I'm an adult and was playing with college level player on stadium. I was having a good day and was doing much better than usual. The next group showed up and were waiting for us to finish. We had one of my longest points and once I got on offense I blew it with an easy miss. The crowd stood up and yelled "no!" I felt so stupid. Afterward as we were leaving a guy in the stands said "Hey man" I turned to look up at him. "For you it's all mental from here." The guy was Andre Agassi. I was never so happy after a lesson as on that day.
Whenever I’m losing in any sport I play (or anything in life really), my mentality switches to that of an underdog. It removes any self-induced pressure and I play hard with a smirk thinking about how awesome the story will be when I win.
I watched this some weeks ago and I've been playing a lot of tennis. I had the first few matches very frustrating and couldn't serve and return on my level. Then this video popped into my head in the middle of a match, "Just have fun! That's why you do this.". Next point I put on a smile while I was returning and tried to look forward to the return with joy. I started returning better and my first-serve percentage went way higher. I haven't lost since. So thank you man!
One mental "trick" I used, was feeling blessed that I am out there on a tennis court, with someone of good caliber (my opponent) who is spending his/her time to play a game that I enjoy so much. I must not miss this opportunity and enjoy it to the max, test my limits.
I used a very similar mindset in a tournament match just this week. Played the best competitive match of my life. There was zero tension, I felt loose, it was great.
I used to be very competitive and passionate as a junior, putting a lot of pressure on myself during matches, crying, screaming, and just wanting to win. I am old now (46), and play amateur competitions after a long break from tennis. At the beginning I was tight and miserable, focusing too much on the outcome, until I realized that I am playing matches just as a hobby to relax after a long week at work, so f*k the result, just enjoy rallies and have fun. My opponents are often amazed how relaxed I am on the court, always joking, applauding the opponent's play, but at the same time playing some fierce tennis. And it works!
One of my most memorable matches was a loss to my coworker years ago... My focus in the match was "wanting him to play well and expecting the ball to come back". As a consequence, I had better anticipation and had him exhausted at the end of the match. I was having fun running him all over the court!!! There are many ways to win a match and if you are lucky it is reflected by who wins the last point of the match!
@@KaruesellHQ You focus on playing out one single point at the time in the present that is what you can control and not focus on future outcomes. That is how I had played my matches as a club player..' I also knew that the club guys find it more difficult to try to adjust their feet at the last minute to the bounce of the ball once it has bounced on their side of the court and its coming in at over 80-100 mph and then they swing at it they don't have much time to adjust. I was coached Roger's Swing by the national coach who used to be a coach at Bolliteri's, and so I learnt to disguise the backhand slice as the flat topspin drive to make it harder to read. And they had trouble dealing with those drives because most of the club guys have poor or late timing with the ball.. And if you watch roger and the others they play with pronation so their opponents cannot always adjust in time.. And when they do get thrown wide they drive attacking with more pronation instead of just always looping it high back to just play safe.. At the highest level, pronation seems to be the weapon. and just Playing safe can causes the ball to fall short in the court against these guys like Nadal and Taylor and others. I guess The fun thing to do with that slice was to make the ball swing all away from their racquets at the very last second or skid all under their racquets. So its not just only with the sliders in the serve you can do this with the ball. I used that slice down the line to either hit a flat deep slice up into the corner with flat pronation, or would do a flat slice that would go all down the line like normal but on the bounce the ball would swing all away from the court making it more worse for the guy who expects the ball to just go straight down the line deep up into the corner of the court would not expect the ball to at the very last second while hes busy running all across to the corner to see the ball swing all away from him after the bounce and cross over the doubles corner going all off the court.
I'm a freshmen in college and I mostly play tennis by myself with the wal because nobody around me is as obsessed as I am (or doesn't have as much free time)l. While the wall is good company, not the best talker. Started playing in the morning and met a bunch of old guys and they're pretty good. Flat hitters mainly and they run me up and down the court. They added me to a group chat of like 30 guys that just play tennis in the morning. So now, I can wake up, get a good tennis workout in while working on whatever I want to work on, and move on with my day all before 10 am. It's been a lot of fun having consistent partners. On that note, just going out to the court by yourself increases your chances of meeting people to play with. I've met and played with so many people of all levels and had fun with all of them. Just being able to talk to somebody who shares the same interest with me when I'm usually alone has just been fun. And it's always laughs and smiles by the end of the time on the court.
