The Newsletter of the Santa Monica Tennis Club
May - June 2007
In This Issue:
EDITORIAL: THEY SAID IT COULDN'T BE DONE
Recently, a former member of the Board confided that he thought SMTC's slide into ever fewer members was inexorable. He gave all the usual reasons: the decline of tennis nationwide; the tendency of the younger generation to play computer games rather than exercising; and so on and so forth. This former Board member, who had served the Club honorably and well for a number of years, predicted membership in 2007 would peak at 150 - down from the 220 members SMTC ended up with in 2006.I never bought that particular line of argument. Even in a declining market, it is possible for to grab a larger market share. And SMTC is certainly positioned to do so. Not only do we have a prime location by the ocean; we also have - by far - the least expensive rates of any tennis Club, together with one of the most active tennis programs anywhere. (And we tip our hat here to Beverly Hills Tennis Club, our "competitor" on La Cienega Blvd., from whose innovative director, Adam Roach, we have learned much). This year, SMTC has also have lucked out in some incredible ways. We have powerful new lights, courtesy of the city of Santa Monica. And we have, in Keith Neal, a new director of the Reed Park Tennis Office who has not only been receptive, but proactive in helping promote the Club. Neither the lights nor Keith's presence is our doing - but we're certainly the beneficiaries.
As well, SMTC has had a diverse membership whose talents are not exactly chicken feed. To cite just a couple of "unknowns:" Jeff Potts - who formerly designed ads for Budweiser beer - designed our advertising poster, on display at Reed Park and on other bulletin boards throughout the city. (And yes, if you know of a site which looks naked without our poster, please feel free to join our informal distribution network).
Michael Nozik, who produced several movies including "The Motorcycle Diaries" about the youthful Che Gueverra; "Syrianna" starring George Clooney; and "The Legend of Bagger Vance," an underrated gem about golfing. (This is said by someone who hates that game). We also have had among our members Dodo Cheney (profiled by Mike Wallace on "60 Minutes"); crooner Jimmy Dale; and physical trainer Ron Hall, who has helped more than one star get into shape. Last for now, but not least is Roger Breternitz.
I have played with Roger countless times at Open Play - but I didn't know much about him until I mentioned that I was recruiting a tennis coach to write a newsletter column. My hopes were modest; perhaps a tip on how to better hold the racket, or how to swing at a ball. Instead, I received the final article in this newsletter: "Championship Tennis: Winning Through Concentration."
As I first glanced Roger's "Winning Through Concentration," I was already late for a meeting. Still, I slowed down and read it with ever increasing excitement. The meeting could wait; this article couldn't.
If your reaction is anything like mine, you may wonder how Roger has managed to hide his talent all these years. He won't any more. This will be the first of a series by "On The Line's" new contributing editor.
At the very last minute, we've also gotten a second - and unbelievable - tennis columnist. I had seen Evert Kruse teaching mostly teens and 20somethings at Reed Park, while I played doubles. And what I most noticed was that these kids really slammed the ball, ran each other around, and showed no mercy while Evert urged them to play even harder. I tried to listen in on some of the tips he was giving, while feeling like I was watching, up close, the next generation of tennis stars.
Of course I wanted to get Evert to write some tips for our newsletter. Fat chance that this would ever take place. Still, what was there to lose? So I did what a football player might call a "Hail Mary" pass.
The result is "Sizzling Serves" written just for On the Line. Let us know what you think. Given such rich, if often overlooked Club resources, plus a new Board which swept into office this year and is still growing with Jim Castagnola and Eric Rabinowitz, signing on, what now seems inevitable is the Club's remarkable turnaround. Instead of waiting until the end of 2007 to garner 150 members, SMTC has already way surpassed that mark - and this well before peak summer season, when we are looking at a major new promotion. At that point, all bets are off on how large the membership will grow.
True, we still have obstacles to overcome - including a few members stuck in outdated ways of thinking, and cliquish, borderline rude behavior at Sunday Open Play. Let the rest of us take note of these as remnants of an era in which the Club was dying - and use this as a benchmark to measure our progress forward.
And I'll even go out on a limb here. If SMTC were a stock, my recommendation would be a buy. As for those skeptics who would "short" the Club and bet against us - sorry, you lose.
