Although the object of playing tennis is to win the match it is equally important to know how to lose. In losing, a tennis player should accept the loss in a positive manner, cheerfully and without animosity against his opponent. In winning, a tennis player should exhibit humility and kindness without the arrogance.
In tennis, winning is not everything especially if you did not win the match fair and square. If you win and your victory is clouded by unfair and rude behavior on the court then the victory is hollow. In playing a tennis match, always do so with your full concentration; execute your strokes as best as you can and fight with all your strength to hit the ball and return it successfully to your opponent’s court. If you lose at your best, then you can say that your best was not good enough for your opponent and the better player won; if you did not, then you have given your opponent an empty victory which the spectators would realize. In any game, it is necessary to always be fair to yourself and your opponent.
If you take up the sport of tennis, give it the proper treatment required by a gentleman’s game. Enjoy the match and do so whether you play just by yourselves or in front of spectators at your local club. When you do, then you are giving due credit to the game by being at your best for yourself, your opponent and the people watching the two of you exchange strokes and run after the ball!
The competitive nature of tennis gives the game the thrill and excitement known all over the world. Players, professional and amateurs alike, get their recognition by being at their very best whenever they step onto the court to play against somebody. In exchange for this, people come to watch the players give their games the best they can muster during the match, clapping and cheering at every point and sighing at every misplaced shot even if the person who made or lose the point is not the one whom they want to win! Such is the mysterious appeal of tennis that players should realize whenever they play.
The competitive spirit of tennis makes it imperative for players to play as best as they can. It is this spirit that makes tennis a crowd drawer among people from all walks of life.
Since the object is to win, a player must do everything to prevent his opponent from playing his favorite shots. Instead, they force each other to commit errors and miss shots with their vast repertory of strokes, topspins and slices not to mention bullet-speed serves. Whenever you step onto a tennis court to play, be ready to give your best to prevent your opponent from making his favorite shots. Use a variety of well placed shots and you’re your serves to distract his attention from keeping the ball in play. Stay on the offensive as much as possible to win as many games as you can in any given set.
Never play your opponent’s game, always be prepared to attack the net and defend your part of the court from your opponent’s drives and volleys. Never change a winning game in favor of style but always change a losing game until you discover your rhythm and start winning.
Take chances only when you are ahead and never when you are trailing your opponent that is suicide. Never let your opponent determine your frame of mind, keep him off balance with a smile regardless if you lost the last point. It’s better to get him overconfident than you showing open dejection in front of him!
Lastly, always play with a cheery disposition; even if you lose, it’s only a game and you can prepare yourself the next time you meet on the court by practicing your strokes and foot work and give your opponent a run for his money.
