In This Issue:

Editorial Message from the Membership Director Club Championships Our Friday Night Affairs A Halloween Tale Open Board Meeting Tennis Tips SMTC Income Statement Board OKs Stop Loss Program Nine Year Old Contender Roar of the Crowd

Beer, Women and Song Photo Contest Entry #4 Credits Name That Player Contest Winner Unpersonals 79th Anniversary Mixed Doubles Event USTA Block Party Notes from Ladder Chairman Advertisement Welcome New Members Back Page - Handling Pressure

EDITORIAL: MAINTAINING SMTC, AND OUR HEALTH

Perhaps you, too, were intrigued by news stories that each of us are more likely, through a kind of social osmosis, to be fat if we hang around with fat friends. Conversely, we are reportedly more likely to be thin and healthier if we hang around thin and healthier friends. So how does this relate to SMTC?

Look around at our players, and you'll notice that most of us are in pretty good shape. Not pretty good shape for our age, but pretty good shape, period. Able to run. To hit a ball. To jump with joy - or cry out with frustration. Which got me wondering whether SMTC doesn't also promote good health through personal osmosis.

Of course, we each prefer to take individual credit for how we stay in shape. But here's a radical idea. Maybe we are really all on the same lifeboat, helping each other out. And if we let go of that lifeboat and take our chances solo, maybe we are less likely to stay healthy.

If so, this makes it more important for each of us to help maintain the health of our community. And the Board is publicly recommitting itself to doing this.

Starting with this newsletter, you will find a brief financial report. You can get a more extensive breakdown from Treasurer Bruce Schelden for a fee of $10. Or you can come to our annual Open Board meeting on Sept. 30th, and ask additional questions then.

We are providing this report now - and we will forthwith provide such reports annually in the interests of increased transparency. You may like - or dislike - how we spend our money. But either way, you will at least know.

The other big change crept up on us virtually unnoticed. To wit: not only have we reversed our decline in membership, but our events are filling up faster, and members are participating more in our activities. This has become particularly noticeable at Sunday Open Play, where on I recently counted fourteen people waiting, while our three courts were full. Why was this?

A year ago, I might see - on a busy day - perhaps half a dozen waiting in the bleachers, while one or two courts remained open. Somehow, though, Player A didn't want to play with Player B, so they all remained in the bleachers talking about tennis rather than hitting the ball.

What seems to now be occurring is that we're attracting younger members. Two of our newest are Alex Clarke, all of nine years old, and Jason Mahn, a 16-year old high school student who lets his racquet do his talking for him, thank you very much. We've also got families - once more the Clarkes, but also the Crawfords who moved from Atlanta and found us through the internet (again, something which didn't use to happen). The Crawfords also have a brood of three kids who may well take up tennis. And there are countless other members like this. So, is SMTC becoming a Sunday family destination?

Club members also seem to be coming more frequently and staying longer. All of which gives SMTC a delicious new problem - is the Club becoming too popular? And given that Reed has only got six courts total, of which the Club is already renting half and beginning use of a fourth court during prime time (11 am to 1 pm) on an experimental basis - how do we deal with this? Is increased attendance a summer phenomenon? Or are we like that proverbial Ugly Duckling who turns into a raving beauty, and suddenly has more suitors running after her than she knows how to handle?

No one bewails this phenomenon. We wanted to make our Club more successful - and coping with the problems brought by success is certainly more fun than coping with a lack of interest.

Which, however, brings us to our final challenge remaining from our Ugly Duckling days - continued disruptive conduct. Once more, it is important to put this challenge in the proper context.

When I used to go to Open Play as recently as last year, I went in full body armor. If a fight or argument didn't erupt on the court on which I was playing, I could be sure that one would erupt on a nearby court. And if, by some miracle, it didn't happen this week, it would happen next. We Open Play participants needed sharp elbows - and the ability to use our big mouths. The shy and polite need not apply, thank you very much.

Last spring, after we created the Vision Statement which is posted on our membership page, and once our new Standards Committee swung into action, a noticeable change took place. Members generally seemed more pleasant, less argumentative. I still remember my surprise when long time member Carrie Gold told me that people in our "tough club" had actually gotten nicer. It wasn't just my imagination.