-Joseph Hanania
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MEMBERSHIP LISTING NOW ONLINE
In a bold new move to save money while also keeping our membership lists more current, SMTC is putting our membership online.This saves the Club the approximately $500 a year in printing and mailing costs for our former booklet, whose contents got outdated as new members joined the Club. Also, members who misplaced the printed booklet discovered they suddenly had no one's number.
The online listing will be periodically updated with information on new members, and can be accessed any time. Those who prefer the information on paper can print out our on-line listing.
Please access our listing by clicking here.
-JH
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SKIP THIS AD
So, why would want to buy an ad when your phone is already ringing off the hook? When your reputation is known far and wide as providing the best possible service for the most reasonable possible price? When others are practically banging down your door just to hire you?Still, for a few days every Leap Year, your phone may get just a little quiet. And then, what would a businessman of your sterling qualities do?
Well - and although we admit that such a thing would be below your calling - you might think of taking an ad. Only as a temporary fix, of course. And what better place to advertise than in the SMTC newsletter?
"Why the newsletter?" you may query, the slightest hint of skepticism in your voice. We're so glad you asked, allowing us to inform you of yet another membership service.
Now ask yourself, who would you rather do business with - someone you already know, or an unknown quantity? Someone you actually already like, or a stranger you wouldn't recognize from Adam? And with nearly 200 Club members, don't you already know a lot of good people?
Nor is it always a great idea to yell out about the great rates you can provide for your services while running backwards to return a lob. Or to talk about your how your product surpasses anyone else's while hitting a slam from the net. At that precise moment, nobody really cares, not to mention that such behavior might be a trifle - how to put it - embarrassing?
By advertising in the newsletter, instead, you are communicating with the very same people - both your trustworthy partners and your nefarious opponents - as they sit in the comfort of their home and contemplate all that life has to offer. Including, of course, your fine services.
And since SMTC is just beginning to look for advertisers, your ad rates would be low. So very, very low that we can't mention the $100 fee per two issues (that's four months worth of advertising), because competing publications would otherwise yell "Unfair business practices!" So very low that we hesitate to even mention that you should send your ad copy to joe@aceupoursleeve.com, where we could help you spiff it up, our staff standing by just waiting to help you look your best - at no extra cost.
But then again, we're sure your phone is ringing right now with yet another customer. We're sure that taking an ad would be a bad idea for your business. Sorry we even mentioned this.
- JH
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THE U.S. SUPREME COURT AND SMTC
Barely had the ink dried - so to speak - on SMTC's Standards and Sportsmanship Committee than not one, not two, but three complaints poured in - bringing up a crucial question. Was the new Committee up to the onslaught?The Committee members investigated the complaints. The Committee members conferred among themselves. The Committee members delivered three pithily written verdicts as champagne corks could be heard being unpopped in parts of Santa Monica, and howls of anguish arose in others.
Other candidates vying for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court may not yet know it - but Committee head Bruce Janger has revved his lawyerly skills back up, and is proving his mettle to join their ranks - with a capable assist from "law clerks" Jeff Potts and Katherine Spetner. And how big a leap is it, really, from SMTC's Standards Committee to a seat on the Big Court?
That said, the Committee nevertheless asks Club members to try to resolve conflicts themselves, allowing all of us more time to play, and less time being disputatious.
- JH
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THE ROAR FROM THE BLEACHERS
Dear Editor,The new letters section is your place to bring out those great ideas the rest of us have so crassly overlooked. Please be aware, however, that the ideas with the best chances of being adopted are those in which you don't just tell the Board what we might do, but in which you also volunteer to help "Make It So." So, let your creative juices flow!
Congratulations on the newsletter. Although I had been skeptical about a newsletter online instead of in the mail, I was very impressed by the amount of content. And it's well written, too. Of course, we'll have to see how responsive people are to the various events to get an idea of whether they are reading this version more than they read the other.
My only nitpick would be the Jerry Falwell reference. I yield to no one in my antipathy toward the religious right, but this is a tennis publication in a club sponsored by the City. And, believe it or not, not everyone in the club agrees with the more enlightened point of view.
But I really like this new newsletter.
Bruce Janger
Dear Editor,
The Newsletter is really spectacular. I love it. Congratulation to all involved.
Carmen Grant
Dear Editor,
The new newsletter format is great.
Jutta Ruehl
Dear Editor,
Although the Club is trying to save money by eliminating the membership book, I would be willing to pay $20 for a copy of the book, in addition to the on line listing.
