I’m Taking
Lessons, But My Game Isn’t Changing
Vic Braden
This is a common
cry around the world, but why does it happen?
Let’s start with some basic thoughts.
First, lessons are meant to provide truthful information, which
will encourage the student to work hard to change an electrical signal
from the brain to the muscles. There are sometimes two hurdles.
First, the student does not get truthful information.
Though most tennis instructors around the world have demonstrated
tremendous growth, there are still some out there disseminating data
that scientists can prove are not accurate.
The students who fall victim to such instructors will be paying
lots of money, and working hard, for nothing.
A common thread
for me is that when students travel away from their club to attend our
traveling Tennis College, they often write later to tell me that their
local pro totally disagrees with my teaching concepts.
However, it has been a lifetime policy of mine to have that
student, their local pro and myself discuss the issues in a three-way
phone conversation. What we
owe students, as coaches, is to provide our rationale, and where
possible, to submit biomechanical data or super high-speed film to back
up our statements. I must
confess that only one coach in over 30 years has agreed to such a
three-way conversation. I rely on six or seven scientists to help me generate the
supporting rationale, and I place great faith in their judgment.
There are so many disciplines involved in tennis instruction that
no coach can know it all. But all experts can be wrong at one time or another, and I
welcome new information. It’s
important for students who are not experiencing the improvement rate
they desire to have such open conversations with their coach.
The truth only increases your chances for success.
The other side
of the coin is that I’ve seen talented coaches offer wonderful advice
to students, and those same students make no serious effort to make the
necessary changes. Part of
the reason is that it can become quite painful to give up one’s
special shots for some new skill that the coach knows will enhance the
student’s chances of improving and winning.
Psychotherapists are familiar with the defenses people surface to
justify making no changes in behavior.
In tennis, I often mention that, “If the pain of making a
change in stroke production is greater than the pain of playing poorly,
and losing often, one rarely will make the change.”
In our society, I’m sorry to say, most people suffer too much
pain making a change and often give up on anything new.
As I go around the world, I see people making the same mistake
they made 15 years ago and still losing to the same person.
There are
thousands and thousands of tennis players who could be playing much
better tennis. It would be
in their best interest to spend some reflective moments retracing the
steps that got them to where they are at the moment. A realistic look in the mirror will normally cause one to
discover the real problem and the appropriate cure. Then pat yourself on the back for making an honest effort,
and have some fun developing new strokes that will serve you well for
the rest of your life.
For additional information or to
enroll in a Vic Braden Tennis College, please call 1-800-CALL VIC (1-800-225-5842) or Click Vic at
www.vicbraden.com
More Tips from Vic 1
| 2
| 3
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
| |
Vic Braden Tennis College
With more than 52 years of teaching sports science, Vic
Braden is one of the tennis world's most highly respected experts. He
has authored numerous best-selling instructional books, produced and
hosted instructional videos and is well known to the tennis community
through his work as a longtime television commentator.
Mr. Braden has been bringing his unique knowledge and expertise to
thousands of students each year through his renowned "Tennis
College." He is a licensed psychologist who combines his years of
scientific analysis of the game, including physics, physiology and of
course psychology, with his great enthusiasm and legendary people skills
to create an unforgettable learning experience. His teachings are
designed for every level of player. "As a sports researcher,"
Mr. Braden said, "I've always been interested in trying to help the
average player maximize enjoyment and performance in the shortest
possible time."
Mr. Braden is delighted to be in a relationship with the California
Tennis Network and to show his enthusiasm he will be offering all CTN
members a 10% discount to any of his "Tennis Colleges."
The Vic Braden Tennis College is
located at
Green Valley Spa & Resort
St. George, UT
Vic's Library of Tips:
-
Current
Tip
-
Five
Steps To Learning Great Strokes
-
How
To Play Well Under Stress
-
I’m Taking Lessons,
But My Game Isn’t Changing
-
Tennis
is A Game For Life
-
MYTH:Keep
Your Eye On The Ball
-
Groundstrokes
That Can Make You Famous
|