In that new context, the remaining, albeit rarer flare-ups are particularly disappointing. We have gotten used to a more civil milieu, and suddenly we are brought crashing back to the Wild West days. After a particularly nasty verbal eruption at Open Play in July, Club members were still talking about it a week or two later, shaken.

Our Standards Committee has investigated details of this incident, and has found two members guilty of disruptive behavior. The Board will consider appropriate penalties at its September 9th meeting.

Meanwhile, we are taking a stronger stance on misbehavior. Whereas previously, we were largely willing to warn offenders, either verbally or in writing, not to repeat their behaviors, we are no longer willing to stop there. Within our renewed and younger, healthier, family-friendly Club, we are committed to take tougher measures, including possible suspension or expulsion for repeat offenders. There are other venues for such individuals. SMTC is no longer one of them.

Admittedly, we have been slow to act. But we have publicly posted the rules members are expected to obey, and created a Committee to investigate details of each incident. And now, we will take the next step.

We are all in the same lifeboat. On this one, we need to row together. And those who insist on disrupting us are welcome to start up their own lifeboat elsewhere. But they are no longer welcome on ours.

Now, it's official.

- Joseph Hanania

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A MESSAGE FROM THE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

Santa Monica Tennis Club prospers through the strength our membership, and it is our goal to always provide a friendly atmosphere, especially at Sunday Open Play. The rules posted on the Reed Park bulletin board must be observed by all members. All members must sign-in before playing -- no exceptions. This allows a Board member on duty to monitor the sign-up schedule.

Guests are welcome at Sunday Open Play for a fee of $10, which can be applied towards their membership dues. Please remember that the purpose of Open Play is strictly social, so please abide by the rules and show good sportsmanship.

-Carol Reston

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Gladiators and Gladiatoresess Wanted At Reed Park Coliseum

So, who is the best of the best? Get battle ready! Sound the alarums! Bring out the dancing women! Our challenge now goes out to all members!

The Club Championships, whose warriors are exclusively limited to SMTC members, commence on the weekends of October 6th and 7th, and continue on through the 13th and 14th. No battle at the Coliseum was ever like this; even a Roman emperor would blush!

The format will be double-elimination. Divisions will include 4.5, 4.0. and 3.5 for Men's Singles, Men's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Women's Singles and Women's Doubles will consist of two categories - 4.0 and 3.5. Divisions may be combined, depending on warrior participation.

Those of you entering the doubles contests may sign up with a partner. Or you may sign up as a single and a partner will be paired with you. (No complaints, please, as to why you, with all your wonderful talents, deserve a better partner). Please see entry form for prices on each event.

Final Championships ceremonies will be held Sunday night, Oct. 14th with a togas optional feast at Katherine Spetner's castle. Even the Emperor of Rome would have turned green with envy at not having had the chance to participate in the excitement. Which is the real, if untold reason why the Roman empire went into decline and fall, while SMTC lives on. If you don't believe us, look it up in your history books. And see you there!

-Jim Castagnola

Click here for the entry form.

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OUR FRIDAY NIGHT AFFAIRS MORPH INTO BEAT THE CLOCK

Friday, Sept. 14th and Friday, Nov. 9th

Our next Affairs are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 14th and Friday, Nov. 9th, beginning at 7 p.m. The cost - peanuts - or $10. Where else can you get 2 and a half hours worth of entertainment - and often a party to follow - for a low, low price like that?

Plus, we're adding on some excitement. The lights at Reed Park automatically shut off at 10:15 p.m. After a short warm up, participants have been playing 5 - count 'em - 8-game sets. So the thrill on the final round is not just who wins - but whether the set is over before the lights go out. Come watch exhausted players moving with unusual haste to play that last set.

One foursome, which included Katherine Spetner, Ron Elmer, Gwen Coleman, and myself, actually made it through the last set - before walking back to the bench to pick up our equipment - only to be pitched in the dark. It's the latest version of "Beat the Clock!"

Come one, come all, and test your skills at this amazing new game. Contact TV gameshow host Bob Cullen - uh, SMTC's Bob Shubert, sorry about that one, with your entry form.

- JH

Click here for the entry form.