I also think that one page listing Club events for a two-three month period should also be put up as an abbreviated copy for speedy reference. I also think that every effort should be made to do events to bring in extra income. We should increase membership dues if need be, and not eliminate things that would make people generally less aware of events. I, for one, hate the computer and would like to spend as little time as possible on it. Thanks.
Carol Katz
Carol,
As always, your wish is our command. Membership director Carol Reston has posted a single page, two month schedule of events on the Reed Park bulletin board, next to the poster promoting the Club. That same schedule can also be accessed on our website under "Calendar."
-JH
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Last Call for...Ladies/Mens Doubles Tournament
Yes, we foolishly dropped the Men's/ Ladies Doubles Tournament the past few years. But we'll make it up to you now...promise.So, back by popular demand - the Ladies/Men's doubles tournament gets reborn May 20th. You can enter either with a partner or as a single player, as the format will be round robin.
Cost: a mere $20 per person. Please see entry form. The contact is Jim Castagnola, 1310 Venice Boulevard #11, Venice, CA 90291, phone 310-827-6734 or email: polypiller@utla.net)
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Notes From The Ladder Director
The penthouse atop the open singles ladder has again been the scene of an eviction, with Mike Schmidt regaining the premises from Jim Metzger. Mike wasn't about to engage in another four-hour duel with Jim; this time he settled matters in straight sets.Happy trails to Hai Vu, who has left us to pursue career opportunities elsewhere. But we welcome new ladder players Jeff Potts and David King, and others are spreading the word they will soon be joining the open singles ladder.
The women's singles ladder remains vacant. If you want to be on it (and you're a woman), it's really easy. Play a match. Report the result to me. You're both on.
- Bruce Janger
Click here for the ladder.
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The Riviera Invites You (Yes, You!)
(Waiting List Only)
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| Courts at the Riviera |
The showdown: Sunday June 10th.
At: the (posh) Riviera Club at 1250 Capri Dr., Pacific Palisades 90272. (Take 26th Street to Sunset Blvd, make a left to Capri and you're there. Or, see it on the web at www.therivieracountryclub.com.
Twelve of us will be entering the Lion's Den for this one - all for a mere $25 apiece.
Sunday, June 10th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with an informal meal to follow.
You snooze, you lose.
Please send check payable to SMTC, together with the entry form to: Joseph Hanania, 500 California Ave. #14, Santa Monica, Ca. 90403.
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Tennis Courts to Close May 31, Reopen June 24th with a Hearty Party.
Sunday, June 24th, the USTA, together with the Southern California Tennis Association, will hold a party celebrating the reopening of the new - and improved - Reed Park courts, which will close May 31st for resurfacing.Last year, the Reed Park courts were closed July and August to install new lights, and walkways remained closed through February. This time, all work is scheduled to be completed in three short weeks, says tennis coach Bill Nissley, self-described "chief lobbyist" on this project. And if the city gets the courts reopened on time, the proposed "USTA Block Party" will, indeed, be time to revel!!!
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., party organizers and SMTC will provide all the water you can drink, plus tennis instruction to be overseen by 10 - count 'em - pros, including the entire Nissley family (think of the Osmonds as tennis pros). The schedule as we go to press:
- Court One, the exhibition court, will feature Head and Penn demoing new products, including their hottest rackets. (Can't you hear them sizzle?)
- Court Two will feature cardio tennis.
- Court Three will feature "Learn to Serve," with a speed gun to measure your serving velocity. (How many of us are going to find out we're really wimps on this?)
- Court Four will feature a course on doubles strategy.
- Courts Five and Six will be open to would-be players learning the basics of how to hit a ball. (Did we mention all this is free?)
-JH
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MALIBU AWAITS YOU!
Those of us who once made our way up to the hills of Malibu and played at the Malibu Racquet Club remember how beautiful its eight courts are, and how prettily it sat by the ocean. Yes, those were the good old days.Don't tell anyone, but the good old days are not only back; they are better than ever. On Saturday, July 28, a dozen lucky 3.5 and 4.0 Club players charge up the hills again for a mixed doubles match from 2 - 5 p.m., cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to follow. (BYOB). The Racquet Club also has a barbeque area, for those so inclined. The address is 23847 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu. Or check out the site www.maliburacquetclub.com/page1.html
First come, served. Please fill out the entry form and mail, together with your e-dress and a $25 check payable to SMTC to: Joseph Hanania, 500 California Ave. #14, Santa Monica, Ca. 90403.
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SAIL AWAY TO MARINA DEL REY!