That is something I have to remind myself of all the time. Matches can get frustrating and finding the fun part of it can be hard but so I try to remind myself to just play my game and enjoy the experience. Great video, Karue!!
This one's a little painful to recall but is still one of my favorite memories of all time. I was hitting with my friend a week after I broke up with my ex-girlfriend. It was the first time I got out of the house since it happened and I was reminded how my ex and I would play every week. My friend (who was significantly better than I was) and I decided to play a full set. Halfway through it, I was holding my own against him somehow, I was so locked in and I'm hitting shots at a level I have never played at before. I ended the set 6-3 to his win and demanded another set to which he pommeled me 6-0. But for those 2 sets I have never found anything more fun in my life and that feeling got me through a lot of tough times since.
Great share, my man! I’ve done the same through multiple breakups, one at the end of my college career right before NCAAs. Locked in and went undefeated. It’s a great way to let that frustration out. Appreciate the comment
“I view every match as an opportunity…. to show what I can do” …… Jimmy Connors. This is the philosophy I maintain during all matches…. Especially during Big Points…. I think in my head IMTS= It’s My Time to Shine. I can’t tell you to number of times I have hit Aces down break points etc…. USPTA pro here. Thanks Jimmy!!!!
I have this friend who became dramatically better over the past several years and I noticed he was the chillest guy. Didn't overemphasize anything in practice, mentally had a lot of fun, and was happy to have casual hits with much lower level players. I used to wonder how the hell he became so good being so relaxed like that and then I realized that was the secret. I stopped focusing on caring about outcomes and just focused on being relaxed and now I'm playing my best tennis ever
I was stuck in a rut for the longest time and just training without thinking. I battled some health issues last summer and went from playing 2 hours at a time to only being able to last 15 mins. I was diagnosed with celiac disease and had to cut out all gluten. My health is back to 100% and I found my joy again and realize that life is short and I'm thankful every time I step on the court.
To be totally honest, I have fun everytime I hit the ball since I'm probably one of the oldest guys here. I've been through way too much physically and mentally in the past to be stressed out on court. My fun starts with very simply being grateful that I'm on court first of all and I can still play, as bad as that might be, and the rest is just extra bonus. Thanks for the great video K. You're doing great and all the huge congrats on your progress! M
I second this! Gratitude is a wonderful thing in life- to remove all kinds of stresses. I'm 51, been playing for 4 yrs now and am so grateful to be out there, still alive, still athletic- what a gift to be able to be an animal out there. U the man Karue- enjoy your content more than any other!
A month ago was the first day I could play tennis again after a long-term injury, and that day was the happiest I’ve ever been on a tennis court. I was only cleared to hit for 10 minutes but I soaked up every second of it. I was jumping up and down and giggling out of pure excitement to simply have the ability to rally with my friend. I realized right then that tennis is the greatest gift, and I’ve had way more fun on court since that day than I ever did before because I know what it feels like to have tennis taken away from me. Every time I step on the court I smile and feel the biggest rush of gratitude.
As a "newer" tennis player (this is my third season playing) I actually have fun almost everytime I step on the court. Every session containes some laughs after good points or silly mistakes and I think this new-to-the-sport-label that I have put on myself makes it so easy to remove all stress and pressure and just focus on playing, and learning. This is not to say I'm not competetive, of course I have 1000 things I want to improve every time I'm about to play, but I think the mindset that "I don't need to be perfect now, this is just training" helps so much. Even when I'm playing matches. It allows me to enjoy the process and just play because I love it. Thanks for a great channel Karue!
I was unbelievably nervous in the first USTA league match of the year, not sure why. And it was unusually hot. Lost the first set 2-6 and got broken first game of the second set. I got to a point where I was like "why am I doing this." And for some reason I just remembered--because it's fun! It's fun trying to figure out how to win tennis matches. It's fun playing. On that particular day, I turned things around and won the match.
That’s why I love your content, I resonate with it a lot. I play college tennis, and since it was my last year, I told myself the same thing, having fun every time I step on the court. I had a lot of success with that in the beginning, I beat 13 utr guys etc., but then I found it tough to keep it up. The fun faded away and I didn’t know how to get it back. I think that’s the real challenge, getting back to having fun once you lose it.
