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January 2001 Article Latest Leading Edge Tennis Article
The Tennis Server
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Tennis Reputations - Do You Have One?
All of us possess a reputation -- like it or not we all have one. We might as well do the best we can to make it to our benefit rather than detriment. What is a reputation? Well, it is a bunch of ideas that precedes us. It can help in some ways -- but if we have a poor reputation it can hurt us. The cliché that some people use when they first meet someone is that "their reputation precedes them." What this means is that people or players may develop a preconceived notion of what kind of person/player you really are even before they have met or played you.
BenefitsThere are many benefits that result from having a solid positive reputation. Here are a few examples: if you're a player and you develop a reputation of being a mentally tough competitor then a player competing against you might easily throw in the towel if they begin to think that you never give up. If you are known as a player with unbelievable groundstrokes other players might begin to over hit during long rally points. If you have the reputation of never losing 3rd setters then when you go into a 3rd set other players might fold. If you think about this reputation issue it can really benefit you even before you step onto the court!A coach who has an excellent reputation of developing players will reap the rewards of many clients. A person who can build a reputation of being a caring, or knowledgeable skilled coach will, without a doubt, have a multitude of clients knocking at his or her door.
NegativesAs a player, if your reputation has any negative connotations attached then these player characteristics might hurt you when you compete. For example, if your reputation is a poor one then competitors facing you may feel inspired when they play you. For example, if a potential opponent hears that you hate long rallies then guess what you will soon be playing -- long rallies. If other players hear that you choke under pressure then when the match gets close, instead of feeling tight, other players may feel that they can definitely beat you during this high arousal period.Coaches need to be careful to not become known as single dimensional in teaching philosophy and style. For example, a coach who likes to teach the serve and volley game-style may soon be attracting only those types of candidates. The end result is that he or she may lose out on potential clientele because of this fact.
What Are We To Do About Reputations?We should each do the best we can to make sure that we possess a positive set of characteristics -- preferably both on and off the court. If you think about it, I am sure it is much like being a famous movie or television star. These people need to always make sure they are carrying themselves with the utmost professionalism on and off the screen. Tennis players and professional athletes are, for the most part, trying to always be "professional." Of course there is only so much you can do... sometimes the press will create misleading false accusations in order to sell copy. The bottom line is that we need to continually try to be the best we can be, always positive, always trying the hardest we possibly can.
A Breathe Of Fresh AirCoaches and players with an excellent reputation might want to consider adding some variety to the way they do things once in a while -- not for their own benefit but rather for the benefit of those that care about them. I believe that everyone can change or at least adopt new behaviors temporarily. An example: say your coach has been trying for a while to teach you how to serve and volley but you hate the idea of training the skills involved. Just once in a while, why not suggest it to your coach to train those skills. I guarantee you that "coach" will be surprised and almost shocked -- in a good way.
InsecurityA good reputation can help you develop as both player and coach but even if you have a great reputation things may not turn out exactly as you might hope. Let's face it, the world is a very competitive place and there are lots of people trying to achieve exactly the same result. In our case it is to win tournaments, train with the best coaches, or to be the best coach. Problems occur when people fall short of their goals. Rumors begin around the circuit or club. Insecurities in people begin to surface and soon ugly false statements begin to occur. It is something that happens everyday, and it is something that we all need to face at least a few times in a lifetime. I think the best way to deal with these unfortunate events is to first try to confront the instigator (in a matter of fact way) not with hostility or anger but with questions. You might ask in a polite calm manner, "I have heard that you are saying these things? Is it true?"
The Bottom LineGood habits, day in and day out, can ensure that we possess a positive reputation. A solid reputation can take years upon years to solidify but with one poor event it can be taken away. As a direct result we must take the time to always act with great deal of professionalism. A reputation can allow an individual many luxuries in life but at the same time it can hinder the amount of success and happiness! There will be times when you might say to yourself, "what did I do to deserve this?" When this happens just try to take a deep breathe and think about your reputation.Once again, Happppppppppppy New yearrrrrrr!!!!!!!!! Thanks for reading this month's article. My best, Reg
This column is copyright 2001 by Reggie Vasquez Jr., all rights reserved.
Questions and comments about these columns can be directed to Reggie by electronic mail at reggie@tennisserver.com. |
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Many years ago, as a young coach, I remember being sent by my ex-boss
(present day Tennis Canada Director of Coaching Development) to attend a
course for managers. To this day I can still remember one question that we
discussed. One question still stands out to
this day -- "if you had the opportunity to write
your own tombstone what would it say? How would you like to be remembered?"
Well, if you think about this question you might find some out
interesting things about yourself. To me this question has the potential to reveal a person's value system,
work ethic, etc. 
A very friendly hello to Anna in SA, Hail T, Cindy in Toronto, Rafael, Laura
M. in Los Angeles, Viv and Andy in Washington DC, Jim in Nunavet, Ken Bahar
in Turkey, Colin in Aussieland and all those who were kind enough to send me
happy New Years wishes! For all you dog and animal lovers, I thought you might
like to know that I have two new members in my family -- their names are King
and Joey (my Chihuahua puppies). See the photo!!!
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