We all know the adage “Practice makes
perfect”. But does, practicing something that is technically
incorrect, make you perfect?. Obviously NO!. Which is why we need to
correct the adage to “PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT”.
Rote and repetition is one way you can attain mastery over a
learning task. But learn to do it the RIGHT WAY! For instance,
hitting serves with a wrong ball toss will only reinforce the error
rather than improving the stroke. Similarly, practicing a stroke
with an inappropriate grip will not make your stroke any better.
When you set out to practice do so with an objective and a plan of
action. Talk to your coach, understand what is right and what is
wrong and then constantly practice and repeat situations. Players
must master practice techniques that will prepare them for
competition even if at the club or amateur level.
All sports need to focus on four elements: - Physical, Mental,
Technical and Strategy. Technique and strategy need to be practiced
in tandem and go hand in hand. Many times we have seen players who
stroke beautifully but do not win. Simply because, they have a
technically perfect stroke and do not know when and how to use it!
This is why a lot of players look good but still lose!
Always learn to practice at different times and with different
people. Variety of practice partners and opponents gives students
the opportunity to understand their own game, realize strengths and
weakness and gives them the occasion to experiment. All of these
competitive situations are win-win for a player’s improvement!
A common misconception many people have (especially parents of kids
aspiring to be professionals) is to practice, only against better
and higher ranked players. Nothing could be further from the truth. There
are many things to be learnt from practicing with people equal or
lesser to you. For example, working with someone equal to you,
reinforces your strengths and helps overcome weaknesses. It helps
you learn from each other and even perhaps try out new techniques.
Working with someone lesser than you, gives you the great
opportunity to work on your accuracy, consistency and weaknesses and
try out new techniques with confidence. Besides, it is a great way
of giving to and promoting the sport.
Quite obviously, you have to have the right mix and remember that
the quality of practice is more important than the quantity.
During and after practice sessions try and get a feedback from your
coach and your practice partner if necessary. Credit yourself for
what is right and also ensure that mistakes are eliminated and not
repeated.
On the court establish and practice on-court rituals for different
situations in a game. Watch the top pros, and you will find that
they have rituals for serving, returning serve and even simple
things like walking back to the baseline. This establishes a stress
/ recovery pattern and is a key element in retaining focus and
enhancing mental toughness.
Next time you are headed for the practice court, go with a plan of
action, make certain you are doing the right thing, work on
something specific and always come back feeling you are better
player than you were before the practice session.
GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY HITTING. |