I don’t have a “last time I had fun” story for you but what I can say is to seriously enjoy each moment of this experience in the moment that it happens. I haven’t been able to play since 1999 due to a back injury so celebrate the fact that you’re young, fit, and that you have the skill level to do this. Something could happen tomorrow and the last thing you want is for your reflections to be about how much you weren’t enjoying yourself (something that was just in your head). End of sermon 🙏🏻
I very rarely dont have fun at tennis! But a really fun memory that sticks out is a tournament i played maybe 3 months ago. Playing in a tournament above my level, I got a win over a really strong opponent 7-6 in the 3rd set. The result was fun but the best part was that we were both playing well, both enjoying the battle, and we ended up having a 3 hour match that truly couldve gone either way on the flip of a coin! Just something about playing a good player, bringing your best against their best, and enjoying every second of it!
My Sunday tennis crew always makes for good times. We have a running tally on who's pegged other people with balls (unintentionally, of course). We've also really gotten into Dingles. We compete hard but make it about fun, not about winning.
Well, with my friends we are in our early 30's. Last saturday, we trained in the morning, then we cook "asado" with wine and fernet, and then, we played a lovely doubles match, kind of drunk. THE fun we had. One handed backhands, underarms serves, FUN. It's like feeling kids again.
I recently found out, that a good way to get out of a slump, is to just smile. While I prepare myself to return, I just smile and visualize, and before the serve the same thing. I can only really smile, when I’m in a good headspace. But sometimes forcing the smile, triggers a good headspace. It’s so simple, but for me it was really helpful. Now I’m looking forward to more slumps, to practice getting over them.
6th grade in 1966...last time I loved it until recently when I said ef it...time to give up getting wound up when I play like shite...only took 50 plus yrs
Not worrying about the outcome is hard to implement during a match. We feel good about a win, and less good about a loss. How to distance yourself(care less) about the point/game would make a good lesson.
I'm 14, last Saturday I was in a match, got delayed for 3 hours, then I finished the match in 30 minutes (6-1, 6-0), my opponent was older and better, but idk why, I don't even care about the score, I just had fun, did what I do in practice, and don't care too much if I make an unforced error. I kept consistent, did not go for super big shots, and hit with around 70% ish power, he made lots of unforced errors. Ultimately, his friends were joking and told my opponent 'he didn't even need to take his hoodie off!'. It was honestly a fun time.
I drive my daughter to a weekly group lesson. And because the coach knows me and knows it's a pretty decent drive she let's me play too even though they're all high school and even some middle school kids. I always have fun at these lessons because I am just "playing"--getting my steps, focusing on footwork, watching young players freak out when I hit slice, and just encouraging them and watching their crazy-young-player-improvement trajectories is pretty cool. That said, the coach coaches me pretty hard and I like that too. That said, it's helped my match days because I am finding it easier to just enjoy my practice (and to think of all of it as practice).
We played a tough doubles league match, we were a break behind, came back but lost the first set in a tiebreak. The second set we were up a break, didn’t close it out and had to win that set in a tiebreak. In the 3rd set super tiebreak we just focused on one point at the time. The team cheering us on helped as well and I could play relaxed on not focus on the score. We won the match and that match was the deciding match for the team win. Glad I didn’t know that at the time 😅
Definitely needed this video. Had lots of tension couple days before a junior tournament and felt the pressure. Honestly after watching this, it helped me relax and be free mentally. This is super underrated advice. Simple, but very valuable words. Good luck Karue! Keep up the work!
There is something to being relaxed and positive on the court. I remind myself during USTA matches that my mortgages is not riding on the match. It also throws off my opponent as they wonder why I am so relaxed and laugh when I really screw up a shot.
I struggled with this recently. I was pressuring myself as I am rated 3.0 and can play and beat 3.5/4.0 level guys. But in usta matches I always lost as I expected myself to win. I heard a phrase “winning is not a goal, it’s a reward”. I gave myself more realistic match goals and now have fun as I reach those goals and am super happy when I hit awesome shots regardless of the outcome. But as I don’t focus on the win and just on the goals I have fun and have better outcomes because of it. The reward.
