Ever seem to wonder why certain league teams seem to handle defeat better then others and find ways to improve their games seemingly overnight? I can't speak for everyone but I can tell you how a group of ladies handled their first defeat and did something about it, and how you can too!

I coach a group of Dutch ladies here in Corfu, Greece and in their first competition, were beaten badly, or at least score wise. They were disappointed but that loss was a very important step in their development as competitive tennis players and this is what they did.

1. They all began attending our Tuesday clinic with a purpose and asked questions.

The atmosphere changed dramatically after that defeat and the ladies started really working hard and asking a LOT of questions about doubles play. These ladies came to the drill with a specific purpose and not just to run and hit balls. Fortunately I attended their match and had a plan for them. Most teaching pro's don't attend league matches so it's very important to tell your pro what went wrong and to ask him or her for specific drills to help improve your doubles play. Ask your pro questions on how to make your doubles play better. Pros are there to help so don't be afraid to speak with him or her because after all, it's your money and he or she works for you. Make your clinics more then just a 'run and hit' session and you'll see a difference.

2. They began practicing on their own working on the skills learned at our clinics.

I don't care who you are, but if you take a lesson every Monday and then don't find the time to hit some balls on your own, you will not get the maximum benefit from your lesson or clinic. The ladies here in Corfu also play 2 times per week on their own and they practice what they learned on Tuesday during these times. It's made a major difference in not only their play but in the fact that I don't have to keep repeating the same things over and over every Tuesday. It allows us to move on to other things and to help them play even better. I fully understand that people are busy, but even 30 minutes after a clinic just playing, working on the things you just learned will make a difference.

3. Effort gets rewarded; satisfaction guaranteed!!

Putting in a real effort with a real plan will not only benefit your individual play but your team results as well. The ladies put forth the effort, worked together with me on a plan, used the clinic as a tool and practiced to improve their games and won their rematch (see Vicky Cup Update in the section entitled Tennis in Corfu). So make the most of your clinics or practices, practice on your own and you will see your efforts get rewarded, satisfaction guaranteed!

Phil Naessens is the Director of Tennis/Head Professional at the Corfu Holiday Palace Hotel and Casino in Corfu, Greece. For information regarding tennis holidays, group clinics and lessons while staying in Corfu or having Phil come to your club, he can be reached at Alphitennis@hotmail.com or by calling +30 693 644 4218.