical), thinking tennis tactics and strategies in simple term of a game of paper/rock/scissor can help a player formulate a general game plan, then make adjustments as the match unfolds.

Sometimes realization brings sadness, but it can also bring hapiness. The sadness part is learning the truth about ourselves and reality; the happiness part is embracing our best in what we can do.