I know the feeling only too well. I'm currently playing League play in Austria and since we've set up our own team (6 players per team) made up only of school mates and other players of the same age, it's just great fun to push each other and strive to be better than your mates but also be successfull as a team. That's my biggest fun factor at the moment.
Yesterday had a great match with my usual hitting partner, and with Roland Garros around the corner, we decided to play grand slam tennis and see if we could get to 5 sets. I eventually won 6-4 6-2 3-6 6-2 but all throughout, we were laughing about ridiculous winners and silly errors, which actually made us play far better. You're guaranteed to play your best when you just enjoy and see the positives in every point.
My friend and I are both USTA 4.0 players, the other day we played mens dubs against two 4.5s. We're normally decently solid, but sometimes we just get into this zone where we are just absolutely unbeatable (or atleast it feels like it). And that was just one of those days. We both served really well, ran for every ball, and ended up pulling out the W. Win or loose, was the best match of the year for me. Theres nothing like that feeling of just having an absolute blast out there with your friends.
The last time I had fun was a few years after finishing playing college tennis. I developed bad anxiety playing tennis through our college and hated playing. I started to play again with a coworker and he convinced me to play doubles with him. We played 5.0 doubles and I fell back in love with tennis. We lost the first set. Came back in the second and played a third set tiebreaker. In the tiebreaker I was having so much fun on our match point I didn't let the ball drop out because I wanted to keep playing. We ended up losing but we had so much fun playing together.
When I was young I was playing on ETA tournaments guys like Kohlschreiber or Verdasco but I never enjoyed playing Tennis really. Like you said, Karue. It was more a relief when I had won and a desaster when I had lost. In practise matches I played great compared to serious matches. I quit playing Tennis over a decade. I thought Tennis was the problem, but it was actually me. Too demanding, too much pressure, too focused on playing perfect and not realising that I am a human being with emotions, bad days and just not flawless. This year I restarted playing again. I play in my home town team and it is so much fun. And I can enjoy the time on court. I really enjoy when I play a great ball and don´t think it should be just a standard and I actually also enjoy when my opponent plays a great ball. In earlier days this would never have happenend. I would have thought somehthing along those lines: "Damn shot by my opponent. Why didn´t I prevent that shot with a better ball before? I´m so stupid to let that happen! Grrrrr!!!! :)
It was just three days ago, played with one of my oldest friends and his brother what we call "king of the court". Both play way better and his brother in particular like 6 classes above my paygrade. Best points where when I managed to just have fun and turn my head of. It just flows and all feels natural :D
One of my greatest memories was beating my best friend for the second time in the final of national tournament (we are both ranked kinda high in out country), i lost the first set because i was playing too agressive, i adjusted my game, played with a lot more margin, regaining confidence and sucessfuly using my forehand has the weapon i believe it is, and i managed to comeback in the second and win the third set, there was plenty of people cheering (more than usual) we had a referee so it was extra pro-like match, i felt so great after winning, it was a really great performance. I feel like i dont have fun when i "need" to win in order to impress others or to fullfill some kind of personal mental agenda or to make my ranking shoot or something like that, when i manage to ignore all thst and just compete without caring at all about what other people think or feel or what is said in the background im way happier. Im currently taking a break to try and regain that feeling. I also had a lot of fun when i reached the quarters of the national regional tournament for my city (2nd biggest city in portugal) and i faced an atp ranked opponent, i had 0 expectations and even tho i lost 6/1 6/1 i played a great match against a really good opponent
Its actually mindblowing how different you feel once you start enjoying yourself in the court. Ive been playing high level juniors until i started university here in Argentina, and once you understand you play tennis partially because you like it, you start to have as much fun as you can (obviously staying competitive). This last years of enjoying tennis and matches have been my best tennis years i ever had, even while not training as usual as i did in the past. Tennis is fun, the freedom it gives you is unique, fighting wanting to win a point is just pleasing. Just enjoy yourselves guys!
I started playing tennis late (in the 18 and under junior tournaments). I played one of the top ranked players and I was ripping my returns past him because he was serve and volleying to my forehand for some reason. Then, on top on that I was hitting top spin lobs over his head. I saw him getting frustrated and a was beating him until it came time to finish the set. And, I lost both the same way 6-4, 6-4. He played ended up at Yale and played #1 for them. And, he was state champion in HS. And, I also played someone who reached 70 in the world on the ATP tour in the 1980’s. So, those are fun memories even though I took a beating.
