12 Ways Tennis Is Like Business

I have recently begun playing tennis.  I have never been much of an athlete, and I am surprised at my high level of enjoyment in learning this sport at 45-years-old. My experience with each lesson and match brings me closer to finding a comfort zone on the court.  It also brings new aches and pains, as I am getting older.

After each encounter with tennis I have been contemplating what I learned, and then I explore the areas where I need to work to improve.  Interestingly I am finding my needs on the court are the same as my needs as an entrepreneur.

1.  Better focus equals more success.  I find with tennis and in business I need more focus on the tasks at hand. I cannot get distracted by what else is happening around me, or I will miss the next point and / or opportunity.

2.  Speed is your friend.  When I hustle I seem to win more.  If I am waiting for something to happen the ball or opportunities fly across my field of vision.  With speed comes success.

3.  Be strategic with each move.  Taking a shot or launching a product requires a thoughtful strategy.  I have never been good at "winging - it".  Having a plan is better.

4.  Always bring two options when you serve.  If I take one ball to the line, and fault on my serve I will need to scramble to find another ball.  Same is true when I work with clients.  If I have only one option and it is not the right fit, then I am lost.

5.  Anticipate what is coming next.  Life has a way of surprising you.  Just when you think you are set, your opponent can tap the ball over the net and you lose.  Never count the point before it is won.  Same in business.  Too many times I have thought I knew the outcome only to have victory vanish.

6.  Know your competitive advantage.  We all have things we bring to the table that make us unique.  Confidently being aware of what you do well will allow you to take the necessary shots (in tennis and business).

7.  Discover what your opponent is not doing.  Keenly observe those around you (those on your team and on the other side) and discover what they are not doing, or are not willing to do.  Identify the hole and send the ball sailing through it.

8.  Newbies do not automatically play at the top level.   You cannot walk into the elite circles in sports or business.  You have to earn your way up the ladder every day, and with each match you play. The small victories add up and if you are good you will be noticed.

9.  Always watch the lines and make fair calls.  People will knock the ball close to the line.  You must be watching to see if their serve is fair.  Win or lose you must be honest with them and yourself about where it landed.   Call 'em like you see 'em.

10.  Get to know the people around you and have fun.  This should go without saying, but too many people are wrapped up in their own performance and fail to acknowledge the others who are playing the same game.

11. There are no shortcuts to better skills.  You cannot fake experience and hope is a futile strategy.  To get better you must be out there playing the game all the time.

12.  You need a coach. Having someone to turn to when you need extra help is paramount to success.  A coach who will watch from the sidelines and give pointers and advice, without judgement, will allow you to avoid the common mistakes that others repeat over and over again.  Always listen to your coach and do not be defensive at his or her observations.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

First Day of Tennis

I am up early to go play tennis with my kid.  Yesterday I purchased a racket and shoes, and my first "beginner lesson" is all set for Wednesday.  If you read my post from last week, you know I promised my daughter in June that I would take up the sport if she was still interested in playing once September arrived.

She not only took lessons all summer (it was over 100 degrees most of the time), but this week she made the tennis team at her high school.

The kid has amazing focus and an even stronger work ethic.  When she sets her mind to something she is tenacious and finds a way to get to her goal.  Thus I want to support her interest in tennis, and to get good you need to play often.... to play often you need someone to play with... and that is me!

Thus, my own tennis adventure begins.  After a couple of months of lessons I will look at joining an adult league.  I don't just want to knock the ball around, but if I am going to do this, I want to do it right.

For those who know me well, you know I am not much of an athlete.  At 45 years old, this is my first attempt at a sport (beyond my lame-o attempt at little league when I was a kid).

Wish me luck.

thom

***UPDATE - There was a lot of wind at the middle school where the local tennis courts are located (it is on the top of a hill).  It was too windy to really play a full game, but we did practice and play for an hour.  She has learned some exercises to practice and we volleyed back and forth.  It was a lot of fun, and we will go back tomorrow hoping for less wind.  I think my body will be very sore later today, as I used muscles I forgot existed!

Tennis Anyone?

My teenager took an interest in tennis this summer.  She took lessons and did a week-long camp to learn the basics and was excited to go play, even in the Texas summer heat.

Unlike her four years of Karate (she is a Black Belt), this is an activity that requires a partner to play.  I have never played the sport, and am overall not a natural athlete, thus I was not sure I was suited to go knock the ball around.  Plus, I did not want to play tennis.

I promised her in June that if she still had an interest in tennis in September that I would take lessons.  Last week she joined the Tennis Club at her high school, and is practicing three days a week.  I see what comes next.... I am about to become a tennis player

I will start my beginner lessons in either September or October (I need to schedule the classes around my travel schedule, and thus I must choose a month when I am around on the same day each week).  There are a couple of local places I can take adult lesson, and then there are leagues and clinics that will follow.  I am not sure I am thrilled about this, but I always try to keep my promises.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer