The Technical vs Playing Dilemma
Q: Since three weeks I am training (again, after an interruption of some months) with a good tournament player.
He is telling me exactly the same as you did before!
I tried today to focus only on the ball and the game. The improvement is stunning!
A: Yes, I tried to make this clear in the “How to Play Tennis” bonus videos.
Q: The technical vs. game dilemma maybe started as I subscribed to the internet website Tennisplayer.net and set out to emulate the pros.
More and more I was convinced that to play better you had first to improve your technique, because repeating the same patterns was not leading to a higher level.
My opinion was to “invest in the long term”, assuming that technique is the horse that pulls the cart.
I got advice to set goals for the practice session (train with purpose). It seemed to work, as my game improved.
Every week I set some goals. After one week I focus on something different.
This weeks goals have been:
- visualise the moment of the toss when the ball leaves the hand (because my toss is too erratic)
- wide base with the feet on the forehand
- backhand preparation with butt leading the racket during the forward swing
- play the volleys with minimum arm action
A: That’s all sound advice but try and move from thought to feel as soon as you can.
Let’s say: wide base for your forehand. First you think and consciously put your feet wide.
Next, try how that feels. Remember the feel, not the thinking (words in your head).
Once you feel you legs wide, it won’t take long for you to let go of being aware of that.
You’ll be able to play and your legs will go wide apart automatically.
Q: My tennis teacher and my tournament friend noticed I am thinking too much.
Especially during tournaments I have the impression not to perform at my full potential.
The competition itself is not the problem, but the fact that every opponent plays differently and you have to adapt quickly to another game.
A: Yes, the strategy game is about solving problems. And that rarely involves doing something technically.
Most of the time is to “play differently”, not thinking HOW you are going to do it.
Q: Your advice and your booklet are excellent.
I read the best books etc… like you described it in your journey and started to write some cards like in case I win the first set. It takes really a lot of time…
I am looking forward to buy more material from you, that will not have such an impact on my current tennis budget. 
The question is still: how to combine technical improvement and reach peak performance in the match or the training?
Seems not to be compatible to both think to a firm wrist and to hit the ball properly…
A: Again - the steps go like this: technical - conscious thinking first for a little while (could be 2 minutes maybe or 2 weeks).
Then try and feel what you do. Then forget about feel and try to play the ball.
Why do you need a firm wrist? To control the ball.
So forget about firm wrist and try and play the ball somewhere.
The firm wrist will HAVE to be there - automatically.
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