Rise up

This blog is dedicated to the Division 1B team that I use to coach last year.

Nelson Mandela is famous for the quote, "I never lose. I either win or I learn." But when those "losses" continue to pile up, I can see how individuals and a team can lose confidence and/or question what they do. Dealing with the rigors of a long season toppled with injuries to key players on the team makes it that much harder on the psyche of the team. When dealing with adversity, it's always best to use examples and stories that we all can relate to that will help boost our confidence. Remember the 2004 Red Sox when they came back from being down 0-3 vs. the Yankees. The Red Sox were down but not out. They kept telling themselves they just needed to win one game. They went on to win that series 4-3 and then they went on to win the World Series that year. Another example is the 2017 Patriots down 28-3 in the Super Bowl vs. the Falcons. The Patriots never stopped believing in themselves. They didn't look defeated on the sidelines. The Patriots made big play after big play on the defensive side of the ball. They kept scoring every time they got the ball and slowly chipped away at the lead until they were able to tie the game up and send the game into overtime and eventually win the game. Last example I will use is the 2017-18 Celtics. Gordan Hayward went down with a nasty injury 5 minutes into the first game of the season with his new team. The Celtics could've packed it in for the rest of the season and called it quits. That injury to Hayward created opportunities for the other players on the team that probably would not have seen much playing time if Hayward remained healthy for the remainder of the season. That injury brought the team closer together and the Celtics went on to prove a lot of people wrong reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, forcing a game seven against the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers went on to win game seven, but the Celtics showed a lot of heart and perseverance throughout the season without their two best players.

After everything you ladies have been through this season, I know deep down that you ladies can finish the season on a positive note. While doing so, make sure you are taking your time and playing within yourselves. One point at a time, one game at a time and one match at a time. You all know what you are good at and what you struggle with. Being nervous is natural. Don't fight that battle, just be! The nerves will eventually go away and you will find yourselves playing the way you want to play. Continue to move your feet and follow the ball when you are at the net. Use the split steps and finish your swings on your ground strokes. Prepare early to give yourself more time to hit the best shot. Use the angles and drop shots when your opponent(s) are at the baseline. Be aggressive when hitting approach shots. The more effective your approach shots and volleys are, the less effective their lobs will be. I believe in you ladies, now it's time that you ladies believe in yourselves. Seize the moment and take advantage of your opportunities when they present themselves. Keep it simple and play high percentage tennis. Fear is just a four letter word that f---- with your brain. Have fun and play to win!

Always believe,

Shaun.