This week's tip is in response to a reader's question.
"...why is it that I can play
against 3.5 guys and beat them and even
hold my own against a 4.0 guy....but
when I play league play against women I
play like crap and lose? (I'm
rated 3.0 woman.....probably should be a
3.5)... When I play women, their serves
are so easy I stand way inside to
receive and this seems to throw the
whole thing off. And I'm sure lots
of it is mental. For some reason I
just have a ton more confidence playing
against a guy."
I
think I know the problem and yes
it is a little mental. Two things are
happening.
When you play women you are putting
more pressure on yourself. You
feel that you should win and since
they are league matches that puts
even more pressure on you. Pressure
and expectations do bad things to
your brain and, therefore, your
strokes.
The
other thing that I bet is happening
is the way that the women give you
no pace is throwing off your timing
and making you think about your
shots instead of just hitting them.
Also, their balls are probably
bouncing more straight up and down,
making you change your stroke and
think a lot more about it. When you
are playing against the guys' pace
you can just react, and your strokes
flow.
Answer: You just
need to keep your feet moving and try
not to over hit. Keep the ball in play
and expect long points. Once you get
into the match and get used to the
slower pace, you can start to hit out a
little more and go for more winners.
Check out these previous tips for more
help..One
More Ball,
Mental Focus,
Move Your Feet,
and
Play Like a Dog.
