Tai Chi and Tennis
Author: David | 
With Wimbledon fortnight just starting David ponders how our tai chi training can help us in developing our tennis game. Although golf is often taken as an example, tennis is also interesting because as well as a 'weapon' we have the extra dimension of an opponent who directly affects our actions just as in tai chi partnerwork....... The physical:
- Body Mechanics - Things like making contact with the ball (or tai chi partner) in front of the body as the muscles are much more efficient in certain positions
- Balance and stability is very important in tennis as in tai chi
- Stillness - When taking the shot our head needs to be still and the centre calm
- Knee bends - Important in getting below the ball to impart top spin or in reaching a low ball without stooping
- Full body power - The body needs to be connected so that a chain of power is established (for example in the serve)
- Control - Just as the eyes look through rather than at the opponent in tai chi to make the push more effective, so in tennis we accelerate through the ball to make the contact more effective in our ground strokes.
- Agility - At any one time we have a more yin foot and a more yang foot. We don't want to be caught flat footed.
- Circular and Linear Movements - Just like tai chi, tennis has circular movements to create flow momentum and spin, also directer more linear movements
- Relaxation - Loosening the grip on the racket between points helps with the sensitivity as well as probably helping to prevent tennis elbow
- Power - Develop a powerful whip action forehand by combining correct use of the kua with arm movement from the tai chi spin
- Borrow Power -We can use the opponent's own power against them. In fact it is often the change of pace to a softer shot that produces the error from the opponent.
- Calmness - Tennis can be an emotional rollercoaster. Meditation can help with the ups and downs and help calm the nerves.
- Overcoming stronger opponents - Especially in doubles when our opponents are off balance or out of position then a carefully placed ball can overcome their greater physical strength
- Connection - I notice how good doubles partnerships work to maintain that communication or energy connection between them by touching between points
- Remembering the other hand - Yin and yang again - It is easy to remember the racket hand but what about the other one. Just as in tai chi , we need to keep some attention on this one and keep it moving. It balances us, helps to connect us and helps turn the shoulders.
- Intention - Just as in tai chi weapons form we have to protect our intention to the racket head to maximum effectiveness.
- Eyes - As the contact with the ball is crucially important when making a shot we have to watch the point of contact till the shot is completed rather than be distracted by the opponent etc. I wonder if we can perhaps do this and still beneficially keep an awareness of our opponent out of the corner of our eye.
.....