Today, I would like to talk about the equipment you need to have with you. Many players when going into a tournament or league play, take the minimum they need to get through the match. Sometimes, what you think you have in your bag is not enough.
Players will take only 1 racquet, a towel, a can of balls and that is about it. This is not enough, especially if you are playing a long match. You need to have at least 2 strung racquets (preferrably newly strung) or more, extra overgrips, a couple of towels, at least 2 shirts (to change during the match), energy bars or bananas to snack on during the match, water and an energy drink. One of my tennis partners gave me an idea of bring an extra pair of shoes and an extra pair of socks as well. I also like to carry some bandaides and maybe some aleve for pain (just in case).
I think this would be a minimum. Be prepared ahead of time. Make sure you have all you need, even if you think you won't use it, it is better to be prepared than sorry.
As for your racquets, you need to check them to be sure that your strings don't need to be change. If you go into a match and during the match (or even during warmups) if you string breaks, it can affect how you play. And if you only have 1 left, you need to make sure that racquet will get you through the match. You start worrying about your racquet and you start making mistakes - there goes the match.
So in closing, make sure you are prepared with equipment.
Keep checking back for more updates.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
My background
This is a new blog on how to become a better tennis player.
About me:
I have been playing tennis competitively since 1995. I started as a 3.0 rated player and after 10 years playing 3.0, got bumped up to 3.5 in 2006. In 2005, with a torn meniscus in my right knee, I had my best year. I won consolation at the Abilene Major. Got to the finals at the Waco Major and Tyler Major. I beat the number 1 player in 3.0 in the state of Texas in Waco. I ended the year at #6 in the state and in 2006, got moved up to 3.5 level. I continue to play at 3.5 level.
Within the last 3 years, I became a tennis official. I went to a seminar, got interested in making extra money and learning more about the rules of tennis - so I started working as an official. I am considered a roving official. I basically watch over several courts (usually around 10 courts). I walk around making sure the matches are running smoothly. Check for foot faults and making sure the players are following the rules. I have worked adult tournaments and junior tournaments. The rules are different between juniors and adults, so I have to get used to both levels.
Since I have been working as an official for about 3 years, I have learned a lot about the rules. Also, since I watch a lot of tennis matches (as an official) I see how players react to calls, to good and bad shots. Tennis is not only a physical game, but also very much a mental game.
Since I have been playing for about 15 years now, I have become a better tennis player because of the experience. I also became a better tennis player because I have changed how I think. Like I mentioned before, tennis is a mental game. To become a better tennis player, not only does it require one to become physically fit to play long hard matches, but you have to be mentally tough as well.
In my future blogs, I will give tips, talk about being prepared, have the right equipment with you and explain how you can better your game becoming mentally tough.
Thanks for reading.
About me:
I have been playing tennis competitively since 1995. I started as a 3.0 rated player and after 10 years playing 3.0, got bumped up to 3.5 in 2006. In 2005, with a torn meniscus in my right knee, I had my best year. I won consolation at the Abilene Major. Got to the finals at the Waco Major and Tyler Major. I beat the number 1 player in 3.0 in the state of Texas in Waco. I ended the year at #6 in the state and in 2006, got moved up to 3.5 level. I continue to play at 3.5 level.
Within the last 3 years, I became a tennis official. I went to a seminar, got interested in making extra money and learning more about the rules of tennis - so I started working as an official. I am considered a roving official. I basically watch over several courts (usually around 10 courts). I walk around making sure the matches are running smoothly. Check for foot faults and making sure the players are following the rules. I have worked adult tournaments and junior tournaments. The rules are different between juniors and adults, so I have to get used to both levels.
Since I have been working as an official for about 3 years, I have learned a lot about the rules. Also, since I watch a lot of tennis matches (as an official) I see how players react to calls, to good and bad shots. Tennis is not only a physical game, but also very much a mental game.
Since I have been playing for about 15 years now, I have become a better tennis player because of the experience. I also became a better tennis player because I have changed how I think. Like I mentioned before, tennis is a mental game. To become a better tennis player, not only does it require one to become physically fit to play long hard matches, but you have to be mentally tough as well.
In my future blogs, I will give tips, talk about being prepared, have the right equipment with you and explain how you can better your game becoming mentally tough.
Thanks for reading.
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