Tennis Tai Chi My Approach

Let's face it, there is no quick fix or miracle method that will make everything work exactly as it's supposed to in the game of tennis or in life for that matter. My GOAL, however is to show you how to use underlying Tai Chi principles to gradually help you with your tennis game - blending the old with the new if you will. My APPROACH is quite simple - to teach you easy-to-learn movements that allow you to focus on body and mind instead of mechanics and technique.

What Will You Learn?

I'll show you proper rooting (grounding) and discuss the principle behind centering and energy flow that will help you visualize your internal circuit of power. We'll work on elements of maintaining good posture, body awareness and receptiveness. From breathing exercises, stance work and circling, to Tai Chi walking and a simple form, we'll cover the bases to help you build a 5 minute relaxation routine into your everyday life. Five minutes a day can have a profound effect on your attitude as well as your game!

Here's a sample of some of the activities that make up a one or two hour workshop:

Tai Chi movement	As it Relates to Tennis
Post stance breathing & centering	emphasizes openness, good posture and calm relaxation
Rooting (grounding) and sinking	helps with the concept of "load and explode"
Bow stance and walking	patient use of the kinetic flow of energy
Circling movements, "wave hands like clouds"	relaxed use of shoulders, the racquet back shoulder turn preparation and full body awareness
Brush knee posture walking	demonstrates proper waist use and the importance of the whole body connection and moving as one coordinated unit
The Tai Chi forms	leading with the mind, trusting your body, court flow and linking the principles together

What Are the Benefits?

A students goal should be to incorporate these basic meditative exercises into a daily routine. Some individuals may wish to persue learning the complete Tai Chi form - the ultimate in achieving many benefits. Regular Tai Chi practice can help to: Tai Chi in the Park

Relax and relieve stress - lowering anxiety
Improve breathing
Lower high blood pressure
Boost the immune system
Improve balance and coordination
Improve posture, stretch, tone and relax the body
Achieve better physical and emotional balance
Develop inner awareness and mental focus
Increase joint flexibility thereby decreasing risk of injury

For a more complete list, please see Health Benefits and Potential Tennis Benefits.




	Who and Where? The movements and exercises outlined above are representative of what may be presented in a workshop setting. A weekly class is also an option and would build upon the workshop exercises. The program (or format) is flexible and can be tailored to an individual, a small group or a large group. People of any age or level of physical conditioning may participate, whether tennis players or not! A suitable location depends on the size of the group. For a group of 10 or more, a tennis court or a large open space is ideal. For a class of four to nine, a space such as a conference room or back yard would provide enough space. For two or three students either my studio or your home would be adequate (see Location). Comfortable clothing or tennis attire is ideal for practicing Tai Chi movements. Please contact me for information regarding workshops and/or group or private instruction.

Tennis Tai Chi - “It’s not just an exercise, it’s a way of life”