A Posture for Winning

by Ken DeHart
(San Jose, CA USA)

Ken DeHart - PTR & USPTA Master Professional

It is difficult to see ourselves as we are when we compete. We often think we are doing one thing when in fact we are far from it.

The other day in the middle of the first set, I had a revelation that had a huge impact on the rest of that set and the second set. Most "enlightenments" are not unknown experiences but a sudden awareness of things we knew deep down inside that suddenly come to the surface.

As an Associate Editor for TennisOne.com, we had a presentation by a professional on the Alexander Technique that helped to make us aware of our body's natural - neutral position which helps to eliminate stress in the body.

I explained to my wife, who is an actress, about the process we experienced and she was aware of it as it is used quite often in theatre.

It was discovered by Mr. Alexander who did a lot of Shakespeare in ancient days and kept losing his voice. One day in a mirror he discovered his posture positioned his head forward putting stress on his vocal cords.

With much research, he developed techniques for actors to put their body in a neutral posture to allow for maximum performance. These are used in many fields even today.

This vision of the presentation that one day and a visual in my own mind of how the pros posture their bodies in preparation for serving, returning and setting up for shots suddenly created an image in my mind. My head suddenly moved up and back, my back straightened, my shoulders moved back and my breathing deepened instantly.

Suddenly, I felt tall and balanced, where before I was leaning over too far with my head too far forward to allow even the finish of the stroke to come through and up at the end of the swing.

Quickly, I could breathe deeper and recover quicker after a challenging point. I was able to see the ball clearer and my first step seemed quicker to the ball.

Before each service point, I assumed my new posture, stood more upright, bounced the ball higher so it came up to me and felt I conveyed a more "I'm in control here" appearance before starting the point.

My first serve began to be more consistent with better placement and speed. My return posture was especially more energized and I was able to produce well constructed returns off challenging serves.

Each time I felt my posture come down, I was able to see the image of posture the pros conveyed in competition. I was also able to recall how we had each experienced the Alexander Technique that day with the TennisOne staff and how it felt kinesthetically.

After the match and after I had finished teaching for the day, I went home and journaled what I had experienced earlier in the day.

I have been journaling since about 1978 on an inconsistent basis but usually after key break though moments in my tennis game.

I know that it is easy to forget what allows you to play well when you take it for granted. Slumps in sports are a result of not paying attention to why you were successful.

Instead, trying to change all the things that seem not to work. I have learned to work toward a positive experience instead of away from a negative experience.

Today I discovered - no, rediscovered one of the formulas for success that I have taught many years.

P+P=P or Posture equals Position and Position equals Possession of the shot you want to hit.

Lack of Posture equals poor Position and poor Position equals Lack of Possession of a stroke.

I believe we all have experienced little discoveries in our lives that allow us to attain a new level of enjoyment and success - today I had mine.

Ken DeHart
Director of Tennis - San Jose Swim & Racquet Club
San Jose, CA
PTR & USPTA Master Professional
USA High Performance Coach
www.kendehart10s.com