As a tennis player John Tipton was a long shot from being a gifted athlete. He was, as they say, "small but slow." He was also a generation older than many of his competitors. And yet among the hundreds of amateur tennis players in his mid-sized Midwestern city, he was considered an excellent tennis partner in doubles tournaments and somehow he managed to win more than his share of singles trophies. Lets get into his mind to see how he does it.
"People that know tennis say you lack quickness and have at best an average baseline game John, what's the secret to your success?"
"Concentration."
"John, it can't be all that simple!"
"Well.... no. I mean focusing on the game totally isn't all that easy. I think tennis is a mind game. Within reason of talent levels it really is mind over matter. Psych is a big part of it. Outthinking, then dominating your opponent."
"How do you do that John?"
"I'll use the serving game as an example. Every match has a few key moments. Turning points as it were. That moment or moments when the game is on the line. First of all you have to recognize those moments. Then take charge.
"So how does the mind help you make this moment turn in your favor?"
"Even the best pro players can't serve aces all the time. You know. An ace is where you make a serve and the opponent not only can't return it but it goes untouched. For me that's a flat trajectory, super powerful, shot down the center line that takes control of the game."
"Can you describe the mind part of these shots John?"
"Well the first thing is to realize just what it takes for anyone, but especially a slightly out of shape middle-aged duffer, to be able to hit these kind of shots. For one thing they take so much concentration and energy they need to be used sparingly throughout the match. At those momentum turning points, as I mentioned."
