Competing without judgement...

[BluudyEEfingaz]

Playing style is debatable. What's accepted, what's "cheesy", to play with power or to play with control...regardless of how we compete, it's important NOT to judge. I've made the mistake of turning on my competitors here because they've chosen to play a certain way. I had to step outside myself to reevaluate exactly what I was doing so that I could start enjoying competing again. I realize that trends here are inevitable. The style of play that is popular isn't necessarily the way I play, but I'm starting to appreciate my competitors efforts. It's a competition first, then everything else. No one is considering any feelings during competitive play, so we have to get out of our feelings a lot because so many things are taken personal. I've had to play and win/lose to friends and it sucks but it's a competition. We all have to remember that this site is designed for fair, COMPETITIVE play. We can't win every match, we can only go forward and practice to get better and hopefully impose our games the next match. I have to keep telling myself that it's NOT personal. It's easy to give up after losing 0-6...but fighting every point shows heart and dedication. You can only learn after you've played your best. Strategically speaking...make notes about a certain player immediately after the match. Do they serve outwide when they're down/up in a game? Do they rush the net when they're on a winning streak? We have to explore the mechanics to the game we've been given and not wish or hope that it's anything other than simply that...a game. Let's play hard and love harder. Yeah, I'm in a different place. To all my control shot makers...I'll be waiting!!!

[BluudyEEfingaz]

Also this new way of thinking has carried over into WT. I play each point like it's match point...that way even if I lose, my opponent will never feel he/she has a chance to win a string of easy points. If I run into "noobs" or "cheesers" I simply play my game and not get into exchanges of multiple drop shots or lob returns. Being respectful and calm is key in being a gamer. There will always be someone out there who is better or more experienced...there will also be cheaters and exploiters. You have to maintain your purpose...and that is to enjoy yourself. Thinking of relaunching the World Team Tennis idea. It was my initial goal to establish more unity here.