Tennis @ TJ

Tennis trainings in tj are fun! Here, we are taught by qualified coaches, unlike in mj where a teacher who knows how to play tennis taught us. That basically explains why we have to pay $250 for the whole year. But I feel it's worth it because we learn the proper techniques. For a start, we learnt how to do a smooth swing with our racket while dropping a ball in front and to the side of our leading toe and hitting the ball against the fence. This static drill is pretty easy as the ball lands where you want it to since you are controlling it. But when the coach feeds you the ball from the other side of the net, you realise that judgement plays an important part because you can't expect the ball to land where you want it to. In other words, you'll have to move. This may sound easy but it isn't actually. If you get too near to the ball, you can hardly perform a full graceful swing. Relative velocity explains the fact that when you move towards the ball, it will reach you faster since it is also moving towards you. So while being engrossed in hitting the ball, one may become unconscious about one's swing and may forget to bend the shoulder or even use badminton strokes in an attempt to hit the ball (which makes it particularly awful). As such the coach actually advised us on perfecting our virtual swing - nevermind even if you miss the ball. The swing is a pre-requisite. Once the swing becomes second nature, judgement will automatically fall in place because one doesn't have to be conscious of the swing anymore. Cool! I totally get it. It's just that I need more frequent trainings. Two hours per week isn't going to be enough. Well, I guess I'll have to practise with my father during weekends. It helps that I really enjoy the game. I'm sure I'll get the feel of it soon. =)