By Zack Czajkowski
Wow. I’m really moving. I’m in my happy place: on a tennis court. My opponent hit a ball that I wasn’t sure I could get to, but lo and behold, I got there! Not only did I get there, I was recording my match on SwingVision so there will be video evidence of this epic get of mine. For those of you unfamiliar, SwingVision is an emerging piece of tennis tech that allows you to record yourself playing, practicing, or rallying. The technology cuts out the time between points or rallies so you maximize the amount of time watching yourself play.
Readers who have recorded themselves or had a friend record a match know what I’m about to say. That get? I was moving comically slowly compared to every tennis player I’ve watched on TV. I look like shit out there! I know I’m not Alcaraz fast, but SHEESH. If you’re below a 5.5-level player, whatever you think you look like on a tennis court is wrong. I can assure you, if you record yourself you will look far worse than you are mentally prepared for. Your technique? Spotty. Footwork? Lol. Shot anticipation? You might as well just guess. The truth hurts sometimes. It can be immensely humbling. But here’s the thing: That’s why you SHOULD record yourself.
I’ve been an off-and-on SwingVision user for a little over two years now. I have captured funny moments, tweeners, bloopers (often involving attempted tweeners), and from time to time a shot that I actually feel good about. You don’t need to pay a service to record yourself playing, but if you’re a recreational player you will benefit immensely. Most of us have no idea what we look like on a court. How can you correct something if you’re not sure what you’re doing wrong? It is a highly useful tool for improvement and there is a meaningful sense of pride that comes with being able to watch an old match and see the progress that you’ve made.
Let’s also be honest with ourselves. I’m 32 and I’m a decent recreational player, but I’m never getting paid to play tennis. If anything, like many enthusiasts, I have a rationally irrational financial relationship with the sport. I need to be reminded in unsparing terms that I’m not that good at tennis and I’m out there to have fun, get a workout, and hopefully improve a little. Watching yourself miss an easy putaway because you didn’t move your feet? It sucks! I have watched a version of that clip hundreds if not thousands of times now and each is a humbling reminder that I’m not like the pros and never going to be. There is peace in acceptance. The first time you watch a recording of yourself, you will be one step closer to accepting your tennis destiny. Prepare to be humbled. Let it liberate you. And never stop playing tennis.
Popcorn Tennis 