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A HALLOWEEN TALE

It was a dark and dreary night...No, that won't do.

Once upon a time in an oceanfront town named Santa Monica...No, too cliche.

We've got it! Arising from the graveyard, the ghouls descended on Reed Park for their annual Halloween tennis doubles match. Dressed in...well, you can fill in the rest on Friday, Oct. 26th, starting at 7 pm, with a prize going to the scariest, most outlandish costumes. Let's see, one of my favorite movies was "Night of the Living Dead." How to reproduce that look?

The price of admission: a quart of homogenized vampire blood. Or, for the more faint hearted a mere, $12.

Contact: Marguerite Jorgensen. Fill in our entry form in blood and... See ya there!

Click here for the entry form.

- JH

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OPEN BOARD MEETING SUN, SEPT. 30th

This is your big chance to let us know just how the Club should really be run. The brilliant ideas we missed out on - or implemented, but not as well as we could have had we only followed your advice. Your chance to throw us praise - or brickbats - regarding the changes we on the Board are making.

Oh yes, this is your moment of glory!

And just to accommodate you, the Board will meet at Josyln Hall in Reed Park at 4 p.m. - right after Sunday Open Play. We even moved the meeting to this prime location, just to hear the genius of...you.

So, prepare your Big ideas! Practice your oration in front of the mirror! Gather your friends and neighbors and hone your skills before them. Watch Perry Mason reruns to figure out how to outsmart that mangy prosecutor (who always lost, didn't he?).

And then, prepare to be heard. Isn't this what being a member of SMTC is really all about?

As Mark Anthony once said, albeit in another context, "Friends, Romans, and countrymen, lend me your ears!"

- JH

Tennis Tips

"The highest paid executive in 1936 died soon after bankruptcy. In 2,000, practically all the top tennis players from the same year were healthy, strong, and still playing tennis. So stop worrying - get out and play."
- The Tennis Player's Bible

"Play tennis long enough, you realize - much as I did - that your relationship with the ball is your relationship with life."
- James Blake, Breaking Back

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SANTA MONICA TENNIS CLUB
Statement of Income & Expenses & members' Equity

Cash Basis
For the six (6) months ended June 30, 2007

INCOME:

Advertising	100
Membership dues	5,590
Tournament income	2,717
Interest income	40
Gross Income	8,447

EXPENSES:

Bank Charges	63
Court fees (1)	5,112
Filing Fee	10
Miscellaneous expenses	108
Newsletter expenses (2)	770
Postage	141
Printing (2)	415
Tax preparation	250
Tournament expenses (3)	1,282
Website maintenance	400
Voice mail	41
Total Expenses	8,592
Net Income (Loss)	(145)

Members' Equity 1/1/07	9,522
Add: Net Income (Loss)	-145
Members' Equity 6/30/07	9,377

Notes to Financial Statement:
(1) From 7/1/06 through 3/31/07
(2) Relates to 2006 newsletter
(3) Does not include court fees

- Bruce Schelden, Treasurer

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BOARD OKS SMTC STOP LOSS PROGRAM

Following an SMTC loss of nearly $200 as a co-sponsor on the USTA Block Party, the Board instituted a stop loss policy to keep the Club's finances in the black. Going forward, no single official is authorized to spend Club money at their discretion when the sum exceeds $150, but instead must seek prior Board approval.

For the USTA Block Party, President Jorgensen anticipated 250 participants - and authorized the purchase of food to accommodate that number. However, just over 135 showed up - a number supplied by President Jorgensen in our last newsletter. As a result: much of the extra food was donated to charity.

As a result, the Block Party, which started in the black with a $150 donation from the USTA to SMTC for publicity, nevertheless ended up in the red. The Stop Loss policy will encourage each of us to better anticipate costs, and the price charged to participate in such events.

By thinking smarter and planning more wisely, we hope to stretch your SMTC further. And who knows what added benefits we may get because of that?

- JH

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9-YEAR OLD WHUMPS SMTC PREZ AND BOARD MEMBER

As if we at SMTC didn't have enough to worry about, here comes a new threat by the name of Alex Clarke. President Marguerite Jorgensen, together with yours truly, thought we'd make nice-nice and let the 9-year old aim a few balls at us during Sunday Open Play. We also paid the price.

