|
Two ways of improving
your playing ability in a sport are by working on improving your
overall physical fitness level and by working on improving the
weaker aspects in your game. This is true, no matter at what level
you are playing the sport, be it the professional level, the junior
level or even just starting out on the sport. |
Physical fitness is a combination of STRENGTH, STAMINA, SPEED and
SUPPLENESS. Each factor is important and every sport requires the
above factors in varying degrees. The fitness requirements of a
boxer, tennis player, football player, marathon runner, weightlifter
are completely different. When you are learning to play a sport,
then of course you must also learn the relevant SKILLS of the sport.
If you want to excel in your sport then you must acquire the ideal
combination of STRENGTH, STAMINA, SPEED, SUPPLENESS and SKILL. This
is what you call sport specific fitness.
Fitness and confidence go hand in hand. There is a connection
between fitness and the ability to counter pressure in a tight match
situation. Being physically fit deepens your belief in yourself. You
start believing that you can go the whole way in a tight situation.
One good example is that of Pete Sampras in that memorable match
against Alex Corretja, the gritty Spaniard, at the US Open. Sampras
was on the verge of defeat, collapsed on the court, yet somehow
reached within himself and found the mental and physical strength to
overcome the odds and defeat Corretja.
Lindsay Davenport had a technically sound game but still was a
perpetual semifinalist. She started working on her physical fitness,
acquired a leaner, hungrier look that showed she meant business,
went on to win Wimbledon and become the World’s No.1. This is a
classic example of how improving physical fitness can make you
tougher physically and mentally. Agassi, after his brief layoff from
tennis, realized that the only way he could get into the top level
was by improving his physical fitness. Work he did and the results
that followed speak for themselves. A good example of how, no matter
how talented you are, still need to invest time and energy in a
physical fitness program.
Working technically on the weaker aspects of your game is the other
surefire way to improve. Think of a chain link, being pulled in
opposite directions. The chain will always snap at the weakest link.
Similarly with your game. If you have a weak overhead or a shaky
forehand, most times that will be the shot that will crack under
pressure in a tight situation. And a smart opponent will do
everything to expose your weaknesses.
Before you can even set out on an improvement program, you have to
realize your strengths and weaknesses. Self-realization is the key.
It is very important that your improvement program should be
structured to your specific needs. Talk to your Coach TODAY. Make
realistic GOALS for yourself, set out on a practical program and
very soon you will find your game reaching a NEW HEIGHT. Remember
the axiom NO WORK! NO GAIN!
KNOW YOUR WEAK LINK AND START WORKING ON THEM TODAY! |
