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

whhedr,

You should never quit playing just because others don't like to be
beaten.  I lose more than I win depending on the level of players. 
However, I always think of tennis like old west gun-slingers...there's
always someone out there faster, younger, etc..  Strange as it may
seem, I can have a very good time even if I lose as long as I know in
my heart that I played the very best I could for that given time.
Plus, You are right about some people being too sensitive.  With me
the perspective I have when I get on the courts is "thank the Lord I
can be here playing tonight".  My Mother was paralyzed with a stroke
three years back...and, I spend a good portion of my day seeing to all
of her needs, (i.e., that means everything).  So, winning is less
important than just getting to play.  And, my Wife and children will
accompany me to the courts on league night because they like to see me
play.  Maybe, its because we always have family time after league is
over and play a few sets among ourselves.  However, I think it is
important that my children see that when I lose I am respectful to my
opponent...and, that I can accept defeat along with victory.  For me
it's more important to impress my children with the fact that even
though I may get beat that I gave it everything I have.
I laughed at a thread in this ng where some parent was worried about
his daughter who was having difficulties with her lessons.  I teach my
children to play tennis for the love of the game...if they become very
good players...that's great but not required.  I realized along time
ago that I am not re-living my life vicariously through them...nor, do
I expect them to be any less respectful of me when that day comes
where they will beat me with ease.

Your Friend,
Gary
www.awningsleeveshirt.com 

[EMAIL PROTECTED] (wkhedr) wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> I play tennis because I enjoy execution my shots with style. Even when
> I stop playing for long time and I get asked to play with somebody, my
> focus is not in winning instead executing my style even if I'm losing!
> 
> I can change the way I play easily and win ugly but I go home unhappy
> and sad.
> I like to play with good players and have no problem losing because it
> means there is a chance to learn something new.
> 
> Over the years most of the people I play with became reluctant to play
> with me again after they lost. They have no problem hitting some balls
> but playing game, NO.
> 
> This really upsets me, that people are too sensitive to lose!
> 
> 
> "Whisper" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> > "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'....