Dear N.,
* Always be prepared and alert; the ball is coming and you don’t know exactly where or how fast or how strong, but if you’re alert and ready to receive, you have a good fighting chance
* Keep your eye on the ball. Focus on what’s important: the ball. But you must also be aware of where you are exactly at the moment and where you want to be when the ball comes.
* Adjust, adjust adjust. Adapt to the speed, spin and flight of the ball, and don’t be fazed by bad bounces. It happens. Just keep working to be in the best position possible and do the best you can at all times.
* You must come to the ball. The best opportunity to win is to meet the ball and take it on the rise. Waiting too long will put you in a difficult position and you may lose your chance.
* But be patient as well. There is a time for everything, including hitting that ball and going for the win. If conditions are not ideal, be content to dig deep and hit strong, deep, clean shots.
* Take the chance. When you finally see the opening, don’t hesitate and follow your instincts. It’s always a risk, but you have to learn to trust yourself in moments like these.
* Be consistent. Winning is a product of hard work, diligence and consistency. Talent is incidental, and highly overrated. Cultivate the right skills and mindset during your training and keep on learning.
* But finally, learn to play. Have fun and enjoy what you are doing. Success is truly measured by happiness and that feeling of fulfillment. Don’t be afraid to be passionate about what you do.
Remember this.
Love,
N.