The Ten Commandments of Singles
- Thou shalt serve 70% of thy first serves in.
- Thou shalt keep the ball in play.
- Thou shalt make thy opponent run to the ball.
- Thou shalt not try to hit the lines.
- Thou shalt hit to thy opponent's weakness.
- Thou shalt move in and attack weak second serves.
- Thou shalt drop-shot opponents who can't run or volley, and lob those who cannot hit overheads.
- Thou shalt maintain a positive attitude and never give up.
- Thou shalt rehearse the correct way to hit the ball if thou maketh mistakes.
- Thou shalt make no excuses no matter
how badly thou might play, how windy it is, nor if thou hath a bad
hair day.
The Ten Commandments of Doubles
- Thou shalt serve at 3/4 speed on thy first serves.
- Thou shalt not double fault.
- Thou shalt serve down the middle to cut off thy opponent's angle.
- Thou shalt return low and crosscourt.
- Thou shalt not miss returns, wide or in the net.
- Thou shalt move in and attack weak second serves.
- Thou shalt poach at least once a set.
- Thou shalt encourage thy partner
- Thou shalt not glare, roll thine eyes, nor turn away from thy partner.
- Thou shalt praise thy partner after the match and not covet another partner, no matter how badly thy partner performs.
The Ten Commandments for Playing Mixed Doubles with Your Spouse
- Thou shalt love thy partner.
- Thou shalt not covet another partner.
- Thou shalt praise thy partner.
- Thou shalt not criticize, coach, nor speak angrily to thy partner.
- Thou shalt make every service return.
- Thou shalt hit 80% of thy first serves in play.
- Thou shalt make the match an enjoyable experience, no matter the outcome.
- Thou shalt have trust and confidence in thy partner.
- Thou shalt hit down the middle of the court when in doubt.
- Honor thy partner, so that thou might live long and enjoy the tennis match.
The Ten Commandments for Avoiding Tennis Injuries
- Thou shalt stretch before and after practice or competition.
- Thou shalt use proper mechanics when hitting the ball so as to not stress thy body.
- Thou shalt wear specialized athletic shoes for support and stability; thy wheels (feet) are thy transportation.
- Thou shalt stay relaxed and confident. Do not cause undue stress to thy body by being tense or anxious.
- Thou shalt ice parts of the body that feel sore immediately after practice or competition.
- Thou shalt drink plenty of fluids before and during competition.
- Thou shalt eat a well-balanced meal with an emphasis on carbohydrates before competition.
- Thou shalt keep physically fit by cross-training (lifting weights, running, doing aerobics, biking, and swimming).
- Thou shalt use tennis equipment that is suited to your game and playing style (i.e., big or loopy swings use more flexible rackets and shorter strokes use stiffer rackets).
- Honor these commandments and your tennis playing days will be plenty.
The Ten Commandments of Tennis Equipment Care
- Thou shalt obtain a racket that fits your style of play.
- Thou shalt purchase a racket that fits your hand properly.
- Thou shalt string thy racket at the proper tension for thy style of play.
- Thou shalt restring thy racket regularly.
- Thou shalt use approved tournament tennis balls only and discard dead balls.
- Thou shalt wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing in hot and humid climates.
- Thou shalt wear layers of clothing in cool or cold climates, and shed layers only as needed.
- Thou shalt purchase shoes that are properly fitted for support and stability.
- Thou shalt wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen on hot and sunny days.
- Thou shalt return thy racket at the end of play to its proper case.
The Ten Commandments of a Tennis Parent
- Thou shalt play with thy child and have fun.
- Thou shalt not force thy child to play.
- Thou shalt not instruct; leave that to thy child's teacher.
- Thou shalt encourage thy child, and be an example of good sportsmanship.
- Thou shalt not call lines for thy child.
- Thou shalt study the "Rules of Tennis" and the "Code."
- Thou shalt discipline thy child when he or she misbehaves on the court.
- Thou shalt set realistic goals for thy child.
- Thou shalt reward thy child for effort, and not just for winning.
- Thou shalt love thy child in victory and in defeat.
The Ten Commandments of Tennis Nutrition and Fitness
- Thou shalt maintain a balanced diet.
- Thou shalt drink plenty of water and fluids.
- Thou shalt not consume high quantities of junk food.
- Thou shalt consume foods high in carbohydrates before matches and tournaments.
- Thou shalt eat two to three hours before competition.
- Thou shalt seek professional advice concerning weight, body composition, nutrition, and aerobic and strength training guidelines appropriate for your physical make-up.
- Thou shalt emphasize body composition rather than weight as a guide to a healthy body.
- Thou shalt stretch daily, and before and after matches.
- Thou shalt perform exercises to increase strength and flexibility that is specifically needed for tennis.
- Thou shalt regularly perform aerobic workouts to increase stamina and enjoy a long and healthy tennis life.
The Ten Commandments of a USTA Captain
- Thou shalt know the "Rules of Tennis" and the "Code."
- Thou shalt be organized.
- Thou shalt discuss major decisions to be made with team members.
- Thou shalt set a good example of sportsmanship for thy team members.
- Thou shalt have weekly discussions with each player on thy team.
- Thou shalt create an atmosphere of team unity and spirit.
- Thou shalt praise thy players, whether in victory or defeat.
- Thou shalt not coach; leave that to the team's professional.
- Thou shalt not criticize team members in front of teammates, but shall save criticisms for private discussion.
- Thou shalt not covet other team members.
The Ten Commandments of Tennis Sportsmanship
- Thou shalt know the "Rules of Tennis" and the "Code."
- Thou shalt not enter a court when play is in progress on adjacent courts.
- Thou shalt congratulate thy opponents when they hit good shots.
- Thou shalt always announce the score.
- Thou shalt always begin a point with two balls if thou art serving.
- Thou shalt always wait to serve until thy opponent is ready to return.
- Thou shalt not ask for balls that have strayed to adjacent courts when play is in progress.
- Thou shalt call all shots in, unless the shot is clearly out.
- Thou shalt not shout across adjacent courts for any reason.
- Thou shalt do unto thy opponent as thou wouldst want thy opponent to do unto thee.
The Ten Commandments of Mental Toughness
- Thou shalt evaluate thy performance, and set specific and achievable goals.
- Thou shalt approach all situations with a positive attitude.
- Thou shalt enjoy and welcome challenges.
- Thou shalt not worry of fret about any situation.
- Thou shalt concentrate fully on the game and visualize a successful performance.
- Thou shalt speak to thyself positively, or not at all.
- Thou shalt maintain a balanced diet, with an emphasis on carbohydrates, for peak mental and physical conditioning.
- Thou shalt practice relaxation techniques to stay calm in stressful situations.
- Thou shalt strive to achieve a high level of fitness; a trained body is a trained mind.
- Thou shalt have fun and enjoy the journey along the road to mental toughness.
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