LAWN TENNIS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 260, 1 November 1929, Page 4

LAWN TENNIS

CARE OF THE RACQUET ADVICE FOB PLAYERS At this season of the year the following advice sent out by a leading gut manufacturer is worth study:— As soon as a string breaks have it repaired at once, as this will prevent excess strain and stop loosening of the other sections of the string. It will save the cost of replacement that will soon be necessary if the break is neglected. Good racquets should be kept in presses when not in use and should have a waterproof case a s a protective covering against rain and general dampness. The strings are readily affected by moisture, causing them to contract, with the result that either the strings or frame are likely to break. For the same reason it is best not to play in the dew and dampness of early morning or late evening, as the moisture picked up by the ball harms the strings. Further, the ball readily picks up moi'e grit and causes greater grinding on the surface of the strings. It should be unnecessary to advise against playing in the rain or on wet courts, or to suggest keeping racquets in waterproof covers while waiting on a verandah for the rain to stop or the courts to dry out. It is also unwise to leave uncovered racquets in a locker containing wet clothing or towels.

In playing, use both sides of the racquet to allow even wear on the strings, as the grit from the court wears out the twisted strands more quickly when only one side is used. The wear and breaking of strings is retarded considerably by applying to them a light coating of shellac every six weeks. ATTITUDE OF MIND CONFIDENT OB NEBVOUS? Success in tennis, says a champion, is based to a large extent in the attitude of the mind of the player. “Confidence i 8 not too good,” he says. “Unbounded confidence, like pride, ever goeth before a fall. Confidence breeds carelessness, and tennis is not for the careless-minded. “Neither is nervousness likely to get a player far. Nervousness is based on fear and fearful folk are beaten before they commence. Nervousness springs from a fear of losing the match, and the end of the match should not matter. Everyone should play to win points and let it go at that. The end does not count. It should not be considered. “Train the mind to an attitude some way between the two extremes. Be nervously confident, or confidently nervous. Respect the skill of your opponent and do not hold him cheap. Say to yourself: ‘He ig a good man—very good—but I will get as many games as I can, and good men are often beaten.’ Confidence and nervousness are alike for those who refuse to face facts. No one need be nervous, and no one can be confident. Nervous confidence—uneasy determiation—dubious faith in one’s self, is the secret of success. ’ 9