Why tennis players take 3 balls from ball boys when they serve?
Why do tennis players take three service balls from the ball-kids, bounce them then throw one back?
The first reason that comes to mind is that they are looking for the ball that is the most preserved – not so fuzzy – and will thus fly the fastest with the least air friction.
This is only a minor reason.
The major one is that this a is a ritual, a way to become focused on the next point and to let go of the previous point.
It also prevents them from rushing because we have a natural tendency to rush and try get out of trouble quickly for example when you are 1:4 behind.
But if you rush you won’t focus 100% and you won’t play a high percentage tennis. You’ll probably go for the first half-chance that you see and that won’t work long term.
So the players have this ritual of taking the time when selecting the balls and with this they actually “force” themselves to always take time and approach every point with 100% concentration.
One more interesting thing I noticed once when I was watching Guillermo Coria play in Umag: he did this same ritual – taking 3 balls from the ball kid – and served.
But when he got in trouble in the game – like 0:30, 15:40 or 0:40, he would always take 4! balls and select 2 for his serve.
He deliberately took even more time to calm down and avoid rushing.
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