I was heading for work the other day when I saw a car in front without a driver. Now that is seriously scary so, being the hero I am, I drew up alongside, hoping to perform some sort of RAF rescue mission.
As it turned out, the driver was barely 4 ft 2 inch tall, and aged around 102 years.
Without going into detail, over the past couple of weeks life has not been too kind to me. Consequently, I seemed to have slipped further and further down the driving seat - to the outside observer I probably portray some sort of middle aged boy racer - or perhaps the "driverless car" as described above.
It's true that when life gets a bit tough we tend to slouch, almost as if we are carrying the world on our shoulders. The same of course applies on the tennis court when we are having a bad day.
Away before my time, an Irish singer called Val Doonican sat on a rocking chair and and told us to "walk tall, walk straight and look the world right in the eye". Wise words indeed. (He also wore a knitted cardigan which I wouldn't risk unless your name's Federer).
Have you ever noticed the way that World no 3 Novak Djokovic moves about court. His posture is superb, portraying an air of confidence and assurance, even when losing. Maria Sharapova is the same.
So here's my tip as we move into a new year. Between points, visualise yourself as Djokovic or Sharapova, with a straight back and an air of confidence. It can work wonders for your game (and indeed your whole outlook in life)
All the best everyone for 2009
Friday, 26 December 2008
Saturday, 1 November 2008
Memories of La Manga
Hi folks
I was playing tennis this afternoon - outdoors!
For those of you south of the border who think Scotland is engulfed in snow drifts from October to March this may come as a surprise.
Ok the Nadal shorts didn't make an appearance but it was pleasantly warm until the sun settled over the Edinburgh skyline late in the afternoon.
This is in sharp contrast to a week I spent in La Manga in September when it rained for five days. La Manga is in Spain by the way, where it should be warm and dry, with endless days of sunshine.
And yes you've guessed it - was a lovely week in Scotland
It's an old and well worn cliche - but there's no place like home!
I was playing tennis this afternoon - outdoors!
For those of you south of the border who think Scotland is engulfed in snow drifts from October to March this may come as a surprise.
Ok the Nadal shorts didn't make an appearance but it was pleasantly warm until the sun settled over the Edinburgh skyline late in the afternoon.
This is in sharp contrast to a week I spent in La Manga in September when it rained for five days. La Manga is in Spain by the way, where it should be warm and dry, with endless days of sunshine.
And yes you've guessed it - was a lovely week in Scotland
It's an old and well worn cliche - but there's no place like home!
Monday, 8 September 2008
Mint Murray
Well I guess it can't come any better!
Murray going head to head with Nadal - and beating him at his own game. It was sensational tennis to watch - the penultimate point the best Andy Murray has played in his career to date.
So tonight you have a choice between a rough Scotsman and a smooth Swiss.
However (as things stand at the moment), if you don't have Sky, at 10 tonight you will watching Harry & Paul (repeat) followed by Jeremy Paxton (who remains clueless about anything north of Hadrians Wall!)
What an extraordinary lack of vision by the BBC. Perhaps they failed to see this coming - just like the USTA who were the only people on the planet who didn't see Tropical Storm Hanna heading for New York on Saturday.
Now if it had been Tim.............no don't go there!
Let's hope Andy Murray continues his tennis genius against Roger Federer - with all Britain solidly behind him.
Murray going head to head with Nadal - and beating him at his own game. It was sensational tennis to watch - the penultimate point the best Andy Murray has played in his career to date.
So tonight you have a choice between a rough Scotsman and a smooth Swiss.
However (as things stand at the moment), if you don't have Sky, at 10 tonight you will watching Harry & Paul (repeat) followed by Jeremy Paxton (who remains clueless about anything north of Hadrians Wall!)
What an extraordinary lack of vision by the BBC. Perhaps they failed to see this coming - just like the USTA who were the only people on the planet who didn't see Tropical Storm Hanna heading for New York on Saturday.
Now if it had been Tim.............no don't go there!
