Bailey’s Blog

I liked what I read in the paper today on the thoughts of the Australian Rugby coach Robbie Deans and his attitude to training!

Having thus far only tinkered with “habits” for fear of messing with the players’ heads mid tournament, Deans will hold a series of four camps for intensive re-programming over the next six weeks: “They have a 2 week break, and then we have probably our first opportunity to really work on and start perfecting some of our habits - whether they be skill, technique or mental skills and team skills,” Deans said “It is generally the little things that bite you, but the little things also allow you to thrive.  None of them are quantam leaps.”

Deans said that the pre-tour time training was valuable with no Tests to play, meaning he could “push the barriers” and get players to shake off old habits, experiment and develop new skills and beliefs.

“ There is no much between getting close and getting home. Very little, ” he said.

I really think this is great advice to tennis tournament players who also really need blocks throughout the year to clean up negative thoughts, polish footwork, iron out technical flaws and work on good routines. I am a big fan of lots of fed ball and fitness in this block period!    

The tennis court is a dojo (sparring area when competing in martial arts) - A place of enlightenment..

A dojo is a minature cosmos where we make contact contact with ourselves - our fears, anxieties, reactions, and habits. It is an area of confined conflict where we confront an opponent who is not an opponent but rather a person engaged in helping us understand more about ourselves. It is a place where we can learn a great deal in a short time about who we are and how we react to the world.

These conflicts that take place inside the dojo helps us handle the conflicts that take place outside. The total concentration and discipline required to stay fit carries on to daily life. The activity in the dojo calls on us to constantly attempt new things, so it is a source of learning - in Zen terminology, a sorce of self enlightenment.

Based on a reading from my favourite book….Zen in the Martial Arts  - By Joe Hyams 

The great thing about quotes is that you can leave them up to the readers interpretation. They can use or think of them where relevant.

Below are 4 of my favourite fitness quotes!

Quote 1: Change your mind Change your body!

Quote 2: If you discipline yourself, no one else has too!

Quote 3: Train so you can take the fitness element out of the equation!

Quote 4: Soreness is weakness leaving the body!