|
TennisOne Lessons 
The Value of Perspective Happy Bhalla Players, coaches and parents are often so focused on success, winning and rankings that they often lose track of the big picture. It is almost as if, there is an implicit fear that if one focuses on the big picture then the desire for short-term success will somehow be diluted and therefore harder to achieve. This fear prevents the overview that is essential, not just for peak athletic performance, but more importantly, for a healthy and happy attitude to the experience of competition. Ironically, the lack of the big picture perspective makes it harder, not easier to play to one’s athletic potential and thereby maximize a player’s ability to succeed. On the short-term, a narrow, result-oriented focus leads to tension in players, while a wider perspective helps players relax through the understanding that a match is not a life or death situation. Players often develop a mindset that an upcoming match is the most important match of their lives and therefore a loss would be inconceivable. While this approach is good to the extent that it helps them focus wholly on the match at hand, the problem arises when this thought creates fear and doubt, which it invariably does in almost all individuals. In reality, there are hundreds of matches an individual will play and while it is essential to give your very best each time, no one match is so important that it will define who you are as a player or as an individual. If a player is truly honest with him or herself, it should become clear that his or her life will not measurably change from the outcome of a single match. This truth, if really understood, need not decrease motivation. On the contrary, it can free a player from this false burden and allow him or her to play tension free. I know some players and coaches will be saying that this "must-win at all costs" attitude is absolutely necessary for success in the super competitive environment we live in. While it is true determination and commitment to do one’s utmost is an important part of the process, there comes a point when the line is crossed and this attitude becomes counter-productive. This is especially true in a sport as skill intensive as tennis. That is why I repeatedly suggest finding a balance between relaxation and intensity. Both components are necessary and an imbalance in either direction will negatively effect peak performance. What is Success? Each and every individual needs to consider what is success for them. I remember telling a particularly result-oriented mother of a highly ranked National 14 year-old that for me, success for this young girl would ultimately be defined when, at the age of 30, she was a well-adjusted and happy individual. One who felt at peace with herself and was able to love and be loved and tennis had played some role in reaching this inner peace. I don't know of any adult whose biggest regret in Life is that they were not ranked higher in the 12s, 14s, or 16s.
Ninety-nine percent of tennis players will not become professionals so it should be easy for them to see that success in tennis is not a goal unto itself, the value has to lie in the process of playing. If this was not the case, every competitive junior who did not become a professional would have to be considered a failure, which is simply missing the point. Additionally, I would suggest that even for the one per cent who become professionals, being the best will have no value unless they have some measure of peace of mind and inner contentment. There are many aspiring professionals who may disagree with that last statement, but significantly, I doubt if there are any successful professionals who have climbed the mountain and disagree. Perspective is essential if the holistic welfare of the individual is to be considered. Is there any point in being able to hit a great tennis ball, if there is no joy, peace, or contentment in one’s heart? Of what value are success and high rankings if the joy is not in the playing? Look closely and you will see that, despite their protestations, very few players are truly enjoying the process of competing (the higher level you go the clearer this becomes). For most, joy comes after the playing is over; it lies in the winning or the sense of achieving something; the playing is merely a means to that end. And when the joy lies in something other than the process itself, it is extremely short-lived and a poor trade-off. To suffer through a two hour match for a moment of relief (which is no joy at all!) at the conclusion is a very poor business deal. And of course, that is the best case scenario (if one achieves the result one wants); if one loses after a miserable experience of playing, then the misery continues and one is left with a feeling of utter despair. So, a broader perspective will, not only allow players to play relaxed and therefore to the best of their ability, but also allow them to enjoy the journey by making the process stress-free. In addition, a wider perspective is not a distortion of reality, on the contrary, it is reality and as they say, "the truth will set you free!"
He can be reached at: happybhalla@hotmail.com or www.wholistictennis.com |
Happy Bhalla has a Masters Degree in Philosophy and Religion and has been teaching tennis for over 30 years.He has written two books and many articles over the past 10 years on the role of the mind in both the learning process and in the competitive experience.