Welcome to the Park. I'm Tommie Ray and yes, you can coach! self-COACHING. I think the beauty of tennis is once you get out on the courts its just you and your opponent and what you have trained and learned to that point. So the key to being successful and depending on your self and your abilities is what I like to call self coaching. Tennis like so many other sports is just a matter of making your adjustments during the match to counter what your opponent is trying to do.

A few examples are like if I miss 2 to 3 forehands, I go over my strokes in my head and figure out what I'm doing wrong and then correct it. Being my own coach, I keep telling myself stuff like, "Hit the ball out in front more" or "Get a little more sideways to the ball". Yes, I am telling you to talk to yourself and answer yourself too. That's what it takes. I know in some circles people will consider you nuts if you answer yourself, but on the courts its acceptable. You always hear people talking or yelling to themselves.

Always keep yourself up mentally by self-coaching. Tell yourself it's okay that you missed that easy put away and you will get it next time. I hope you see what I mean by self-coaching. Be in touch with yourself when you are on the courts and I'm sure you will do well. And don't forget tennis is a game! Play it and have fun.

Well, until next time, always remember that if your not sweating your not playing hard enough!

Tommie Ray

If you have any questions or comments please email me :-)