How skiing is so much like tennis!

Just had a humbling experience!
My wife is a top level tennis pro who 'initiated' me to tennis!
I am a very very low level "weekend" player!

As she was teaching me "correct" technique ( and I was not "performing well" ),,it dawned on me how similar these two sports are!

Let me illustrate!

1. Softness vs Power ! Typically beginners want to "smash" ball, hit ball hard with large. muscle groups . The effective player uses softness technique to center ball on "sweet" spot! In skiing typically skiers what to go fast hard on steep terrains! Most males do not want to go to beginner slopes!

2. Position. In tennis it is critical to be "ahead' of the ball! Where the ball will be! So it is in skiing. Most skiers think 1 meter ahead,,great skiers think 5-8 meters ahead so when they get to critical spot they are into the turn!

3. Allow "instrument" ( ski or racket) do the work! Seems there must a "get to know period" between racket/ski and player! We must learn the dimensions of the tool, what it can do and how to handle it! I was miserable at this,,since I was using this tool (racket) like a club!

4.Focus area! In tennis it is vital to LOOK AT BALL and not where you think you have hit the ball! In essence you are the "spectator" and the player! Forget the spectator and be the player! The same is true in skiing! Focus on your skiing zone while skiing. Forget those girls/boys on the side! Forget the great view to your left 3 km. away while skiing!

5. Pace. Learn to save energy by using muscles when needed! Rest between shots. Be ready for that return shot! So it is with skiing. Learn to relax when needed. Learn to "pounce" on those edges when needed! If you are constantly "tense",,,,,,pain will set in. Cramps, fatique,,,,

6. The mind is more powerful than you think. While playing tennis,,just thinking , "that corner left shot" seems to drive the ball there! So it is with skiing. Just thinking, "oh oh I am going to fast,,will result in you going on heels" . Just thinking,,,"oh oh I will fall" will make you fall!

Tough learning a new sport! Tough learn a new sport with your wife teaching you!
Must be humble!
Must be quiet
Keep you posted!

Pavel

I noticed another connection, when I returned from Austria, and turned to summer tennis. From skiing all winter, and making fast correction manouvres, my raquet pick-up speed has become among the fastest! I get a fast ball hit directly or close to me, I can always get a raquet on to it.
The downside, of course, due to all the winter fast correction manouvres, is that my knees take a month to recover!

and speaking of knees, How are those knees Pavel?

Trencher,
You amaze me at your memory!
A small story to illustrate how they are!
After my "tune up" I asked the physician , "what is the life expectancy" of these parts?" A pause, a quizzical look and the answer, " I really do not know" !
So he gives me the names of the engineers/physicians who designed these "wonders" I contact them and after a brief "technical discussion" I send them my ski video made 4 months after "tune up" !

Two weeks later I get a call inviting me down to meet their staff at company's expense. They do not believe I am skiing ( as indicated on video dateline) after new parts!

I discover many things while there.

The unit inserted is a new designed unit for "active persons" ! Runners, joggers, skiers football players etc,,, They have no date on duration,,but my inquiry made them realize that a follow up study should be made!
Also it happens that one of the staff ski,,actually a very good skier! They still do not believe that I skied on the video so they "suggest' I take a holiday with this man ( again at company's expense)!
Had a great week skiing ,while he video taped me!

Now every year I get paid to send them a 30 minute video of me skiing in my 60's tie die hippie shirt, my flower bermuda shorts and bandana!

Knees great! Like when I was 20!

Thanks for asking

For those interested they are; by Stryker,,,, model Triathlon !
You will ski better, faster with more assurance!

Pavel