Episode 53: Fish or cut bait...tennis maturity makes a difference

Tennis players, like fine wine, get better with age. So let's discuss WHY, over a little white wine, how player Mardy Fish is a NEW/OLD contender at this year's US Open.

FAVORITE LINKS: Timeless Tennis by Gary Bala

The 2010 U.S. Open is HERE! Enjoy this great promotional video of last years action...see more

REFLECTIONS...never having to say you're sorry

I've heard it said that tennis players are held to a higher standard of courtesy with unwritten rules and lofty expectations. I will agree that from the earliest times of tennis history–where royalty were the main, in not the only, participants in this activity–there has been an air of class to what began as lawn tennis. But in the end, if one is being competitive, there is a winner and a loser. The winner is happy to have done whatever it took to win, and the loser understands that only one can walk away victorious.

This brings me to the question of apologies. If I'm hitting with my partner, and the ball hits the top of the net and trickles over, am I required (as tennis courtesy would dictate) to raise a hand in apology for winning the point in this way? Well, let's evaluate the situation and ask some basic questions: Did I mean to hit the top of the net? NO. Then there is no intended malice. Did I cheat? NO, it is legal to win a point in this way according to tennis rules. Did I mean to win the point? YES, and in fact I did. Am I sorry the point ended this way? NO, since it could have happened on either side as it is simply by chance. 

So if I meant to win, and I did not cheat, then why should I be sorry? Oh, I know. It is so I can give the appearance of courtesy even though it is a phony display of etiquette. I myself would rather abide by the principle of HONESTY. I'm thrilled I won the point regardless of how pretty it was. If this makes me a bad tennis player in your eyes, then perhaps you should look in the mirror a few more times before you judge others.

THE BOTTOM LINE: follow what feels good to you.

FAVORITE SITES: Timeless Tennis by Gary Bala

Posted: August 23, 2010
QUICK TIP: A FAST WAY TO PLAY BETTER TENNIS

Do you like cinnamon? Cinnamon has a long history as a spice with medicinal benefit. In fact, it is one of the oldest spices known...read more

Gotta Play Tennis Forums

Check out the GPT FORUMS as a link from my site. This is the place to share your tennis insights, questions, personal anecdotes, and love of the game.

If you've never posted on a forum before and need assistance navigating the interface, please feel free to contact me. Although it is relatively self-explanatory and works like most other forums, I would be happy to walk you through it.

FAVORITE SITES: Timeless Tennis

Gotta Play Tennis welcomes: 

Timeless Tennis (a blog site that provides insight into both past and present history through reviews of books, DVDs, websites, attended tournaments and personal experiences on the court)

Profile: Gary Bala

I'm an immigration lawyer with a passion for the sport and hobby of tennis, especially tennis history and collecting memorabilia. I played in high school, and briefly in college. I'm now an avid recreational and club player, and attend many local clinics and classes. I enjoy watching many professional tournaments. Happy tennis... and may all your serves be Aces!

My E-Mail Contact: gb@garybala.com

Posting: August 16, 2010
The 11th Dimension of Tennis - the Super Relaxed State
In current theoretical physics, the 11th dimension is a characteristic of space-time proposed by physicists who study "quantum mechanics". It is used... read more

Episode 52: Swing away Merill...at least from the baseline

When is it time to swing away at the ball, and when is it prudent to simply guide the shot for a winner? Hitting all out may not always the best solution.

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Episode 51: It's in the bag...I hope.

We once again take a look into the the experience of Brad Gilbert and discuss his suggestions on what to bring to the court. We also take a look at why even beginners need to be prepared in order to maximize their enjoyment of tennis.