TILDEN'S BOOK.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18600, 30 December 1920, Page 2

TILDEN'S BOOK.

THE ART OF LAWN TENNIS. William T. Tilden, champion of fch# world, lias published a book on “ The Art of Lawn Tennis,” and there is a great deal to commend it to sportsmen generally in the fact that the American champion has placed his work in the hands of Methuen aiid ''.Co., the Loudon publishers who have done so much to introduce the best authors in all branches of sport. . Tildeu’s book, ol : course, is of absorbing interest at the moment when-its author is in New Zealand prepared to defend his title against the world’s most formidable challengers; but it has a distinct value . as a text book on tennis, and its perusal is calculated to shake one’s confidence in the chances of the Australasian team in the Davis Oup matches. There is a priceless early chapter' addressed. tb . novices only,” containing the very significant remark, “More tennis can bo learned off the court-, in the study of theory, and in watching the best players in action, than ever can be learned in actual play.” Speaking to playors, whose game is not yqt\ formed, the champion admits that at least once every season he goes back to first principles to pull himself out of some rub into which carelessness had dropped him. The quick- 1 est and most lasting results, ho says, v come from the following order of s development:— ) 1. Concentration on the game. V 2. Keep the eye on the bajl. > 3. Footwork and weight-control. 4. Strokes. 5. Court position. 6. Court generalship, or match play. 7. Tennis psychology. Clear language and a pointed «way of putting things simply carry tho con- , viciion that the winter is master , of Ilia subject. Extraordinarily clear photographs give front and back views of forehand and, backhand grips, and ideas regard-* ing the swing of tho drives, service, follow through, volleying, forehand and backhand, the half volley, and so on. A distinct feature of the illustrating all through is that there is action in every picture, and the tennis enthusiast finds something live to study. The world’s leading players of both sexes ■ are shown in action before the camera; and there are only a couple of repro- - ductions in the whole book that do not S illustrate some tennis movement. Definitions of tennis terms, such ’ as speed and pace, and tlxe nice differences between chop and slice are ably dealt with. . . . Every department of the game is touched on in the first half of the hook, while the growth of the modem gamp and notes on tho psychology of tennis occupy readable sections. It is in dis- * cussing this psychology of tenniß that the author gives a-hint regarding the secret of bia own success. 'He writes:— When two men are in the same class as regards stroke equipment, the determining factor is the mental viewpoint. . . . Both men start with , equal chances. Once one man es- > tablishes a real lead, his confidence goes up, while his opjponent worries. The Sole object of the first man is to hold his lead, thus holding his confidence. If the second player pulls even or draws ahead, the inevi- , table reaction occurs with ev„en a . greater contrast i in psychology. There is the natural confidence of the.. A leader now, as well as that great stimulus of having turned seeming defoat into probable victory. The ( reverse in the case of the first plavef is apt to hopelessly destroy his game, ■ and collapse follows. It is this trust, in tennis psychology that makes it possible to win $o many matches after, they are seemingly lost This is also the reason that a man who has lost a substantial lead seldom achieves the ultimate Victory. He cannot rise above the depression cadsed by his temporary slump. Tho value of an early lead cannot be overestimated. An indication of his creed, in match play is contained in the advice: — Study your opponent both on and off the court. , Look for a .weakness, and once finding it, pound it without mercy. . . . Above all, never change a winning game. Always change a losing game. Take chances when you are'behind, never when yon , are ahead. . . Pick one man (indoubles), preferably the weaker -of your opponents, and centre your attack on him and keep it there. Pound him unmercifully, and in time he should crack under, tho attack.” Tilden’s book was written in England evidently, after his Wimbledon successes, and he has been able to sum up international prospects very interestingly. On the future of the game , he writes:— .; - England has but to interest her youth in the game to hold her place with the leaders. . . . England will never be the advanced tennis

playing country that her colonies are for her wholo atmosphere is one of conservatism in sport. Still, her game will change. The wonderful sporting abilities of the Englishman, his ability to produce liis best when seemingly down and out, mean that no matter how low the ebb to which tennis might fall, the inherent abilities of the English athlete would always bring it up. . . Australasia and South Africa, the famous colonies of the British Empire, should be on the edge of a great tennis wave. 3 look to see great players rise in Australasia t.o refill the gaps left by the passing of Wilding and the retirement of Brookes. The future should see America and. Australia fighting for supremacy in the tennis . world, with England ami _ Franc© close on their heels to junta-into'the lead at the first faltering.” Some sidelights on famous players is a chapter containing Very critical , yet generous comments on many of the men who have met Tilden on the tennis court, and special interest centres in the remarks about Brookes and Patterson. The book is most enjoyable, and contains enough anecdote to interest a wide circle of readers.