Angel II, or Things I forgot in the First Post

 One of the other topics Angel and I touched on, was the attitude towards bad shots.

I've long thought that the important part of any sporting activity when done at a high level is emotional control.  If you do well and get excited, that's fine as long as you'll play better with that attitude.  Also, doing poorly might cause you to "dig in" and play better, or drop you into a dark mental hole where victory is a receding dream.

Angel had a story to share about that.  His partner missed more shots than he wanted to miss, became vocal about his lack of happiness, and then found out that the opponents began to hit every ball towards him.  If you are going to get upset make sure it will help your game.  If it's not going to do that, then work on not getting angry or showing that you are angry.

This is a strange game.  The pros make the same mistakes we do.  It's inevitable that you'll net some, miss a few put aways and serve out (on rare occasion, yes?).  You can't control that or its timing.  But what you can control is your attitude.  Being calm and unruffled might be best - of if you can convert darker feelings to better play, then go for it.  I'd suggest just digging in for the next point.  Don't let a bad shot affect the next point.  And realize that you may well hit several misses in a row -- something you and Ben Johns have in common.  

Let me drop in another nugget gleaned from Angel's conversation, that being, think about stuff when you are warming up or drilling.  Get analytical then, but when it's time to play, then play.  Don't try to find a fix for every errant shot, just try to become absorbed in the play and react to that.  Dance around the court, be free of fear, and wreak devastation on your opponents!   At the end of the day, you will have won or lost.  Think about what could have been better then  work on it in practice and prepare for the next game.

I guess for completeness sake, we must always work to keep partner playing at their best - be encouraging and supportive, you'll both have a better time.

Thanks Angel for dropping in and sharing your play and knowledge!