Dirty Tricks that Mother didn't teach me -

Every so often, I play an opponent who loves to trash talk during the
set...before, receiving or serving...etc.  When I have an opponent
like this I employ dirty tricks that Mother didn't teach me. 
Naturally, this type of opponent likes to act like his trash talk is
all just good nature fun.  However, it is a tactic to wreck your
game!!!

So, when that starts happening here's a very effective trick to stop
it...on change overs - Stare at his shoes...then, when he catches you
act like you really weren't looking at his shoes.  If he asks you
"what" you're looking at just tell him you were thinking about
something.  If, you are serving - right before you begin your toss
look at his shoes.  If, you are receiving do the same thing before you
get in the ready position.  Keep it up until he is so self-absorbed
with his shoes that he can't even think about his tennis.  You must
maintain a "straight" face.

Here's another fun one - on change overs pretend you have this make
believe ritual you must do...like getting a specific towel out of your
bag to wipe your handle or face off with.  And, always put that towel
back in a specific place in your bag.  When, you take the lead in the
set...completely, ignore the towel.  If you are behind take the towel
out and throw it down on the ground like its magic has worn off then
put it back in your bag.  Curiosity kills "trash talkers".

Here's a fun one - pretend you have a favorite ball that you must have
to start the serve with.  Even, if you have all three of the balls
pretend you are looking them over real closely to find the right one
to serve with before you serve.  Try to make it look like you are
being covert about it.  Then, if he becomes helpful in trying to make
sure you have the right ball so it doesn't delay his game...and, he
tosses it to you - tell him you're sure that's not the right one and
use another ball.

Here's a good one that I had an opponent pull on me...although, I
wasn't trash talking.  Before, he would receive serve he would quickly
lean over and touch the court with his hand.  It took me a couple of
games to figure out he was having too much fun.

Here's another one that I have seen employed...this one opponent would
always turn and spit just a little bit before he would take serve. 
Then, when the set got serious he would stop spitting.

I am sure a bunch of you have seen other tactics.  What are your
favorites that have either been used on you or you have used???  And,
how do you handle trash talkers???  Sure, it's easy to punch them out
or make a big scene out of their trash talk...but, there's more than
one way to skin a cat.

Your Friend,
Gary
www.awningsleeveshirt.com