As many players know, the right mental approach is as important as a good backhand; essential in overcom- ing self-doubt, nervousness, anxiety, detrimental playing habits and lapses in concentration. Gallwey offers the example of a player who isn’t hitting the ball in the center of the racquet. “The ordinary tennis pro will analyze the mechanical reasons for why this is happening,” he says, “such as not stepping into the ball, not looking at it or hitting it too late. An inner game instruc- tor ‘observes’ where the ball hits the rac- quet and makes suggestions. The body makes its own adjustment to hitting the ball in the middle of the racquet with- out trying to digest instructions, simply because it feels and works better.” Gallwey likens it to the natural learning process we use as children before it becomes clouded with shoulds and should-nots as adults. He further points out that it’s wise not to attempt to quiet the mind by telling it to shut up, argue with it or criticize it for be- ing self-critical. “A good first step is focusing on only those aspects that are needed to accomplish the task at hand,” he counsels.
Joe Dyser, the tennis profes- sional at the Sterling Oaks residential community, in Naples, Florida, has adopted and shared Gallwey’s inner game principles, enhanced by insights from complementary sources such as Breath by Breath, by Larry Rosenberg and Chop Wood Carry Water, by Rick Fields, and from practicing yoga, medi- tation and breath work.
“I had to develop a regular prac- tice method that helped me to quiet Self-1,” advises Dyser. “When I play from my inner game, I get out of my own way and let my best game emerge. I feel more like an observer—the ball looks bigger, my feet are lighter on the court, I move faster and quicker and I’m energized when I’ve finished a game, instead of feeling depleted.” Observing behavior without judg- ing it as positive or negative, right or wrong, good or bad is the key. “Habits change when you become aware of them,” concludes Gallwey.
Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings magazines.
natural awakenings July 2012 29
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