Friday August 3, eight lucky players will get to strut their stuff at the Marina Club, 4333 Admiralty Way, for an evening of mixed doubles starting at 6 p.m. Afterwards, we have been invited us to use their spa facilities, and join them upstairs for a night of wine, women, and song on the dinner/dance floor, overlooking the Marina. (Is this promotion sexist? Nah!!!)Please let us know if you want to join in the entertainment portion of the evening, so we can reserve a table with members of the Marina Club, with whom we will look out at the sailboats, and dream about sailing away.
All for a mere $20. Dinner is separate. Please fill out the entry form and send to Joseph Hanania, 500 California Ave. #14, Santa Monica, Ca. 90403. You snooze, you lose!
- Joseph Hanania
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SMTC'S "UNLEASH THE ARTIST WITHIN" PHOTO CONTEST ENTRY #1
Mystery Lady With Trophy
We need your help! This mysterious member of SMTC won a trophy at the recent TennisTripsLA weekend at the Pierpont Inn. Club member Jutta Ruehl submitted this to our photo contest, then disappeared before making the identification, though she does have a curious resemblance to Andrea Arnold. So, we will title this entry "Mystery Lady With Trophy."
The rest of youse, don't forget to send in your photos to Joe@aceupoursleeve.com - so you, too, can line up for the truly awesome possibility of getting voted as SMTC's Artist/Photographer of the Year!
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Credits
ON THE LINE
is produced by
ACE UP OUR SLEEVE
Public Relations and Advertising
www.Aceupoursleeve.com
Internet site by
Tom Johnson
We thank you for your interest
is produced by
ACE UP OUR SLEEVE
Public Relations and Advertising
www.Aceupoursleeve.com
Internet site by
Tom Johnson
We thank you for your interest
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Luxury Memorial Day Weekend at Morgan Run Resort
May 26 -28
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| Morgan Run Resort |
- 2 1/2 days of organized tennis.
- An Interclub with the Morgan Run Tennis Club.
- Complimentary happy hour.
- Sunday night dinner at an Ocean Front restaurant.
Click here for the entry form.
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UN-PERSONALS
Are you a single male looking for a woman tennis partner? A single woman looking for a racket? A single racket looking for a ball?Just in time for summer, we are bringing back our un-personals. Free to members. $5 to non-members.
Please send in your un-personal to joe@aceupoursleeve.com. Subject line: SMTC Un-Personal. No attachments, please.
And watch your summer tennis take off!
WANTED: Actor/actress to record outgoing message on SMTC's phone line welcoming potential members. This is the first contact many have with SMTC, and your chance to help us make a great first impression. If you have access to sound effects - the sounds of the ocean, the sound of a racket hitting a tennis ball - highlighting what is unique about our Club, all the better.Please call Joe at 310-451-1966.
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Welcome New Members
- Yen-Fen Baettig-Lai 310-482-2120 3.0
- Joshua Collier 760-409-1273 4.5
- Janet Fryer 310-828-6368 3.5
- Joel Joseph 240-432-1808 4.0
- Martin Katz * 310-394-4600 4.5
- Kevin Kraus 310-473-5158 3.0
- Elizabeth Maccani 313-598-6473 3.0
- Virginia Palmer 310-393-1125 3.5
- Philip Robinson 626-376-7646 4.0
- Mike Sparno 310-607-7084 4.0
- Paul Suchecki * 310-306-3104 3.5
- Claudia Tossolini 310-444-7947 4.0
- Ashley Atkins 310-829-2840 4.0
- Olga Crawford 310-453-7586 3.5
- Kristine Eppler* 310-410-8995 4.0
- Alice Koga 310-207-7440 2.5
- Mel Leventhal 310-395-7875 3.5
- Virginia Palmer 310-393-1125 3.5
- Claudia Tossolini* 310-444-7947 4.0
* returning members
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SIZZLING SERVES
By Evert KruseWhile you are perfecting your sizzling serves, nothing feels worse then double-faulting. It's like giving the points away. Here are a couple of tips that should help you better your serve - while also avoiding double faults.
1. DONT RUSH. Most mistakes come from rushing your serve. To avoid this, maintain a pre-serve routine. I bounce the ball three or four times, and then bring it to my racket before starting my toss. Then, I visualize my target, and the type of serve I want to hit
2. HEADS UP. Keep your eyes on the ball when making contact, and keep your chin up. I have seen many club players just about fall over when they pull their heads down too fast. So try to go after the ball with as high a contact as possible, but don't look down too soon...And please remember, the taller you are, the lower the net is in relation to you.
