[ View Thread ] [ Post Response ] [ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]

BGonline.org Forums

Lessons from Racquetball lessons

Posted By: Rich Munitz
Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2009, at 3:38 p.m.

In Response To: Open Player Survey Conclusion (Rich Munitz)

Phil, another thought based on my experiences in racquetball.

Back in the late 80's, when I decided I really wanted to improve my game, I went away and spent four full days of intensive learning from the best teacher in the game at the time: Steve Strandemo. One of the things that he explained when teaching racquetball is just as applicable to anyone trying to improve at any sport or game. That being: don't try to emulate the best players in the game and stop believing that the key to improving is that you must do the things that you see them do. Recognize the fact that only a tiny percentage of the population are capable of ever performing at that level, no matter the effort or desire. So be realistic and focus on the fundementals that the best players all utilize that are less obvious to the naked eye, but within everyone's reach. Focus on applying the core concepts and making decisions that gives the highest percentage return FOR YOU. If you do that, and you work hard and have the ability, the things the best players do will eventually come on their own.

To put this in perspective: you can watch the pros play and conclude that the key to playing well is to hit the ball 3 inches above the ground and at 160+ miles per hour. But someone trying to improve their game should forget about that. They are incapable of those things (or at least incapable of profiting from them) at their current stage of development. They must instead focus on the key concepts of controlling center court, hitting the ball away from the opponent, and keeping it off the back wall and off the floor. And if they can simply do that, they will win without the low shots and without the high velocity. They will develop a way of thinking, skills and experience that are ultimately applicable at any level they reach. And if they have the talent, everything else will come in time.

And this approach worked. And I eventually got there.

Messages In This Thread

 

Post Response
Your Name:
Your E-Mail Address:
Subject:
Message:

If necessary, enter your password below:

Password:
 

 

[ View Thread ] [ Post Response ] [ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]

BGonline.org Forums is maintained by Stick with WebBBS 5.12.