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Mental Equipment
March 1997
Article
Contact John Murray
Mental Equipment Archive
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Keeping Tennis Thrilling
Dr. John Murray |
Any frequently performed activity can lose it's luster and appear
routine, even a naturally challenging and exciting endeavor like
tennis. As such, I strongly advise you to monitor your heart for
danger symptoms. No need to telephone the cardiologist, just
periodically examine your desire, enthusiasm and sense of creativity
for the game. If these intangibles begin to fade, watch for
performance to decline too. Don't panic, but realize that minor
adjustments are required to restore the thrill of the game.
Although various external conditions may contribute to boredom or
staleness including overtraining, rigid practice structures, or poor
coaching, these are reserved for a future article. More essential to
restoring the thrill of tennis is first recognizing that pleasure
resides within our own feelings and interpretations. All real
enthusiasm and joy for any activity is inspired from deep within
rather than acquired from outer sources. An internal focus is truly
needed.
Reflect upon your personal reasons for getting involved and remaining
in this sport. What self-expressions are facilitated by playing
tennis? What is most important and pleasurable to you as a person
and as an athlete? This may take some time, but if you are true to
yourself you will discover the inner drive and enthusiasm that knows
few boundaries. You will have found what you lost when feelings of
monotony began. Begin playing tennis with renewed vitality, but
don't forget to check your heart on a regular basis.
Your Turn to Speak
At this time, I would like to solicit your comments regarding which
articles have been most helpful, how they have assisted you, and
topics you would like to see addressed in future editions. There are
twenty-one Mental Equipment articles which can be retrieved by
scrolling down this page and linking to your choice. Thanks in
advance for keeping me informed of your progress. To comment, just
use:
this form
I look forward to hearing from you. Until next month...
Mental Equipment Archive
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This column is copyrighted by Dr. John Murray, all rights reserved.
Dr. John F. Murray is currently a licensed clinical psychologist and sport psychologist in Florida. In addition, he is a tennis professional (having taught tennis internationally in North America, Hawaii, Europe, Middle East), formerly certified with both USPTA and USPTR. He has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and masters degrees both in Clinical Psychology and Exercise & Sport Sciences from the University of Florida. He maintains a personal web site at http://www.johnfmurray.com/.
Questions and comments about these columns can be directed to John by using this form.
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