Hi, Karue: my answer is to improve your 'strength of heart'. Like you said, there is no 'quick' fix. You need to excise and make you strength of heart stronger, just like excise on your muscle. The attitude of 'having fun' is a temporary relief of the burden of 'the greedy of wining and fear of losing' on your heart. However, the side effects are careless and lossing of focus. The action of playing tennis is not 'pursuing' for fun, but instead, the feeling of 'fun' and 'amazing' is the manifestation when you are 'at the moment' when playing tennis.
Definitely been fun to play recently, taking thqt slight mental shift has reduced the negative self talk. Been lucky to have been in the zone a few times recently but in the moment when i realise or reflect on how happy i am, i immediately come out of the zone.
Last time I had fun playing tennis? Summer 1998, it was a beautiful day playing doubles at the club. I was acing every serve while being a demon at the net. Nowadays I just play to maintain friendships. Thanks Karue, I'm going to try this tip!
I don't have a story, but when I start slumping it's usually because I played too much. So I take a week or two off and then a few days before I start up again I look at some key fundamentals I want to focus on each stroke and then BAM! I'm back :)
I’m a highschool tennis player in the state of Kentucky.I just made state and we had a team cookout yesterday for seniors and everyone to have a good time we played tag.We called are coach.Had water fights and just played fun games in the tennis court great time.
I haven't played singles for a few years now; I played my first singles match actually expecting to lose it and came out victorious. The main thing is just to have fun and act like you have nothing to lose and just focus on the things you can control which is your attitude and your tennis shots. The score was 6-1, 4-6, 10-3! Also, I love your tennis channel and find it to be very inspiring, keep up the good work!
Great question Karue. The most fun I had was last year. When I met my opponent, he had a generous smile and was friendly person. During our match we complemented each others good shots and had genuine banter eg he passed me cross court at the net and I jokingly said to him “oh man you got me good, I thought you were going down the line” and we both laughed. Every game we played we had a moment like that. It wasn’t every point as it would have been contrived. It was mostly after a long rally or those big points. When the match finished we both said to each other how we enjoyed playing each other and the result didn’t matter. It was so true. I wish every match was like that.
The only tournament I've ever won was when I decided to let myself laugh at every single mistake I made. I did get a little tight in the finals, where after winning the first set I got tense and didn't laugh at my mistakes anymore. But in the final set tiebreak, I somehow brought that mindset back and managed to win!
I had an ACL reconstruction late last year. Just finished up a long week coaching some difficult kids with a good hit out with my boss and one of my colleagues who are much better players than me and was happy I was able to hang with them a bit. Was pretty cool to be up close on the same court as players that are a higher level than I am used to playing against. Was in awe of an absolutely filthy slice that was unplayable from my colleague skidding lower than the width of my racquet beam! Hit some great shots myself too and was great to be back playing a bit. We played a mini set too and I managed to hold serve and seal the set with an ace down the T. Got me more motivated to continue working towards getting the last 30% of my movement back and get back to playing competitively again. My elbow now hurts a bit but totally worth it!
One of my best time on court.. yesterday: I lost 2-6 2-6. But.. I loved everything. My opponent was a friend of mine and he his sooo good . Even if it was a tournament match I don’t care .. I learned a lot. Always we have to recognize our real level. Somethimes we have nothing to do but to stay there. And it’s great anyway
An amazing time I had playing tennis was when I was playing a UTR Flex League match and I was losing so horribly, yet I was enjoying every rally and changeover. My opponent was a great guy, and I learned so much about the college I'm attending this Fall from him since he was an alumni.
A while back, I told you to just have fun cause you’re doing something I could never do. You replied thanks for the reminder. You got it now man! I play my best tennis when I just play fun and relaxed. Coach Mauro used to say if you can whistle and play at the same time, that’s the idea, only don’t actually whistle lol. Federer used to say be fire and ice. Controlled aggression. You’re the man Karue!
Today actually. I played a guy who was a 5.0 when I started playing tennis, so there has always been this insane pressure on myself to beat him. lost first set 6-0, but once the nerves dropped i broke him in the 2nd set to evntually lose 6-3. I know if i play my game i can beat him (never have because nerves), so im using the matches to basically drill adapting and shifting mindset mid match. I hope to finally pull the W this summer
Recently my bro in law (and best friend) played doubles against some highly ranked seniors. We had a great time and kept the score respectable, though we lost.