Let's hope Andy Murray continues his tennis genius against Roger Federer - with all Britain solidly behind him.
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Spot of bother
On getting up the other morning, I looked in the mirror and there was Oliver Reed staring back at me (as he used to look after a long weekend spent in the company of friends!). However, instead of having two red eyes, I had but the one.
Now I do spend a lot of time on court ducking and diving from 'missiles' propelled by 10 year olds - and that may well account for this 'injury' of unknown origin.
However, there is no hiding place when you teach children. Whereas adults will politely try to ignore any newly acquired facial blemishes, children will greet you with gleeful cries of "what wrong with your face", "it looks terrible" or "it's getting worse"!
I've had various 'helpful' pieces of advice over the past few days, including bathing it with tea or the even better suggestion of wearing a patch and getting myself a parrot. However I've made do with wearing shades and adopting the Roy Orbison image. This is fine on sunny days - but perhaps a bit dipstickish in the wind and rain.
In a similar vein, have you ever had a spot on your nose? It becomes a fixation, dragging you down into the depths of depression, moody and afraid to be seen in public. And yet at the same time 99% per cent of your anatomy can be looking good and working fine.
The moral to this tale is not to focus on our weaknesses. In tennis, it is better to play to our strengths rather than concentrate on improving our weaknesses. So if the ball is coming to your backhand side, if at all possible scamper round and play a forehand.
I will be watching Andy Murray playing Rafael Nadal on Saturday. I reckon if he play to his strengths - returns well, varies his speed and direction, and uses tactical awareness, then he will win.
It's a big ask. Go for it Andy.
Now I do spend a lot of time on court ducking and diving from 'missiles' propelled by 10 year olds - and that may well account for this 'injury' of unknown origin.
However, there is no hiding place when you teach children. Whereas adults will politely try to ignore any newly acquired facial blemishes, children will greet you with gleeful cries of "what wrong with your face", "it looks terrible" or "it's getting worse"!
I've had various 'helpful' pieces of advice over the past few days, including bathing it with tea or the even better suggestion of wearing a patch and getting myself a parrot. However I've made do with wearing shades and adopting the Roy Orbison image. This is fine on sunny days - but perhaps a bit dipstickish in the wind and rain.
In a similar vein, have you ever had a spot on your nose? It becomes a fixation, dragging you down into the depths of depression, moody and afraid to be seen in public. And yet at the same time 99% per cent of your anatomy can be looking good and working fine.
The moral to this tale is not to focus on our weaknesses. In tennis, it is better to play to our strengths rather than concentrate on improving our weaknesses. So if the ball is coming to your backhand side, if at all possible scamper round and play a forehand.
I will be watching Andy Murray playing Rafael Nadal on Saturday. I reckon if he play to his strengths - returns well, varies his speed and direction, and uses tactical awareness, then he will win.
It's a big ask. Go for it Andy.
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Hello I'm on the train.............
Well that's it - its official. The average person in the UK spends 10 minutes each day on their mobile phone. On the basis that people like my mum doesn't have one, then some of us must be doing a heck a lot of texting or phoning.
I remember one occasion recently when I 'mislaid' my phone - within 5 minutes I was feeling giddy, perspiring, having palpitations etc etc. It is now always by my side, glued to my right hip, like the Lone Ranger's six-gun.
Which leads me into the shot of the day - the overhead, better known as the smash. Now we have all done it - gone for a glorious winner on a high ball and ended up hitting fresh air. (I normally kid on I meant it, like Mansour Bahrami)
The problem is the word 'smash'. South of the border, it means hitting the ball jolly hard. Up here in Scotland it means giving it a good scone or a welly. Either way, it is better to place the ball rather than giving it a thump - you have more chance of producing a winner.
Technique wise, the first thing you do is turn sideways, then point to the ball with your non-playing hand - that's the one Rafael Nadal uses to scratch his rear quarters. Then (and here's the subtle link!), hold your racket hand to your ear as if you were answering a phone call. This stops you from taking a big swing with your racket, which is a big factor in mistiming an overhead shot.
