TENNIS STYLE

Waipa Post, Volume 49, Issue 3553, 4 December 1934, Page 5

TENNIS STYLE

HOW TO IMPROVE IT. MATCH PLAY AND GENERAL CRITICISM. (Contributed.) Now that the lawn tennis season is in full swing, and there are even more players engaged in this delightful pastime and recreation than ever before in this town and neighbourhood, it is opportune to review the general faults of young enthusiasts, and to give some advice concerning tournament play. In watching the style of most players I have come to the conclusion that the chief errors are slowness, lack of anticipation, "slashing" at or forcing the pace of the ball, laxity in taking up the right position, and, above all, stiffness and rigidity both in stance and in the arm and body movements.

It is strange how few people recognise the importance of suppleness, deportment, and agility. If only they did, the various strokes would be much easier to cultivate. The tendency to remain in the same place for every return, expecting all balls to be sent to the racquet, is a serious obstacle to contend with, especially among school girls and boys. The fear of running seems to be deeply embedded as to make this a very hard fault to eradicate. Yet once these mistakes are avoided half the battle is won, and the game should immediately assume a more interesting aspect. Picture a centre court surrounded by hundreds of spectators eagerly waiting to see a match between a "star'' of the lawn tennis world and a newcomer whose name is practically unknown to the public. The excitement grows as the moment for the match to begin draws near. At length, after an interminable period the two players walk on to the court, while the gallery applauds and cheers. As the umpire and linesmen take their places the combatants toss for side or service. There is more importance in this act than one would imagine, as the opening service may cause a direct influence on the ultimate result. The chief factor to be studied when tossing is the weather. Perhaps the sun is shining or the wind is blowing in fierce gusts across the court: It may even be showery or misty; yet whatever the climatic conditions they must be seriously considered. If in doubt I believe in choosing service, but should the sun's rays be very strong it is better to choose the worse side for the first game and let your opponent have a taste of it for the next two games. A certain amount of argument always arises on the question where the player should stand to receive the service. There is only one answer, and that is "behind the base line." A little common sense will tell you that it is comparatively easy to run forward to meet the ball, but it is practically impossible to get back. Yet, curiously enough, this is an extremely common fault and that is why many players constantly win either off hard drives down the side lines or lobs of a moderate height. Another important point to remember is that the return of the service provides a keynote to the rest of the game.' The opponent should be careful not to force the pace with the first return, but to take it in a natural and easy manner. It is a mistake to try to make a winning shot off the service. Usually this entails disaster. x , . . While our centre court match is in progress and the two combatants are battling for the laurels, going out for every stroke and placing the ball in awkward positions, a handicap event is staged on an outside court. One player is owing 30 on the even games and 15 on the odds. His tactics, therefore, must be totally different from those he would use in an open championship event. He should play chiefly for safety, and he ought to let the opponent make the irretrievable mistakes. To do this the value of net play should enter the general scheme of attack. That and moderately placed drives ought to end in victory for the "owe 30" player. The great assets in tournament play are courage and calm, cool temperament. So many players have been on the verge of achieving championship fame, yet have failed solely on account of lacking a temperament which will carry with it the will to win. That is the fault of the majority of foreigners. They lose their heads at a critical moment, and throw away the match, often to much weaker opponents. "When at the worst affairs will mend" is a good maxim to remember. Even if you are losing heavily do not despair. Perhaps one of the most historic games in the annals of lawn tennis was that between Ernest Renshaw and F. H. Lawford. In the fifth and final set Lawford was leading by 5 games to 2 when Renshaw, determined to die in glory, if die he must, put in one or two tricky services, which rather disconcerted Lawford. The next three games fell to Renshaw, who, having regained confi- ! dence, went from strength to strength and won the match. To succeed in tournament play, you must acquire courage, self-control and good court manners. Be as courteous to the ball boys as you are to members of the tournament committee, umpires and other officials. Even if you feel a bit ruffled never show it, but keep a cheerful countenance. Above all, do not forget to shake hands with your opponent after the match and congratulate him if he has won. That was where the sporting spirit was so terribly lacking among many of the Continental players, and this was often the cause of their unpopularity. I could mention several incidents of this kind. One well known player ,a noted Austrian count, was excluded from match play for a long time simply on account of his utter failure to be a sportsman. Therefore my final message is to play the game, no matter what odds are against you.