Alex, we soon learned, has been practicing at Pacific Palisades and - according to his father, is the best kid in his age range in his league. And he didn't hesitate to show us why with a strong serve, good forehands and backhands, and even a couple of sneaky lobs.

So, Marguerite and I put on our best efforts - only to go down 6 - 2. Nor did we give this upstart a single point; he won each one fair and square.

But for the rest of youz on the singles ladder, the news gets even worse. Because if any of us loses in doubles, we can always blame our partner. (Isn't shouldering the blame what a doubles partner is truly for?) In singles, however, we can blame no one but ourselves. And Alex is threatening to go on the singles ladder. Soon.

It won't be pretty - grown men (and women ) tearing out our hair as our coveted place on the ladder is threatened by a 9-year old! Nothing can hold more terror than this.

So, strictly as a service to our SMTC membership, we've prepared a few excuses, should the bottom fall out of our game against this growling cub. Pick one, and make it your mantra.

1. The tennis balls lacked fuzz and so didn't bounce right.
2. A UFO was flying over the tennis courts, and the sight of little green men threw my game off.
3. I was just being nice to the kid. No nine year old could ever beat such a talented, versatile, expert player as myself.
4. All of the above.

Meanwhile, so he doesn't take you by surprise, we're posting his photo below, getting coached by his 69-year old grandfather, Deo Agbayani, and his mom Audree. (Unfortunately, we're missing the "Most Wanted" stamp to post over his face).


All right, since you insist, this photo taken by his father, Lance Clarke, is also entry #3 in our photo contest: Alex getting advice from his grandfather and mom, so he can come back and whump us in tennis. For shame!

And don't say we haven't warned ya!!!

- JH

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THE ROAR FROM THE BLEACHERS

We knew that you weren't all the shy, retiring types. We asked you to speak out - and you sure did - showing that tennis players have brains as well as brawn. We just didn't expect so many brains. Anyhow, here goes. Letters may have been edited for length. JH

Dear Editor,
Thanks for including the Club membership access code in your e-mail announcing that the newsletter was on line. The code was useful!

Philip Berman

Dear Editor,
When I entered the SMTC password to access the membership listing, nothing happened. I tried the password several times, but with no results. I haven't the vaguest idea what the problem is, or whether it's on your end or mine. However, when you sent out the listing as a pdf file as I requested, I successfully accessed it. Thanks so much.

Carmen Grant

Dear Editor,
Thank you for all you have been doing to make the club a better place and thanks for the info on the online directory and the Shakespeare play. I really appreciate your showing good manners and court courtesy, and think the Club members also need to show more courtesy and kindness in their dealings with others. Obviously, it needs to start from the top and work its way down. It will also be easier to increase our membership if we show more graciousness to new members. I know that I still need to learn to conduct myself better and have been trying.

G. Frank Glabach

Dear Editor,
The three-page directory print-out containing a home address and a single phone number for each member is antiquated. It's not of much use when you're at the court wondering where the missing player is. We should include the best, or primary phone number, a second or cell number, and a third or work number. Let's drop the home address and include the email address. The e-ddress, cell and work numbers should be recommended, but not mandatory for the membership directory.

I love that our newsletter arrives by internet with an e-mail alert. However, let's put the important information such as schedule and event sign-ups at the top, and saving the prolix stuff (including this!) for lower down.

Katherine Spetner

PS - Many organizations that publish directories include something like the following: This confidential directory has been complied for the sole use of SMTC members. Please guard against its unauthorized use by others.

Everyone,
Click here to see Katherine's suggestion for how SMTC should reformat our application form. The principal difference is that the default setting here is inclusion of phone numbers and e-ddresses.

- JH

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BEER, WOMEN, AND SONG

Sure, we're primarily a tennis club. But who says we can't also have all of the above?

Eight lucky participants to the Marina Interclub not only got to play hours of tennis on a Friday in August, but afterwards also got to use the Marina City Club spa facilities - including jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room - then went upstairs for an elegant, a la carte dinner overlooking the Marina.