3. CHECK YOUR TOSS. When my toss fails, I take a couple of steps back and then recheck it. Serving is about rhythm. If you want to be consistent, you need the same rhythm on each serve. So, don't swing after a bad toss. Let it go and toss again. And while training, let the ball drop after the toss. The ball should land at the same spot each time. If it doesn't, toss again.
4. STAY SIDEWAYS. Another cause of double faults is facing the net too soon. To prevent your shoulders from turning prematurely, keep your tossing arm up a bit longer. As soon as the tossing arm drops, your shoulders turn.
Evert Kruse, who played in the Junior Elites in Sweeden, gives private and group lessons at Reed Park. He may be reached at (310) 665-5594 or at www.Tennisbykruse.com
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NEW ON THE BOARD
It would be easy to underestimate new Board member Eric Rabinowitz. With his large white mustache and easy sense of humor, he seems like just another harmless older guy watching others play the game. Until he steps onto the tennis court and hits a variety of smashes, down the lines, and assorted other weapons with a fearsome speed. Then, it's every man (and woman) for himself.But Eric's interests extend well beyond tennis. Born and raised in New York City, he got a Masters Degree from Hunter College in - of all things - British Diplomatic History. He is also a Viet Nam vet, whose favorite activities include theater, film, and travel - the latter helped out by his linguistic abilities in Spanish and French.
Eric's ambition for SMTC: To strive to reduce/eliminate the current trend towards exclusivity by some club members. Our advice to anyone underestimating him: watch out.
Jim Castagnola has lived on the Westside for over 25 years. When he's not playing tennis, you can find him playing chess at a number of coffee houses, or painting.
He has also taught English as a Second Language for the past eight years - which gets us to wondering. How do we get him, for those of us not in the know, to "translate" - or forewarn us - on some of his powerful shots, many of which we admire only after they've passed us by? Happy to be on the Board as Tournaments Director, Jim is open to all suggestions on improving tournament operations! He'd also like to thank other Board members for their support, insight, and encouragement (especially Marguerite)!
Finally, we congratulate Hai Vu on his new job in Santa Barbara, a city he has apparently taken to like a fish to water. Unfortunately this means SMTC has lost a charming and very capable Board member. Best of luck, Hai!
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TOURNAMENT FOR LEUKEMIA RESEARCH
Please join the PAL tournament, Monday, May 21, 2007. This is the 26th Annual Ladies & Mixed Doubles Tennis Tournament & Luncheon, with tennis played on private courts and lunch at Warner Center Marriott.The Grand Raffle prize is 4 days/3 nights at the Crown Paradise Club, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Proceeds go to Leukemia Research, certainly a worth-while cause. Please send entry for $60 each to: Evelyn Mendoza, Parents Against Leukemia, 13028 Hartsook Street, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.
- Marguerite Jorgensen
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ONCE MORE SOMETHING OLD/SOMETHING NEW
On March 23rd, we once more filled the six courts at Reed Park with twenty-four members/guests to play each other for five sets, resuming our series of Friday Night Affairs. It certainly was a 'social' evening - with no disputes about line calls.We had new members who had not played with us at Reed Park (Ed and Carmel Valencia); a guest (Calo Vilin); brand-new member, (Josh Collier), as well as many long-time members, like Harry Weiss and Bruce Janger. Winners were announced while one court was still playing.
Calo Vilin, won first place with a score of 24 games, followed by Joanie Ripner, with 23 games; of no surprise, Harry Weiss was first with a score of 31 games, and Josh Collier and Richard Levik were tied at second place with 25 games each. When the long playing court turned in their scores, however, Mike Germroth was suddenly second with 26 games! Still, since the prize was a $5 certificate for a SMTC tournament, we did not have to have any trophies engraved. It was fun for all.
- Marguerite Jorgensen
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AND THE WINNERS ARE
Thanks to all members and their guests who braved the cold and participated in the Friday Night Affair of April 20th. , a guest who recently moved here from rainy England, of all places to learn how to play tennis excellently, won the most games on the women's draw - while our own Klavdia Goldshteyn came in a close second.On the men's side, Ted Malek took first place winning 39/40 games(still room for improvement, Ted!) while Jim Castagnola nudged out Patrick Brady for second place.
