Familiarity Breeds Complacency — SS #3

Welcome to 14 new subscribers! I know, only 14—a bit embarrassing. But I'm a small fry in this online space, so I'm happy to have 14 more of you here this week. In the last few issues of The Fast 4 (read F4 #1 and then F4 #2), we've been discussing making your practices more realistic and challenging so that when you get into a match or point scenario, you feel better acclimatized and comfortable.

How are you doing with implementing this into your training? What are your struggles?

In today's issue, I want to continue with this topic but from a slightly different angle—one focused on whom you practice with. I'm guilty of this one: just having one practice partner. I know it can be tough if no one else is around or if no one else can make it work with your schedule, but do your best to vary your practice partners and practice with different levels and styles of players.

Don't train your brain to get used to one type of incoming ball; that's what makes tennis so amazing—that players have different styles and produce different balls. Think about it this way: if you're always playing with your friend Jane, and she's got really "traditional" strokes, with only a little bit of spin and trajectory, and comes to the net a lot, then you might struggle against someone who camps out behind the baseline and just moonballs you. Try to incorporate random practice scenarios with all kinds of players.

Embrace Diversity in Your Training

Playing with different partners not only enhances your adaptability but also exposes you to the wide array of strategies and techniques that make tennis such a dynamic sport. By stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself against varied playing styles, you're building a more robust and flexible game. Remember, every player you encounter brings a unique set of skills to the court, each offering a new puzzle to solve. This approach ensures that you are well-prepared for any opponent's game style you might face in a tournament.

So Here's My Challenge to You This Week

Find new practice partners. Even if it's just one. Ask them to play a set with you or engage in some kinds of point scenarios. Variable practice with them is fine, too.

That guy you see always practicing at your local club or on the wall? Go and ask him if he wants to hit. That lady who's always drilling away on the ball machine? Ask her if she'd like to practice with you.

Integrating diversity in your practice partners is about preparing for the unpredictability of match play by ensuring you're comfortable and capable of handling anything that comes your way. Don't be comfortable. Yes. Avoid comfort. A question you should be asking yourself after you finish your practice is this: "Was this challenging?"

I don't get to play much these days, but I'll get involved in this challenge as well. I'll try to play one session with a new practice partner—one that I don't normally play with. I'll report back next week.

In keeping with our theme of constantly being challenged, look for players whom you don't like playing against. Can't handle hackers? Line up a match against one. Can't deal with aggressive serve-volleyers? Put yourself in their firing lines and make them play that first volley again and again!

By challenging yourself against a variety of playing styles, you not only enhance your adaptability but also deepen your understanding of the game. Such diversity in practice prepares you for virtually any style you might encounter in competition, boosting your confidence and tactical flexibility. Commit to expanding your practice circle this month; the broader your exposure, the more versatile and resilient a player you become.  

Get Better With Me

As we cover how to effectively practice, consider that personalized guidance can accelerate your progress. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of how to do this, have a think about my coaching services. Whether you're struggling with specific strokes, needing tactical advice for matches, or simply aiming to elevate your overall game, I'm here to help.

Medium-Sized Fry

And if you're finding value in The Fast 4, please forward it to a tennis friend or a teammate. I appreciate your help in my becoming a medium-sized fry in this online space. They can sign up below:

I'll see you next week.

My best,
Malhar