So there you are folks, your time on the phone is never wasted.
Hello, hello, I canny hear you am on the train ...............
I remember one occasion recently when I 'mislaid' my phone - within 5 minutes I was feeling giddy, perspiring, having palpitations etc etc. It is now always by my side, glued to my right hip, like the Lone Ranger's six-gun.
Which leads me into the shot of the day - the overhead, better known as the smash. Now we have all done it - gone for a glorious winner on a high ball and ended up hitting fresh air. (I normally kid on I meant it, like Mansour Bahrami)
The problem is the word 'smash'. South of the border, it means hitting the ball jolly hard. Up here in Scotland it means giving it a good scone or a welly. Either way, it is better to place the ball rather than giving it a thump - you have more chance of producing a winner.
Technique wise, the first thing you do is turn sideways, then point to the ball with your non-playing hand - that's the one Rafael Nadal uses to scratch his rear quarters. Then (and here's the subtle link!), hold your racket hand to your ear as if you were answering a phone call. This stops you from taking a big swing with your racket, which is a big factor in mistiming an overhead shot.
So there you are folks, your time on the phone is never wasted.
Hello, hello, I canny hear you am on the train ...............
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
Give It The Elbow
Have you noticed that anything ending in 'itis' always means bad news. Yes, the Greeks have got a lot to answer for.
So if you've been diagnosed with Lateral Epicondylitis it means you have the dreaded 'tennis elbow'. Actually there is no need to see the doc for diagnosis - if a thousand volts shoot down your arm when you pick up your skinny latte, you've got it!
So what should you do if you've got tennis elbow.
Well you can struggle on with all sorts of slings, supports and plasters, grimace and grumble, and take one step forward and two back.
No I reckon you should take a 3 month break from tennis - and enjoy doing something different. This I will leave entirely to your imagination - but I reckon I would 'sell a few more sheep' and head for the sunshine.
For the men out there, there are certain no no's when you have tennis elbow. Avoid ironing, hoovering, washing up and any contact with your mother-in-law. And ladies, by all means re-invent your social network at Cafe Nero, but best avoid becoming a doughnut queen.
Once you're on the road to recovery, it's wise to have a session with a qualified coach. Often simple changes in technique, or changing the grip size of your racket, will prevent a recurrence.
There are lots of stretchy things you can do as well, whilst ensconced in front of Dragons Den.
Happy days!
So if you've been diagnosed with Lateral Epicondylitis it means you have the dreaded 'tennis elbow'. Actually there is no need to see the doc for diagnosis - if a thousand volts shoot down your arm when you pick up your skinny latte, you've got it!
So what should you do if you've got tennis elbow.
Well you can struggle on with all sorts of slings, supports and plasters, grimace and grumble, and take one step forward and two back.
No I reckon you should take a 3 month break from tennis - and enjoy doing something different. This I will leave entirely to your imagination - but I reckon I would 'sell a few more sheep' and head for the sunshine.
For the men out there, there are certain no no's when you have tennis elbow. Avoid ironing, hoovering, washing up and any contact with your mother-in-law. And ladies, by all means re-invent your social network at Cafe Nero, but best avoid becoming a doughnut queen.
Once you're on the road to recovery, it's wise to have a session with a qualified coach. Often simple changes in technique, or changing the grip size of your racket, will prevent a recurrence.
There are lots of stretchy things you can do as well, whilst ensconced in front of Dragons Den.
Happy days!
Monday, 7 July 2008
Wimble Done
Yes folks it's all over once again. The 'oohs and aahs' have been consigned to the locker room - unless of course you can create your own which is much more fun!!
It was great to watch our new 'protege', Laura Robson, powering her way to victory in the Junior singles. It was most 'un-British' like, similar to Andy Murray's win against Richard Gasquet. Stardom at 14 is not a precursor to future success - so here's hoping the media allow her to develop naturally and not in isloation (there is a lot of other talent out there).