The songs came from a three piece band who were not bad at all. Carrie Gold got on the dance floor and showed the rest of us how to dance properly to the song, "I Will Survive." Survive, she certainly did!

So where, you may ask skeptically, did the beer come in? Oh, ye of little faith!

Our Marina host, Richard Saunders, took the above photo - before offering us beer as refreshments during the tournament - with the expected results. (No, it was not a serious tournament)

In fact, it all felt like a mini-vacation, and the Marina Club has invited us to make this event semi-annual. So, we're expecting a return engagement some time in the New Year - keep your eyes peeled for the announcement.

Meanwhile, the SMTC players who won the most games were Ted Malek, Jutta Ruehl, and Carol Reston.

- JH

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PHOTO CONTEST ENTRY #4

This entry came from Paul M. J. Suchecki, who has been battling his brother, Karl Robert Dale Suchecki, for years in tennis. Last they played, the brothers' "epic battle" went to three sets - with Paul, ten years older, barely eking out a victory.

Unfortunately, with Karl living in Massachusetts, chances of a return engagement in the near future are slim. Meanwhile, Robert's tribute to his brother will have to do.

As for the rest of us hoping to win the photo contest - I'll admit that the competition has just taken a difficult turn. Our new SMTC member turns out to be the head of Checkmate Pictures, whose website, www.checkmatepictures.com with photos of far-off places - as well as the waves off Venice Beach - makes it clear the outrageous talent the rest of us peons are competing against.

On the other hand, Paul did beat his younger brother in tennis. So, maybe it is possible to beat the odds.

- JH

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Credits

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NAME THAT PLAYER CONTEST HAS WINNER!!!

No, it didn't take long for a contest winner to emerge.

The fellow below, you may recall, was the mystery SMTC player featured in the Santa Monica Daily Press following our June "Block Party" promotion. Within hours of when the newsletter came, Raul Hernandez correctly named that player as, uh, who is it again?

Oh yes, Bruce Janger.

Raul's prize for this feat of derring do: a can of tennis balls specially balanced to make his serves even fiercer, his slices harder to return, and his opponents weep with despair of ever catching up to his game.

Congratulations, Raul!



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UN-PERSONALS

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.

WANTED: Trip Director
Although we've just added two new Board members to replace two members who had to resign for personal reasons, the Club still needs a Trip Director. Although it takes some effort to put a trip together, it's also a lot of fun and the Trip Director's costs are paid for by the Club. Please contact Bruce Schelden or any member of the Board.

OFFERED: Free Class in Meditation, Spirituality
Discover a calmer way of looking at the ball - and at life - Wednesdays 7 - 8:30 p.m. Free. Please call Joe at 310-451-1966.

Please send in your un-personal to joe@aceupoursleeve.com. Free to members. $5 to non-members. Subject line: SMTC Un-Personal. No attachments, please.

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79th Anniversary Mixed Doubles Event

The 79th Annual Anniversary Tournament proved to be well-worth the price of admission. In the 4.5 Division, the team of David Morton and guest Sherry Harrison battled heat and near-exhaustion to edge out guest Fitzroy Sammoth and Katherine Spetner and to win championship honors. Third place went to Harry Weiss and Vicki Perka.

After some competitive matches, Andre Charvet and Gisel Nachtigal spanked Vrej Azadian and Bernadette Cosgrove for the 4.0 First Place Trophy, while the Board of Directors team of Joseph Hanania and Carol Reston won Third Place.

After three rounds of play in the 3.5 Division, guest John Siletti and Club President Marguerite Jorgensen scratched and clawed their way to the First Place Trophy. Ron and Brana Hall came in a close second, with Dan Bianco and a new member placing third.

Thanks to all for making this tournament a success!

- Jim Castagnola

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USTA BLOCK PARTY: FINANCIAL LOSS, MEMBERSHIP GAIN

The first USTA Block Party in Santa Monica was presented by city of Santa Monica and hosted by SMTC. Participating organizations included the Tennis Patrons; USTA; Westside Special Olympics; Santa Monica College Tennis Team; Santa Monica High School Tennis Team. The party was also supported by Head and Penn, manufacturers of tennis equipment.

