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Both the physical(biomechanics of stroke technique) and the mental( sports psychology) components of tennis are subject to “paralysis by analysis”. Blending the two is a challenge. Scott Ford has, in my opinion, developed a simple to implement, but very difficult to maintain, visualization technique that may serve as a “bridge”.
https://www.scottaford.com/welcome to the zone
Here is my “quick look” summary of implementing the technique:
1.At arms length, create an imaginary window in your field of view.
2.Prefocus on the window and then focus on point 3 of window prior to ball contact.
3.Watching the incoming and outgoing ball is a secondary focus. The primary focus is ball contact at window(Federer?).
4.Gain an awareness of when you “flash out”.
Listed below are the benefits of Ford’s visual parallel processing concept as I perceive them:
A.Better ball contact, which improves performance and builds confidence.
B.Visualizing a flat contact at point 3 plays to the racket’s face angle stability. This reduces shot placement anxiety.
C.Improves reaction time.
D.Parallel vision processing creates an “in the present” or “in the zone” mode of detachment which reduces mental distractions: score anxiety,
stroke technique anxiety, strategy anxiety
E.Environmental distractions are reduced: other people, noise,wind, sun, etc.
F.Reduces mental fatigue, which often translates into physical fatigue.
This “bridge” attempt was sucessfully used with one 5.0.senior player so far. Comments??
https://www.scottaford.com/welcome to the zone
Here is my “quick look” summary of implementing the technique:
1.At arms length, create an imaginary window in your field of view.
2.Prefocus on the window and then focus on point 3 of window prior to ball contact.
3.Watching the incoming and outgoing ball is a secondary focus. The primary focus is ball contact at window(Federer?).
4.Gain an awareness of when you “flash out”.
Listed below are the benefits of Ford’s visual parallel processing concept as I perceive them:
A.Better ball contact, which improves performance and builds confidence.
B.Visualizing a flat contact at point 3 plays to the racket’s face angle stability. This reduces shot placement anxiety.
C.Improves reaction time.
D.Parallel vision processing creates an “in the present” or “in the zone” mode of detachment which reduces mental distractions: score anxiety,
stroke technique anxiety, strategy anxiety
E.Environmental distractions are reduced: other people, noise,wind, sun, etc.
F.Reduces mental fatigue, which often translates into physical fatigue.
This “bridge” attempt was sucessfully used with one 5.0.senior player so far. Comments??
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