I think one thing to add to this though, is that you have to apply it even when you lose, no point having this mentality and expecting to win because of it. Yes it will give you the best shot at winning! but you could still play your best tennis by having fun and lose. so you need to totally seperate your mind from winning and losing, and enjoy the tennis regardless.
Imagine you’ve been injured since November and cannot play at all. That’s where I’m at and it sucks. I think all the time about when I can get back out there and how much I miss it. Next time I’m feeling unhappy about my game I’m going to remember how I feel right now, and be grateful to be healthy enough to play. Go Karue! I’ll be cheering for you 🎉
Got some pop in that golf swing! Can’t wait for a golf vlog 😃 can definitely relate to having fun being very important. I’ve experienced it dozens of times with golf over the years and now that I’ve peaked at my 3.5 level in tennis have had some very familiar feelings. Smile and have fun. Otherwise, don’t do it and find something that can provide you happiness.
Dude that was me last year playing up in league matches. It took a lot of soul searching to realize, at my level, that tennis needs to add to my life and not subtract from it. I will say that I’m not in a much better place mentally and tennis wise because of it. Some of the best advice I got last year was to “be present” and that’s what kickstarted everything. I stopped overthinking every shot, decision, moment, and started soaking in all the fun.
To follow that up, I’ll use this past Sunday’s set as an example. I huge win I had from Sunday was the fact that I stayed loose during warm up and once we started playing the set, I actually started played way better. I’ve been focusing on having fun and staying loose as I have a tendency to get nervous and get tight during match play.
Played on Tuesday with good friends of mine! Dingles, king of the court, fast 4 practice set, 10-point breaker. Ages 23-60 on the court. It was a brilliant thing.
So true, and I think having fun is almost a prerequisite for playing one's best. Look at Carlos. I think we confound winning with having fun and forget we won that day because we had fun.
Coquitlam Open 2023 - Semi Finals at 4.0. Last tournament of the season. Had picked up a bunch of small injuries over the season, had just played 3 matches in 2 days due to bad scheduling. I went and had fun and laughed things off and put on a great show. Best loss I've ever taken. In comparison to previous day - a drawn out victory in the quarters that left me drain emotionally and psychologically.... go figure...
Hey I always have a blast when hitting the ball, even though when I’m losing matches… I Love playing tennis 🎾 and trust me, I Like Making Points and Winning them as well. Vamos 🏋️♀️💪
I recently traveled from the east coast to San Diego and hit with a friend I met online. I was jet lagged as hell and on the verge of falling asleep on the way to the racket club, but it turned out to be a great 1 hour on court! The weather was beautiful and we got to play an hour of FUN tennis as the sun set.
A couple of weeks ago playing mixed. My partner was a 13yr old playing for the club 1st team for the first time. We had no expectations on us, so no focus on the result, just on having fun and playing our game. It was nice to see her gain confidence and be proud of herself. Reminded me of when I started playing as a junior and how good it was to beat the adults.
I usually start having fun when something I've figured out about my opponent changes the match in my favor. I won my first round match at a tournament recently against a higher-ranked player where I got bageled in the first set. I ended up winning 0-6, 6-1, 10-6. The change? He was approaching to my backhand and I was panicking and slashing at the ball, hoping to hit such a ferocious two-handed pass that he'd stop doing it. Instead, I missed almost every one. So at the start of the second, I thought, "Forget trying to scare him away from the net. Just hit a nice, medium pace, low backhand slice, right to him." And wouldn't you know it, he butchered a lot of easy volleys, either missing or setting me up for an easy pass. Similar to me in the first set, he also started overhitting those approaches, hoping to make it harder for me to slice low. But this just resulted in more unforced errors from him. I won going away, taking the same tactic into the match tiebreak.
My most fun tennis moment recently was playing my last ever highschool match, I was playing someone who I knew was better than me but I just put everything I had into the match and didn’t care about results, i lost 2-6 3-6 but I had a great time on court and was proud of myself so I consider it a win.
These first few weeks of warmth after winter is my favorite time of the year - also great tennis weather. That paired with something clicking in my game allowing me to play with more margin and control than ever before has made for some really fun and competitive play! Feel like I’m re falling in love with the sport!