Of course if we are serious about creating British tennis stars, we have got to create facilities throughout the country, including Scotland (that's the place on the top of the weather map). So lets get behind Andy's mum and build a Scottish tennis academy. She has all the credentials to produce future stars - but financial backing is essential.
My last little thought for Wimbledon. Who is the guy in the William Tell hat who always gets pride of place alongside the coaches, mums, dads and girlfriends?
Answers please on a postcard..............
It was great to watch our new 'protege', Laura Robson, powering her way to victory in the Junior singles. It was most 'un-British' like, similar to Andy Murray's win against Richard Gasquet. Stardom at 14 is not a precursor to future success - so here's hoping the media allow her to develop naturally and not in isloation (there is a lot of other talent out there).
Of course if we are serious about creating British tennis stars, we have got to create facilities throughout the country, including Scotland (that's the place on the top of the weather map). So lets get behind Andy's mum and build a Scottish tennis academy. She has all the credentials to produce future stars - but financial backing is essential.
My last little thought for Wimbledon. Who is the guy in the William Tell hat who always gets pride of place alongside the coaches, mums, dads and girlfriends?
Answers please on a postcard..............
Sunday, 22 June 2008
Never hurry a Murray
Yes folks Wimbledon has arrived once again and the nation will suddenly take an avid interest in tennis!
There are a few certainties this year:
a. It will rain
b. Maria Sharapova will scream even louder
c. By the first weekend, the headlines will be "what's wrong with British tennis?"
d. Virginia Wade will be wheeled out once again to give her refined commentary on the 'ladies'
Well, where I work, there is certainly nothing wrong with tennis. Around 800 children benefit from coaching and enjoy playing the game.
No, the answer lies in c and d above where the media (and armchair) perception is that we must produce 'champions' - and of the course the intransigent middle class image of 'whites' and 'jolly good shot' (sorry Virginia you say it every year).
As for Andy, well I reckon this wont be his year. But he will entertain, that's a certainty, and that's what sport is all about.
Enjoy your strawberries.
There are a few certainties this year:
a. It will rain
b. Maria Sharapova will scream even louder
c. By the first weekend, the headlines will be "what's wrong with British tennis?"
d. Virginia Wade will be wheeled out once again to give her refined commentary on the 'ladies'
Well, where I work, there is certainly nothing wrong with tennis. Around 800 children benefit from coaching and enjoy playing the game.
No, the answer lies in c and d above where the media (and armchair) perception is that we must produce 'champions' - and of the course the intransigent middle class image of 'whites' and 'jolly good shot' (sorry Virginia you say it every year).
As for Andy, well I reckon this wont be his year. But he will entertain, that's a certainty, and that's what sport is all about.
Enjoy your strawberries.
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Andy's On A Role
Just watched Andy Murray being felled half a dozen times in the Artois Championship - but still emerging as winner!
The match was played at London Queen's Club Ice Rink - hence the reason for Andy (one of the best movers in tennis) being poleaxed on so many occasions. Despite injuries to his thumb, neck and groin, he came back for more. We breed them tough up here in the heather.
Judging by the rather muted applause which greeted his fine victory, it is apparent that Andy's entertainment qualities (including some subtle histrionics) are not yet universally appreciated.
I am off to play on clay (in a cloud of dust). When oh when is the rain going to spread north.
The match was played at London Queen's Club Ice Rink - hence the reason for Andy (one of the best movers in tennis) being poleaxed on so many occasions. Despite injuries to his thumb, neck and groin, he came back for more. We breed them tough up here in the heather.
Judging by the rather muted applause which greeted his fine victory, it is apparent that Andy's entertainment qualities (including some subtle histrionics) are not yet universally appreciated.
I am off to play on clay (in a cloud of dust). When oh when is the rain going to spread north.
