Yoga: Best Preparation for Tournaments

Well friends, in our introductory article on YOGA and Tennis, we defined TENNIS from YOGA perspective (Please refer to the Winter08 Jan-Feb08 Courtsider). Now that Dog Pounders have been exposed to Yoga on Fridays for the past 9 months or so, it is time to see how they can use Yoga to their advantage when it comes to preparing for the tournaments.

Preparation, preparation and preparation are the 3-cardinal rules for success in life! Tennis Tournaments are no exception. Physically and, equally if not more importantly, mentally prepared players stand a better chance in advancing through the tough tournament-draws than those who just show up and expect to win, no matter how skilled they are!

Yoga can be looked as Your Own Great Asset in preparing physically and mentally for the tournament. Our worst competition is not on the other side of the net but inside our own head! Learning to keep a cool head is easier said than done. So practicing to relax, to shut the noise and chatter of the mind is a must so you can learn to handle the stress of the tough tournament with all its dynamics. Since we are slaves of our habits, how about cultivating the Yoga habit so it becomes second nature to us? This also includes the common-sense tips of a good night’s sleep before the tournament, eating right and keeping you well hydrated.

What are the tools needed? Stretching and relaxing, conscious breathing, and quiet contemplation and introspection are simple tools which are essential for tournament preparation.

How much time is needed to prepare? Well, 20-30 minutes of physical preparation with stretching and relaxing, and 5-10 minutes of mental preparation with conscious breathing and contemplation can go a long way to prepare for a day of the tournament. Of course, these tools need to be used as and when needed even on the court and in between the points as well. Also, let us not forget a cool-down at the end of the day physically and mentally!

So, remember, whether you are yet to enter a tournament, or a veteran tournament player, the tips and tools mentioned here should help you compete better, enjoy the experience and increase your winning record! Life is not just about winning or losing, but is about doing the right thing! Adding Yoga to your Tournament preparation is certainly the right thing to do!

Thanks for reading!

Coach P. (Prashant Joshi)
Co-Founder, Gurukul Yoga Holistic Center, Bridgewater, NJ 08807