Winners won $5.00 off the next tournament fee while second place finishers received a brand new can of tennis balls.
- Jim Castagnola
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CHAMPIONSHIP TENNIS: Winning Through Concentration
By Roger W. Breternitz C. Hp.What's the difference between winning first place and anything less? That question has been around us for as long as there has been competition.
Since the legendary Robin of Locksley split the arrow that won the King's tournament - and Maid Marian's heart - the line between first and anything else has usually been very thin. In every sport, every contest, every tournament it is the same; the same people get to the semi-finals, then the finals, then step into the winner's circle. But there is also a lesser noted correlation; the same runner-ups get close to winning, then somehow find a way to do something that bumps them out of the winner's circle.
One great obstacle to winning is concentration - or the lack of it.
We've all experienced this lack of concentration at some point in a competition - or in our daily lives. We're driving down the road, mile after mile, settling in behind the wheel as we let cruise control make sure we do - or don't - get a speeding ticket (which is a great excuse to the Highway Patrol). We start thinking about how we should follow through next time we hit that backhand, or how we need to fix that something-or-other at home, and we drive right by our turn-off! An easy lapse in concentration, but why? In this case, boredom, lack of a challenge, nothing to keep us focused.
In sports however, it is usually the opposite that breaks a person's concentration -- too much challenge or too much pressure. So, let's examine some reasons - or situations - that may break our concentration.
One big reason is what we usually have too much of, at some time in our lives...pressure. This pressure could be the fear of making a mistake, it could be the fear of losing. Believe it or not, sometimes pressure is also the fear of winning, as we'll see later.
To illustrate pressure, imagine if you will, a 12 inch wide plank, 20-feet long, resting on the ground. If I bet you $100 that you couldn't walk from one end to the other with out falling off, you'd probably take that bet.
Now let's take that same plank and run it between the top of two buildings 15 feet apart and 100 feet in the air…the day after you just lost your job, and your health insurance was canceled…That's pressure! It's the same plank, the same distance, but it causes the thought to creep into our mind (breaking our concentration) "What if I slip? Or what if I _____?"
Fear is the main reason for the destruction of concentration. The fear of losing, the fear of looking bad in front of friends, the fear of being ribbed by competitors, and yes, the fear of winning. But back to concentration.
So, what is concentration, anyway, especially as related to sports?
Concentration may be defined as the total absence of conscious thought, while performing an already programmed physical act. Now that we have defined concentration, what is an "already programmed physical act"?
That is an act (such as hitting an overhead into the sun) in which we have learned proper form and execution, repeating this for a winner enough times to make it somewhat automatic. When this happens, the action is considered programmed.
Well, if you we do it once or twice or several times, why can't we do it ALL of the time? This is where concentration comes in.
When the pressure is on and we really want to do well, (or we fear doing badly) the conscious mind starts giving the body actual instructions. "Get your racquet back early,' it says. "Follow through! "Don't panic!" And the list goes on and on.
It is this extra conscious instruction that we "hear" in our minds from the conscious thought center that totally blows away our perfect ability to complete the "already programmed act" with surgical precision - or the degree of precision we could attain if we would allowed ourselves to perform without the "extra" conscious help. Boiled down to a bottom line, "Don't think, just DO".
How many times have you heard someone say, "Well, I was do'n OK until I started think'in about______ (you finish the sentence)." Once we program our bodies to hit five or six "down-the-line" backhands in a row, we can hit 100 in a row, if we ALLOW the automatic portion of our body to act on its own, and quit "telling" it what to do. Once we have the confidence we can really do it, we don't need to be giving our body that "extra" instruction to "help" us win. In fact, that extra instruction will always cause us to lose.
So, here's a little test you can take, right now to determine your ability level of maintaining tournament level concentration. All you need is a timer - and then come back to your computer screen. Get the timer now.
Ready? So, imagine, if you will, a large white background, and on that white background imagine a big red circle. Set the timer to go off in one minute. Now...see if you can keep that picture in your mind for that one minute. Don't let anything else come into your mind - no conscious thought, nothing. Just flatline. Do it now.
So, how did you do? Be honest... most people never make it to a minute without some thought creeping in.
This was only a test, but by doing this exercise several times a day, we build our concentration ability. Then, when the pressure is really on ... you - will - come - through keeping your eye on the ball!
Roger Breternitz, at www.vectorstudios.com, sells tapes, DVDs, and CDs to help those seeking to improve their game.
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