Friday, 30 May 2008
Out of Jail
Hi everyone
For those of you lovely people who have missed me, I have neither:
a) Been behind bars
or
b) Run off with a woman
(The latter is a constant temptation)
No, the truth (honest) is that Bouncebacktennis.com has been closed for refurbishment (or a bit of tarting up where I come from).
Hope you like the new piccies!
Colin
For those of you lovely people who have missed me, I have neither:
a) Been behind bars
or
b) Run off with a woman
(The latter is a constant temptation)
No, the truth (honest) is that Bouncebacktennis.com has been closed for refurbishment (or a bit of tarting up where I come from).
Hope you like the new piccies!
Colin
Saturday, 12 April 2008
Standing on my head
A year or so ago I took up yoga. I reckoned it might do me some good, because I tend to live life at a crazy pace -don't we all!
Now if you think I can wrap my foot round my opposite ear - or stand on my head all afternoon - I'm sorry to disappoint. I can make a reasonable go at standing on one leg - probably a throw back to my Rab C Nesbitt days (propped up against a bar)
Through my yoga I've come in contact with some really nice people. Now I'm not sure if they were nice before they took up Yoga - or it's some mystical end product. Who knows.
But also - sensationally - I reckon my movement on the tennis court has improved (although it might only be apparent to myself!).
Now my theory is that this is all due to core stability - because if you watch a drunk guy coming down the street - I bet you think its his legs that are wobbly - but in fact it's the bit round the middle that's fallen apart. Hence the weaving gait from pavement to gutter and possibly back again.
Ok I diverse, but did you tennis players out there know that 55% of racket force comes from your trunk. Take my word for it - I read it somewhere.
So it pays to look after your midriff - and not the way Rab C did it on a Saturday night!
Now if you think I can wrap my foot round my opposite ear - or stand on my head all afternoon - I'm sorry to disappoint. I can make a reasonable go at standing on one leg - probably a throw back to my Rab C Nesbitt days (propped up against a bar)
Through my yoga I've come in contact with some really nice people. Now I'm not sure if they were nice before they took up Yoga - or it's some mystical end product. Who knows.
But also - sensationally - I reckon my movement on the tennis court has improved (although it might only be apparent to myself!).
Now my theory is that this is all due to core stability - because if you watch a drunk guy coming down the street - I bet you think its his legs that are wobbly - but in fact it's the bit round the middle that's fallen apart. Hence the weaving gait from pavement to gutter and possibly back again.
Ok I diverse, but did you tennis players out there know that 55% of racket force comes from your trunk. Take my word for it - I read it somewhere.
So it pays to look after your midriff - and not the way Rab C did it on a Saturday night!
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
Passtheport
I decided to bite the bullet yesterday and get my photo taken to renew my passport.
It is a requirement now that you don't smile or show teeth - and the end product was a sort of distorted grimace which made me look like a 'lifer' at Wormwood Scrubs.
The rather disappointing aspect was that - for reasons best known to myself - I thought I looked a bit like Andre Agassi. Judging by my new passport pic, the resemblance is confined to the top of the brow and upwards!
Having said that, for those of you out there who think they play tennis (or look like) like Roger Federer or Justine Henin, that's a very positive attitude and can bring you success. Confident tennis players have clear pictures in their mind of playing shots perfectly. Winners see in their minds what they want to happen - and there is nothing to stop us doing that too.
So by all means tell yourself you're 'wonderful' or 'the best player on the planet'.
Just don't boast about it down at the pub!
It is a requirement now that you don't smile or show teeth - and the end product was a sort of distorted grimace which made me look like a 'lifer' at Wormwood Scrubs.
The rather disappointing aspect was that - for reasons best known to myself - I thought I looked a bit like Andre Agassi. Judging by my new passport pic, the resemblance is confined to the top of the brow and upwards!
Having said that, for those of you out there who think they play tennis (or look like) like Roger Federer or Justine Henin, that's a very positive attitude and can bring you success. Confident tennis players have clear pictures in their mind of playing shots perfectly. Winners see in their minds what they want to happen - and there is nothing to stop us doing that too.