Exhibitions of Cardio Tennis were by Gene Desrochers; Doubles Strategy by Mike Nissley. Former member Vicki Perka won the prize for the fastest serve measured by the Speed Gun, getting a $50 prize donated by the Tennis Patrons.

USTA gave SMTC $150 to host this event, in return for which we promised to furnish publicity, water and help sign people into the event. Member Jeff Potts designed the poster to advertise the event, and Amabell Valdellon furnished the O Water at no charge. Joseph Hanania provided advanced news publicity in the Daily Press and the Santa Monica Mirror. When none of the other organizations were able to comply with the Health Department rules to obtain the permit to serve food, Katherine Spetner stepped up and got the approval. She deserves a very special "Thank You." Ron Elmer and Randy Chow became the backbone of the court decorations!

While the event was a financial loss for SMTC, we gained five new members. Thanks again to the many volunteers from the Park District and the USTA. The date has been set to hold this event next year…so mark your calendars for May 17, 2008.

- Marguerite Jorgensen

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NOTES FROM LADDER DIRECTOR

Jerry Zamarin gets kudos for our recent match on a Saturday morning. Jerry had tickets to the Countrywide Classic at UCLA for that afternoon. But the tournament switched the match to a morning start time for television. Jerry did not even ask me to postpone our match (I would have agreed), but he played as scheduled, missing the match at UCLA. Sticking to your commitments is to be admired.

We wish Russell Braunstein well after surgery on his left (non-racquet) shoulder. And the same goes to Rick DeWeese, who is being treated for a groin injury. We will not speculate on the type of therapy one gets for the groin.

- Bruce Janger

Click here for the ladder.

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Welcome New Members

• James Landreth  310-393-4650  4.0
• Su Jin Lee  805-698-0236  3.5
• Todd Lustgarten  917-859-1548  4.5
• Robert Stevenson  310-382-0771  4.5
• Mark Susser  310-592-4707  4.0

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Spend your weekend with members of SMTC and TennisTripsLA at Doral Princess Resort in Palm Springs, October 26 - 28.

The elegant resort features 285 spacious guestrooms and hotel suites in lovely Palm Springs, CA. Each room is luxuriously appointed and complete with modern amenities. Doral Princess Resort Palms Springs rooms are perfect for guests to stretch out and relax after a long day.

The gorgeous views are one of the finest features of Doral rooms and hotel suites. Palm Springs, CA features the San Jacinto Mountains, colorful deserts and inspiring natural beauty. There are also 10 tournament-style tennis courts (including 5 lighted courts for night play), racquetball courts, walking/jogging trails and a full-service spa. The Moore Tennis Club and Resort is a perfect combination for vacationers who love the game, with tennis pros onsite to offer lessons and advice. The Tennis Resort in Palm Springs, CA offers several great amenities for everyone from amateurs to professionals:

• 10 courts (including 5 lighted courts for night play)
• Tennis Pro Shop
• Tennis instruction at the Moore Tennis Academy
• Tennis pros available

Recognized as a leading Palm Springs spa resort, the Doral Desert Princess is proud to team with The Body Center'd to provide a full-service spa for our guests. At the spa resort in Palm Springs, we feature professionally licensed massage therapists and spa technicians providing a variety of traditional and unique treatments. Relax before or after your specialized session in the secluded spa area featuring private men's and women's saunas, outdoor hot tub or a heated lap pool.

• $260.00 per person includes three days, two nights (double occupancy), $390.00 for single room
• 2 1/2 days of organized tennis, tennis balls
• Interclub tournament with members of the Moore Tennis Club at the resort,
• Complimentary happy hour and
• Dinner on Saturday night at a local restaurant

Please contact Jutta Ruehl by email: TennisTripsLA@aol.com for a sign-up sheet or by telephone: 310-208-6882. Deadline for sign-up by October 1. Please contact me as well for info for the next upcoming trips to Las Vegas, Thanksgiving and New Years.

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HANDLING PRESSURE

By Roger W. Breternitz, CCth

So, what's the difference between playing with our friends, and playing in a serious competition? With our friends, we're relaxed, very positive in all we do - because every time we make a mistake, nobody cares! We joke about it, enjoy the moment, the fresh air, the camaraderie. We're going to Pizza Hut afterwards - or to our favorite bar. The world is a beautiful place.

