[tennisbiz] Sound of tennis

Hi,

I am a tennis fan and there is one thing which has always bothers me- my
 technique. I have looked kilometres of tennis videos, followed numerous
matches, had a talk with many coaches and even dealt with computer
based movement analyses. Conclusion was as simple as that- tennis is
art, rather than science. Shortly, the computer analyses of the top
players shots and deep knowledge on biomechanics did not help me to
improve my own game. I tried hard, but the result was zero.

As I have been studying music for 15 years, I have got an idea to
analyse rhythm of the ball and player moving in the court in general and
 their rhythm in compliance, in particular. My task was- ,,to listen,,
how the top players movements sound like and find an answer to the
question: ,, Is there any coherence between the ,,music,, created by the
ball and ,, music,, created by the player,,.
The results were surprising- there is strait link between the ball,s and
players,s rhythm. I managed to improve my own game! And in two weeks.
Now I am able to adjust my running rhythm and strokes rhythm with the
ball. I feel confident in playing with strong opponents and save the
energy in putting exactly so much effort into play as needed. I know
exactly what I have to do depending on the direction, speed and rhythm
of the ball, hit by the opponent.

Here are the basics of my study: Tennis ball, as rhythmically moving
object, creates a audio-visual rhythm. Depending on how well you are in
reading this rhythm, you will act, it means adjust your own movements
rhythm (pace, stop, backswing etc.) according to the tennis ball. All
top class players master this process automatically. I have seen many
recreational players (as myself) constantly in trouble with
synchronizing their pace and stroke rhythm with the balls one. The
result is often poor both from the aesthetic and result oriented point
of view. We have used to watching weird techniques and balls flying into
unwanted destinations.

To draw a conclusion to this story : Using a tennis ,,partitur,,
(where one line is devoted to the ball, and other lines mark the
footsteps, pauses, swing etc), may seem strange, but I assure you- it
works even those who do not have a clue in music. There are many things
you must do and think of, during the ball is rocketing to your side of
the court. Tennis partitur helps you to be prepared and use your strokes
arsenal more effectively.

Any comments, information about the same type of findings or other type
of unusual teaching methods will be highly appreciated.

yours sincerely,

Madis Kareda


 
Received on Wed Aug 15 2001 - 23:22:50 CDT