Had fun last week on the training session… tried to hit as hard as possible and as much on the target as possible, preparing for every shot and making the most of each one… after 10‘minutes of adaptation I felt myself with a Head Gravity in my hands like Rublev, even grinding like he does.. But the shots became faster and faster and very much on target. That was a pleasure even it was just a practice 😊
I'm a D3 player and I felt miserable during most match play this season. Recently playing recreationally with my grandfather in a friendly doubles match was the most fun I've had all year!
college is hard, a lot of people struggle having to win for the team. It is a lot of pressure, I also felt it. But answering to those expectations and doing it for your teammates creates bonds that last forever. Just go right into the pressure, don’t hide
I really needed to hear this. I’ve been hesitant to compete out of worry that I won’t perform like I used to. The mindset held me back. The most fun I’ve had at a tournament was when I played junior nationals at USTA national campus. It was a fun vibe and I liked just walking around to watch other matches. There was a cool banquet for the players too.
I play competitive league tennis in Germany and I rarely see anyone REALLY having fun, mostly people just shouting at themselves or their opponent. I'm also guilty of being too serious. I think I actually loose matches when I get too serious on court. Great reminder that it's actually just about having fun. When we're 85 years old and look back on being healthy and young, don't wanna regret not having enough fun on court....
My best story since I came back is that I brought a friend who's a first time player, been training a month or so with him and he had his first ever match (with me, doubles) a week ago and we won 6-1, so it was great just playing the sport I love with my best friend. Really love the channel even if I have to explain the missus that *I* can't go pro at 30. Best of luck.-
When im having fun on the court, I'm usually not focused on winning the match at all or even, if im at practice, hitting hard or good. I feel like I enjoy the wind in my face, the feel of being free, and also just having the privilege to play. When I'm losing a match, I like to look at the trees in the back, the clouds in the sky, then I just eventually find my strokes then as time goes on and the trees sway even more, I find myself winning the match! I don't know if its just me but I feel like when I'm having a bad day or not hitting will and losing, i always look for some trees to look at or something in yhe background and I always end up playing good
Hey Karue. I'm closely following your efforts with your tennis renaissance and have huge respect for what you're doing!! Keep it on!! But... I don't know what's wrong with me... I love tennis! It's my passion! I string racquets semi professionally (ERSA certified), I train with my Ballmaschine, I watch tennis all the time, I love everything about it....except.... Playing outside on clay! I HATE it!! Can't motivate myself to like it! Wind, sun, bad bounces, sand everywhere and most of all slow tennis. Few days ago, after a loss I asked myself why do I hate this sh*T so much...then I went to play indoors for 2h with my friend (hard carpet), and I loved every second of it! Wasn't even angry or disappointed when I missed easy balls.... I felt nothing could spoil my fun! I had a blast! The problem is, here in Germany we play the main season (league) outside on clay and I just can't bring myself to like it and perform decently for the sake of my team. Do you maybe have an insight what I could try and maybe get rid of that negative mindset when playing on clay? I get frustrated so fast due to low motivation. I like faster tennis and I'm about 4.5-5.0 player with a good technique on every stroke. Footwork needs work of course. Thank you and cheers to you and your great channel 🎾❤
First time I had fun in a long was my first tournament after 10 year break last year. I played super stiff when 10 years ago and hated it. Thst first time I promised myself 3 things Rule #1 have fun rule #2 play to win #3 believe in your abilities. Remember the most important thing is showing up! Also Karue side question do you agree that approaching women is similar to entering a tennis tournament. Curious to hear your thoughts. By the way great video!!
U have to work hard focus and enjoy it and be patient then everything will get into place , never think about results , with working hard the results will come with itself
You are right. It's hard to just have fun when you are trying to win. It's our ego that drives us to this. And we aren't even playing for money! You are playing for money and rankings and I can understand it must be difficult to relax and have fun
I just played at my section tournament for the first time. And I had a lot of fun on court. Earlier in my season it wasn't going as well. But you have helped me improve my mentality. Love your videos!
Tennis has been so frustrating for me as an amateur club player. I switched hobby to motorcycle trial and it's so much fun when I have no competetive expectations and just having fun on the motorbike.