Now…what happens when we are in a competition? We want to do your best so that we can hear everybody saying, " Wow, is s/he great!!!" Or "What a competitor!!!"…blah, blah. We are playing in a completely different world! Winning a competition means either our acceptance by the "pack," or the disgrace that we will have to live with until the next time have a chance to redeem ourselves - or not. Pressure, anyone?

Each of us creates his own pressure. The good news is that this pressure is largely a result of just one thing…self-image. We have an image of what we THINK we look like, act like, and of how others must perceive us. The higher we create this self-image, the more we have to lose if we do not live up to it.

It usually works like this. We learn how to hit the ball, win a few times, get better, win for the first time in the lower division, then move up. We win again, move up further.

Our self-image is that we're on the verge of becoming hot stuff. We win again, this time against a better competitor. Now, we're really hot stuff! Now we think we should win all the time and…THE PRESSURE IS ON!

We're on a doubles team, or representing SMTC in a competition, and our club mates - and their sisters and brothers, heck, the entire US of A - are counting on us. What will it look like if we don't come through? Where will we hang our head? Who will be our friend?

Alternatively, maybe we're entering our first competitive experience, and we're not sure of how to do anything. We're nervous that we'll do something inept, like letting the racquet slip out of our hand, or hitting our partner in the back of the head…or whatever. Regardless, all this pressure results in the same thing: TENSION. Mental tension then causes physical tension, keeping our muscles from performing properly. So, how to deal with this?

Let's slip back thousands of years ago when Neo-Pithic Man was running from cave to cave looking for a spot not inhabited by a bear or tiger. Neo-Pithic man had but one purpose in life…survival. Nature gave him some powerful attributes. One was the automatic ability to summon greater than average strength when needed - the "flight or fight" response in which a high dose of adrenaline floods into his system. In modern times, this same "fight or flight" response also occurs. But the cause is no longer a bear growling at us; it's our opponent shouting, "Service!"

Suddenly, our bodies go into high gear. Our heart beats faster; blood starts pumping at an insane rate, and we want to fly in seven different directions. At the same time, we are supposed to hold firm and steady and NOT hit the return of serve into the net, or over the fence…Give me a break!! Our automatic response was designed to quickly get us running at top speed when a bear chasing us wants to eat us. It was not designed for us to quietly stand there and make a perfect shot into the backhand corner of the service box!

So how do we control our automatic response? We realize, first of all, that extra adrenaline gives us extra strength. But…extra adrenaline also causes our muscles to lose control.

The trick, then, is to learn how to relax in the face of pressure. Here are some tips.

- We make sure we get to the court early enough to go through a relaxing warm up. We then concentrate on watching the ball, following through on our forehands and backhands. We also take a few minutes to close our eyes and breathe deeply, putting our body on an even keel.

- We make sure our equipment is in order - that our water bottle is full, that the new grip on our racquet is the way we want it. We also make sure that our sunglasses are ready, that our shoes are tied up as tight as we like them, and that we don't have to think about anything but playing our best. There's nothing worse than feeling good going out on the courts - only to have our equipment malfunction, or get lost, or not fit.

Third, we breathe deeply while warming up. We want to stay loose and relaxed and TAKE OUR TIME. Ever notice how, when a player begins to hit poorly, he speeds up all his actions? He doesn't take his time, walks faster between points, serves faster, and so on.

What if, instead, he slowed down? Wouldn't it help him relax, focusing better on each shot and each point? Instead of doing this, however, many players hit the next ball immediately, beginning a downward spiral. The worse they play, the faster, and the faster they play, the worse.

When it's our opponent doing this, we don't want to disrupt his self-destructive cycle. But for ourselves, why not REST a little between points?

Anger is our worst enemy in any athletic competition. A Kung Fu master once said, "He who fights with anger battles two opponents." Instead, let's take on one opponent at a time.

First, let's take on our inflated mental image of our game, and all the negative feelings which come from maintaining that. Having done this, we are finally ready to face our other opponent - the one standing on the other side of the net.

For further information on Roger's CD's and tapes, please go to www.awinnersway.com.

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