Relationship to Something New

I've been thinking about the excitement and expectation that beginning tennis players bring with them. Fiances, who want to join their partner on the court and new mothers, who want to join their husband and baby boy out there one day, have this palpable enthusiasm for making something happen. Relationship, of one sort or another, tops the list of motivations for many tennis players.

Then there is another aspect of starting something new that doesn't necessarily correlate with all those hopes and dreams I just mentioned: skill. Sure, the last couple of weeks might seem to prove me wrong here. The ability level of my new beginning players has seemed off the charts as far as focus, coordination and improvement. A six year old, with only three lessons under his belt, hit his target (one tennis ball placed on top of a triangle of balls - not a big target) on two occasions, from over twenty feet away. A woman that had, more or less, never picked up a racket before almost knocked me over when she took to the concept of smacking a two handed backhand. These feats seem to argue that a high level of motivation means that a student will also lead to a high level of achievement. After all, that little boy really did want to impress his mother, big brother and sister out there with him that day. And, that Mom, motivated to play with her own family was, coincidentally, playing on the court next to a family of three about the same ages as her own. So, desire and motivation equals success, right?

Let me explain my understanding with a short story. I'm out in the backyard, motivated by our little girl on the way. Our first child is due in November and we need a refinished dresser to use as a changing table. I am beyond excited to welcome my baby into the world, but this venture of staining a dresser is a first time thing for me. The can I picked up is both a stain and a lacquer finish in one. It explains, right on the label, all I need to do is apply this stuff on top of the old finish and that is it, I'm done. So, I've got my air compressor, spray gun, mask and everything else out in the middle of the day, during the hottest part of the summer, in Houston. Amy had done this many times, but these fumes are just no good for her pregnant condition. I've got a feeling that I'm some sort of hero braving the elements in order to provide my family with some much needed furniture, and in a cost effective way at that. But this was my first time, and I just didn't anticipate, well ... I'll let you imagine the results. The short story is I ended up learning the difference between 3M brand and dollar store sandpaper. If you've never refinished a dresser, like me, what I'm saying is I goofed it up the first time around. Now our end product is sitting in the nursery, and I'm very proud of it. However, the enthusiasm factor didn't really trump my skill level in this case.

There are so many factors to learning a new skill set and, by definition, these skills are a whole new set of skills. I believe it's true, the way you play at one thing is sort of a reflection of the way you work with another. What we do in life and how we do it certainly carries over a bit from one thing to the next. But, it is also true that without some humility and patience, I never would have finished that dresser. Enjoyment and enthusiasm may be number one, but patience and perspective, and that huge list of things that also comes with experiencing a craft for yourself, are also important ingredients for a successful game.

I really do enjoy meditating on the success of tennis students and I don't mind writing about it a bit as well. Since I try to post something in here every month or two I figured it was about time. Hopefully, someone will gather something from this. At the least, I'm continuing to reflect on where my tennis players are coming from and how I can feed their need to play. What a game it is to play!

The school year is over and I'm very proud of the St. Agnes team. Most of all, the young women were gracious and balanced throughout the season. The most important ingredients in a successful program, to me, are balance, perspective and enjoyment of the game. So, I'm very proud of these families that support the game, the way it should be played.

As a bonus, one of our doubles teams made it to the semi-finals of state (Lizzy and Gabby) and another doubles made it to the quarters (Mattie and Chelsea), along with a singles (Lauren).


Here is my "coach's page" for the banquet:

It's difficult for most people to imagine the creative process in tennis. Seemingly it's just an athletic matter of hitting the ball consistently well within the boundaries of the court. That analysis is just as specious as thinking that the difficulty in portraying King Lear on stage is learning all the lines. ~Virginia Wade

Each of us relates to the game in a unique way and, to me, that's the key to getting the most out of tennis. We have so many different personality traits on the team: generous, disciplined, thoughtful, energetic, comedic and on and on and on. This blend is what makes playing tennis so dynamic and what I appreciate most.

As you develop and focus on what is important to you in life, may you find ways to simplify your experience. My hope is that each of you, especially our group of seniors, take solace in the simple pleasure of playing a game that you truly enjoy in that moment. Whether it's a topspin forehand, an engineering breakthrough or a veterinary diagnosis, remember that you have a unique gift.

Thank you to all of the wonderful players and the parents and coaches who support their daughters. This game is a reflection of more than just hitting a ball with a racket, yet that's what makes it so great. Congratulations on a fantastic season and enjoy your moments this summer!

-Coach Taylor

It has been awhile since my last blog post. My website, houstontennislessons.com, has been an experiment. Having played tennis much of my life and had various friends or acquaintances ask for lessons, I thought I'd just see what happened when I put up a simple website, passed out some business cards and put a sticker on the window of my hatchback. In the spirit of letting things happen organically, my third little write-up here is very much open to self-interpretation and musing. I hope you enjoy it:

Over the Holiday break, I read a few tennis related books. Agassi's much talked about Autobiography, Federer's Biography and another titled On Being John McEnroe. Without commenting too pointedly on my personal opinions on the personal lives of these players, I'll just emphasize again my belief that tennis is as good a stage as any for us human beings that look for a life long sport.
This morning, I'm watching ESPN 360.com's footage of the women's Australian Open semifinals. Even though I don't know the results of these matches, it sure seems as though one thing is clear. Two Chinese players in the semis for the first time makes for a good story and reflects a new trend in women's tennis.
Whether you're looking for drama or an escape from such stories and what you need is simply some sunlight and exercise, the choice is yours. Tennis is like many other games in life in so much as you get what you're looking for. Perspective and experience really do spring from where you are coming from.
What are you seeing in the game today?

When I listened to friends talk about golfing, I thought of a quote from last month's Tennis magazine. Jack Nicklaus said, "Tennis is a better game than golf because it takes less time, provides more exercise, demands as high a level of skill, is intensely competitive, can be played mixed, and has fewer financial barriers."

Both sports are valuable for some of the same reasons. They each accommodate individual or a small group. Each may be played throughout, pretty much, the entire life cycle. These benefits and others join golf and tennis as partners of sorts in a special club.

I will throw in on the side of tennis. After my Dad bought us a membership at the local country club some comparisons between the two games came to light. You seemed to have the golf people and the tennis people. Tennis was clearly less expensive and less pretentious. Tennis players were generally more physically fit. My wife would be happy I mention the smaller environmental impact of tennis courts compared to golf courses (Amy makes sure I know what to put in each of our many recycling bins). Although a certain amount of land and resources are required to maintain courts it is nothing compared to the average club course.

This isn't a bashing of Golf. I've actually been hassling a friend with real skill to show me one of the local courses. Although I have limited experience with golf, it's a game I've really enjoyed and nice to think about playing more as I get older.

My point here is: I feel fortunate to have made tennis my game of choice.

Welcome!

This blog is here to stimulate thought and conversation regarding the great game of tennis.

This morning I am sorting through ideas to present to the St. Agnes Academy tennis team. They recently lost their coach of nine years, Remi Osho, of the Lee Le Clear tennis center. I had met Remi a couple of times and was surprised to hear of his passing. He is a much loved coach in the Houston area. He played Davis Cup for Nigeria and played for Texas Southern University. You can read about him and see a picture with his twin sons at a tournament here.

I've had the opportunity to work with many wonderful coaches. You can really learn something different and valuable from every coach. As I reflect on what I have to offer this team I'll remember what made a difference to me during this High School age and the kind of support these players may need as they work to achieve their tennis goals.

-Derek Taylor