I remember playing a friend who was much better than I was. I lost 0-6, 0-6 but I had a blast. Overall I was playing well but lost some key points but in the end, it was just great to play
Last time I had fun was my last match that I lost. For me the fun was that I was able to swing and the ball wasn't going long. I didn't hit incredible shots but I was able to swing more relaxed than usual and being able to rally with confident it's a good feeling.
Just finished college tennis, and a lot of stress and expectations made me really not enjoy my last season, where I should been having fun and had nothing to lose... I play my best tennis in the summer where I actually don't get to train that much because I coach. The coaching allowed me to make others improve which made me happy, but also made my tennis better without even training. The mind needs to be clear and at ease, expectations need to be low, and most importantly, you need to enjoy it out there. Easier said than done, BUT IT IS POSSiBLE!!!
coaching is the best thing one can do for their game. I wish I did it when I was younger just to get that knowledge. I had the same experience. Got better without training
Good coaches provide constant positive feedback. If they don't, you might not come back for another lesson. The good vibes relax you and bring out your best. You leave the court with a sense of what is possible, not necessarily what is reality. Some of us are trained to think that way, and it comes naturally. They live their lives closer to their possibilities. Others were taught differently, with the focus being on their shortcomings. In a match, without constant reminders from positive-thinking coaches, the real match is between those two ways of looking at yourself. After a point, you get to choose what just happened. If you focus first on what you did well, no matter what it is, then your brain thinks you won (no matter what the score line indicates). You accomplished what you attempted. Give yourself credit for that. And keep your analysis simple, limiting it to readiness, reading, reacting, and recovering. That will keep your brain from going off on a tangent.
I had to change my action after a bad knee sprain earlier this year and my serve went from 100% reliable and dangerous to a liability. I have been feeling frustrated. On Saturday I went onto court with the plan to have fun with my serves. I missed serves and double faulted but I kept focussed on the good ones. In the end I hit 5 aces exactly the way I planned and that's all I will remember 3 months from now 😊
Best video about tennis. By far. Play the game. The second best video is "Is There A Happy End In The Tennis Competition Journey?" By Feel Tennis Instruction, Jan 26, 2022
Karue when I was 19, a decade ago, I played against someone ranked #883 in the world and I knew in my heart where my ceiling in tennis was. It makes me sad to say, but I gave up on my dreams. Keep chasing yours and don't put too much pressure on yourself, have fun man! I had fun doing drills on Monday. P.S. If you're ever in Dallas I'd love to hit with you lol.
Dude!! I needed this so badly today! Got beat 6-1 and have been beaten quite convincingly the last few matches I played. I always play my best at club sessions or practice. Thanks man this video is great! I’m going to save it for the next time I’m thinking too much! 🙌💙
I'm about 40 and competing here in Chile Is great, but sometimes to justify the time i invest in playing tennis (my friends, girlfriend, football teammates on both teams sometimes get a little angry), results take precedence. Thanks for the good advice, cause it's supposed to be only fun. That's the reason I use my time on it, nota results
I had just purchased your K-Pop string last week. It arrived two days ago and was string up yesterday. I went out on a court with a friend and had a blast. Of course the string are amazing, however, I wasn’t even focused on points or how I was playing. I just was enjoying the nice weather and the fun day I had planned.
when i won a regional mixed doubles championship in Russia and completed my candidate master of sports. Had a lot of fan, good serves and volleys, a little of stress as I didnt see doubles tournament as my primary. however, my mentality was always my downside. I feel very weak and inconsistent as a singles player, I feel that Im not competent and adequate enough to win a “worthy” opponent, and I totally smash weaker players than me. After a huge break, I want to compete again, keep playing open tournaments (Im now in Canada), and hopefully I would have a chance to ever play an ITF futures. I feel I deserve it, Im in my early twenties and see myself coaching and hitting tennis 24/7.
I enjoy hitting with my roommate the most. Neither of us can serve yet, but even just rallying is a blast! Sure maybe one in 10 of our hits looks great, but there's no better feeling when you hit a shot that looks and feels great
We had a recent USTA league match cancellation due to rain. But several guys stayed and had a beer making small talk. The breeze and sun cleared the courts and we ended up playing for fun. It was so much fun for me, no pressure, relaxed, not worried about the results. I definitely played above average.
