As I sit back and watch the Olympics and what a decisive Men’s and Women’s final match occurred for Serena Williams and Andy Murray, I ponder the following, especially for Andy Murray; what has he been doing the last 4 weeks since his loss at Wimbledon, on the court and off, to have such a decisive win against the all time great Roger Federer AND what has Serena done the last 4 weeks since dominating the Wimbledon and now Olympic finals. One knows Andy has been studying his Wimbledon match that also was against Roger. He knew the surface was the same and he now is being recognized as a threat from his Wimbledon 2 week adventure, so he was more relaxed the second time around and pschologically, he finally believes that he has arrived, maybe that is what he is thinking. I am guessing he was practicing without time off from Wimbledon and it paid off, his on court and off court training never stopped. Not sure Roger had the same motivation train the last 4 weeks. As for Serena, her motivation is what keeps her playing at her best and her best, seems to be a higher level than ANYONE else on the women’s tour, however, she MUST be motivated, healthy and not be distracted by outside things. Her dominance at the moment must be considered one of the biggest feats in sports.
Secondly, as I think about my weekly tennis clinics with adult and junior clients, my coaches and I have had much success in ‘competitive’ games that seem to get all players excited and eager to compete and yes to win. The games are for doubles and focus on some specific goals, as well as, being able to play with different partners, since teams are switching around constantly.
These are games called ‘Live Ball,’ and the ‘Winner’s Game.’ Live ball stresses the importance of the first ground stroke hit must go cross court or you are out, but if successfully hit, the receiving team plays the opponent 4 points, with a change in teams sides if the challenger wins 3 of 4 points.
As the returner misses the 1st shot, the volleyer on that side stays in and a new baseline returner moves in, this allows the game to have different partners. The winner’s game, focuses on the challenger team getting 4 points to ‘dethrone’ the opposing team, whether by an out right WINNER or by winning 3 of 4 points.
Remember, a winner is a ball opposing team does not touch; it can be hard, high, soft etc., it can happen at any time during the point, the 1st shot or the 10th shot. These competitive games are great for fitness, camaraderie for team play, finding a new partner and lastly,
learning to play doubles. The coaches are cheer leading strategies through out the game.
It would be great to hear from you about your game, how you practice and what goals you put on yourself; short term and long, please contact me at scott@snicholspro.com and I will reply back.