Mary Laver, the wife of Rod Laver dies at 84.
It is good to hear that they had a full and happy life together. We wish him well in this difficult time.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Become A Dog
As I think about the years I spent learning tennis I'll have to say that one memory never leaves me and that is a story I heard about training under Harry Hopman. Many of his students took to heart the idea that in training you should chase down every ball whether in or out and play it. In that frame fo mind you'd never stand still and watch a ball go past you without at least trying for it.
Think about what in nature follows such a simple rule. Most any dog you teach to fetch will happily chase any ball you throw for them long past when you can't throw the ball any longer or until you lose interest. They are obsessed with chasing down balls, frisbees, and whatever else you send outward for them to run after.
Follow this rule when you train especially if you are young and you'll find that you will be fleet of foot, and rarely will a ball pass out of your reach that wasn't a great placement or just plain luck. Your conditioning will improve and you will force your opponent to hit better shots and therefore draw more errors from them.
Think of yourself as a dog in training. Who knows, you may come back as one someday and be thankful that you trained well in your past life as a tennis player. You'll fetch better than ever and love doing it.
Think about what in nature follows such a simple rule. Most any dog you teach to fetch will happily chase any ball you throw for them long past when you can't throw the ball any longer or until you lose interest. They are obsessed with chasing down balls, frisbees, and whatever else you send outward for them to run after.
Follow this rule when you train especially if you are young and you'll find that you will be fleet of foot, and rarely will a ball pass out of your reach that wasn't a great placement or just plain luck. Your conditioning will improve and you will force your opponent to hit better shots and therefore draw more errors from them.
Think of yourself as a dog in training. Who knows, you may come back as one someday and be thankful that you trained well in your past life as a tennis player. You'll fetch better than ever and love doing it.
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