Re: Dirty Tricks that Mother didn't teach me -

"Gary" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> 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


This all seems like it would take focus away from executing your strokes?
Yes I've come across trash talkers in the past, but I was fortunate enough
to be much better than pretty much everyone I played against, so didn't have
to resort to any tactics.  One that stands out is a guy visiting from
overseas who claimed to be a tennis coach & said I would be no problem for
him (I had a reputation as a bit of a tennis star... ; ).

I played him on clay at my local club & beat him 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-0.  He said
'Yeah, I guess you're pretty good...'  : )

Another guy wanted to bet $4,000 he could beat me.  This guy was borderline
obese & I thought 'No way'.  I said I wouldn't take his money & play for
free, but he never took me up.

I guess if you're playing someone much better who always beats you it might
be worth trying above tactics, but I doubt a good player would even notice
what you're doing between points...?  I'd be focussing on what I had to do
rather than 'why's he stopped spitting'....