So by all means tell yourself you're 'wonderful' or 'the best player on the planet'.
Just don't boast about it down at the pub!
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Island in the Sun
Just returned from 10 days in Barbados
Now I know that sounds a bit pretentious - but being on the tennis court at 0830 every morning does not allow for too many rum punches the night before!
The local islanders have a remarkably low key approach to life, their movement being slow to the point of being ponderous (apart from when they're in the cockpit of a banana boat!).
I guess they wouldn't serve too many double faults - my theory, albeit simplistic, is that most faults on the second serve are caused by 'rushing'. It is perhaps better to take a few deep breaths before serving and picture palm trees swaying in the breeze!
My impression of Barbados is one of a paradise lost. When Virgin jumbo jets disgorge hundreds of Brits onto the island on a daily basis, it is extremely difficult to immerse yourself in the local culture. But it was great to play tennis in the sunshine.
Ps Sorry about the postcards (lack of) - but do you really appreciate a PC from Barbados in the middle of winter?
Now I know that sounds a bit pretentious - but being on the tennis court at 0830 every morning does not allow for too many rum punches the night before!
The local islanders have a remarkably low key approach to life, their movement being slow to the point of being ponderous (apart from when they're in the cockpit of a banana boat!).
I guess they wouldn't serve too many double faults - my theory, albeit simplistic, is that most faults on the second serve are caused by 'rushing'. It is perhaps better to take a few deep breaths before serving and picture palm trees swaying in the breeze!
My impression of Barbados is one of a paradise lost. When Virgin jumbo jets disgorge hundreds of Brits onto the island on a daily basis, it is extremely difficult to immerse yourself in the local culture. But it was great to play tennis in the sunshine.
Ps Sorry about the postcards (lack of) - but do you really appreciate a PC from Barbados in the middle of winter?
Saturday, 23 February 2008
Mind Your Language
I was in Connecticut last week (that's between New York and Boston for those of you who dropped Geography)
American people are nice to know. Ok they don't quietly go about their business, but they are warm and friendly, and remarkly laid back (unless the muffins are running out).
I did a bit of 'people watching' at Newark airport, as one does with 4 hours to kill! I couldn't help noticing that Americans in general look tall because they walk tall (they are even taller with their lids on).
Have you ever notice how we react on the tennis court when things are going badly? Our shoulders hunch up, our head drops, we stop breathing (yeah!), and we tut and sigh. Personally I have been known to slam balls all over the shop, to the danger of everyone in the vicinity.
Next time round, try standing tall with your head high and your shoulders back. You will feel an instant confidence boost. Your opponent will pick up on this - and realise you're not down and out!
Have a nice day (oops!)
American people are nice to know. Ok they don't quietly go about their business, but they are warm and friendly, and remarkly laid back (unless the muffins are running out).
I did a bit of 'people watching' at Newark airport, as one does with 4 hours to kill! I couldn't help noticing that Americans in general look tall because they walk tall (they are even taller with their lids on).
Have you ever notice how we react on the tennis court when things are going badly? Our shoulders hunch up, our head drops, we stop breathing (yeah!), and we tut and sigh. Personally I have been known to slam balls all over the shop, to the danger of everyone in the vicinity.
Next time round, try standing tall with your head high and your shoulders back. You will feel an instant confidence boost. Your opponent will pick up on this - and realise you're not down and out!
Have a nice day (oops!)
Sunday, 3 February 2008
Havoc and Chaos
Have you noticed how cheerful the 'news' is these days. After the first five minutes, you could be suicidal!
Even the weather forecasters have jumped on the 'fear and alarm' bandwagon. "Severe weather warnings" are dished out right left and centre, and the words 'havoc' and 'chaos' have become commonplace.
Despite threats of impending doom, I drove 80 miles north on Friday to visit my mum. There was not a snowflake in sight and no sign of the 'gridlock' which was meant to be widespread across Scotland. When I returned to Edinburgh, I was relieved that the city was still standing, following the threat of terrorist attack which was 'headlined' during the week.
