Let's talk about the dark side of tennis .
For the spectator or recreational player, looking from the outside in, a tennis match appears to be a calm battle of skills. For the players involved, it's quite mentally and physically brutal. Not convinced ?
Read 4 quotes below, that confirm the barbaric nature of this game.
"Winning is about taking your opponent's heart out and squeezing it until all the blood has come out, even the very last drop. There are no prizes for a funny loser".
-Pete Sampras
"Tennis is not a gentle game. Psychologically , it is vicious. That people are only just beginning to come to terms with this fact illustrates how big a con trick has been perpetuated on the non playing tennis public
-McEnroe "A rage to perfection".
"Tennis is a perfect combination of violent action taking place in an atmosphere of tranquility"
-Billie Jean King
"People don't seem to understand that it's a damn war out there."
-Jimmy Conners
Are you convinced yet ?
Those that continue enjoying this game, can receive value. At the recreational level, there are calorie burning benefits, plus it strengthens your heart & reduces heart disease (Cleveland Clinic study).At the competitive level, it is a life skill and core value builder .
Enough said . Here is what i'm talking about.
1) Courage : few other sports require kids to confront and question an opponent who is cheating.
2) Honesty: this is one of the only sports where you can call your opponents shots. Can you imagine a Little League batter , calling balls and strikes ?
3) Sportsmanship: since there can be cheating , situations can become uncomfortable . Kids get the opportunity to learn coping skills.
4) Integrity: there is always the potential for "retaliatory bad calls" when there is cheating. This gives players the opportunity to do the right thing , despite their opponent's actions.
5) Commitment & Excellence: becoming good , requires a lot of training,self discipline, and delayed gratification. You can't quit because you feel like it. You can't give less intensity because of a long day at school.
By teaching core values, tennis is a vehicle to become a better person. Winning is a big part of this game , but every loss can be a victory if you tune into the life lessons being offered.
