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Step
Explanation
5 Performance Criteria I can play a game well enough to enjoy competition with another player
(whose skill level is close to my own), rather than focusing only upon the
skills I’m working to develop.
6 Vocabulary
Terms to know: lines and locations: net, baseline, singles line; scoring: point,
game, set, match; shots: forehand, backhand, serve, volley, overhead, lob,
drop-shot; serve-related: ace, let, fault, double fault, foot fault
7 Information
There are many sources of information; my local bookstore has a nice
selection of both books and DVDs. There are also many web sites that
offer terminology, tips, and rules. Tennis classes or private lessons are
another potential resource.
8 Plan
I plan to study videos of professional tennis players and to pay greater
attention when I watch tennis on TV. Bobby said that his coach also rec-
ommends watching even amateur-level players and matches because in
assessing their performance, actions, and strategy, you can strengthen
your own mental game and decision-making.
9 Models
Study videos of pros; videotape myself and review with a tennis teacher;
use games that will help me keep my eye on the ball.
10 Thinking Critically How do I keep score? What are the most important things to remember
about getting in the correct position to hit a forehand and backhand shot?
How can I best monitor and maximize my physical condition in order to
play well? How can I include my son and other family members in my new
hobby?
11 Transfer/Application Learning to play tennis will potentially help me understand other sports
such as racquetball, squash, maybe even table tennis. I’ll also learn more
about keeping physically fit.
12 Problem Solving
Playing to capitalize on your own strengths and your opponent’s weak-
nesses is a problem that tennis professionals routinely have to solve. I’ll
certainly need to think about that in order to play a competitive game, but I
first need to work on my basic skills!
My son has recommended a book,
Tennis for Beginners
, but all the pictures
and instructions are for right-handed players, and I’m a leftie! I know the
book will be helpful, but I’ve got to figure out how to adapt the information
so that it’s most useful for me. Maybe I can view the pictures reflected in
a mirror...
13 Self-assessment
I plan to regularly self-assess my performance and improvement. I’ve
developed a couple of questions that will allow me to gauge and assess
my performance at least at the beginning:
Can I understand enough of what is going on in a televised tennis match to
discuss aspects of the match and player actions with Bobby?
Also, can I play a game, enjoy myself, and keep an accurate score?
14 Research
Now that I’ve used a racket, I have a much better appreciation of how an
alternative design could have an impact on different aspects of my game.
I plan to do a bit of research regarding different racket options and costs.