So what's all this to do with tennis?
Well not a lot I guess. Having said that, unless you are playing for money, there is little point in slashing your wrists if you find yourself a set and 4 - 0 down. You would be better just to enjoy yourself and look forward to a beer in the clubhouse.
Paradoxically, with this approach, you might find that you will start winning games again!!
Footnote:
As all drivers will have noticed, this winter weather has caused further trauma to Edinburgh's roads. The pot holes are the size of the Grand Canyon and the speed bumps (now an epidemic) are like the Himalayas. Massive roadworks have taken over the city and we've been invaded by temporary traffic lights.
We're all doomed!
Even the weather forecasters have jumped on the 'fear and alarm' bandwagon. "Severe weather warnings" are dished out right left and centre, and the words 'havoc' and 'chaos' have become commonplace.
Despite threats of impending doom, I drove 80 miles north on Friday to visit my mum. There was not a snowflake in sight and no sign of the 'gridlock' which was meant to be widespread across Scotland. When I returned to Edinburgh, I was relieved that the city was still standing, following the threat of terrorist attack which was 'headlined' during the week.
So what's all this to do with tennis?
Well not a lot I guess. Having said that, unless you are playing for money, there is little point in slashing your wrists if you find yourself a set and 4 - 0 down. You would be better just to enjoy yourself and look forward to a beer in the clubhouse.
Paradoxically, with this approach, you might find that you will start winning games again!!
Footnote:
As all drivers will have noticed, this winter weather has caused further trauma to Edinburgh's roads. The pot holes are the size of the Grand Canyon and the speed bumps (now an epidemic) are like the Himalayas. Massive roadworks have taken over the city and we've been invaded by temporary traffic lights.
We're all doomed!
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Bouncing Back
For my sins, I am a Hearts supporter. This allegiance might well account for loss of hair, wrinkles on my forehead, and numerous mental scars accumulated over a 30 year period.
Like Newcastle United over the border, Hearts are under-achievers. They build you up with promise of great things to come, then let you down with an almighty thump. Both teams, however, retain a vast 'support' who stand-by them through thick and thin, through good times and bad.
In tennis, a string of defeats could well be defined as 'bad times', especially when your confidence and self belief has disappeared out the window. It has happened to us all, unless you are living in cloud cuckoo land.
So how do you get off the slippery slope and start climbing back up the 'success' ladder?
Say, for example, you are a set and 4 -0 down and staring defeat in the face. Instead of breaking your racket in two, or electing to take up bowls, repeat to yourself "I am a great tennis player"
Then in your mind, gather up everything that has happened up to this point, put it a big black bag, tie it up, and place it in a refuse bin.
Then in the next game, slow things down and focus purely on getting every ball over the net.
This is a very simple concept, but works. The score will be 4 - 3 before long, and you will be looking forward with renewed confidence to the third set.
It's all part of bouncing back - and becoming a winner once again!
Like Newcastle United over the border, Hearts are under-achievers. They build you up with promise of great things to come, then let you down with an almighty thump. Both teams, however, retain a vast 'support' who stand-by them through thick and thin, through good times and bad.
In tennis, a string of defeats could well be defined as 'bad times', especially when your confidence and self belief has disappeared out the window. It has happened to us all, unless you are living in cloud cuckoo land.
So how do you get off the slippery slope and start climbing back up the 'success' ladder?
Say, for example, you are a set and 4 -0 down and staring defeat in the face. Instead of breaking your racket in two, or electing to take up bowls, repeat to yourself "I am a great tennis player"
Then in your mind, gather up everything that has happened up to this point, put it a big black bag, tie it up, and place it in a refuse bin.
Then in the next game, slow things down and focus purely on getting every ball over the net.
This is a very simple concept, but works. The score will be 4 - 3 before long, and you will be looking forward with renewed confidence to the third set.
It's all part of bouncing back - and becoming a winner once again!
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