Breath - Part II - Applying Yogic Breathing to Your Tennis Game

In Breath Part I (January 9) we talked about how one's inhalations and exhalations enhance and empower one's yoga practice. Today we transfer that principle to the courts. To get the most out of today's post, please re-read Breath Part I first and ... Enjoy Both!

Invariably, tennis follows the same principle. On the service toss – a bodily extension – we inhale. On the follow through motion, a contraction, we exhale. In ground strokes we inhale on the backswing and exhale on the forward swing - where our racquet connects with the ball. The same goes for volleys – only the breath is, by necessity, in shorter gusts. This is why players expel those loud screams and grunts during match play. They’re generating power and maintaining equilibrium. Just as in yoga, we get into trouble when we hold our breath or breathe shallowly during play – a common malady, which is often a fear-driven response. When we do so, we become tentative and stiff; our shots are weaker and our body is more prone to injury. Some coaches instruct their students to emit a breathy “yes” on the follow-through to ensure exhalation. So… forgive me – and others – who make such a commotion on the court with our noisy exhalations! Soon you’ll be following suit and striking the ball with more noise, power and courage – which by the way, has the same Latin root as “heart” (cor).  Ahhhh.  

A yogic adage is; “if you can’t breathe, don’t do it. If you must do it, remember to breathe.”

 

If you've been following along with each post, you've now completed Principles I and II of the Dharma of Tennis. III - XI will follow in the coming weeks. However, if you simply can't wait to read the whole thing, go to http://www.amazon.com/The-Dharma-Tennis-Judi-Beck-ebook/dp/B00E0QFLA4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389701155&sr=8-1&keywords=the+dharma+of+tennis and download the entire document instantly to you Kindle for a meager $1.69.

More importantly, if you'd like to experience the Dharma of Tennis, call me or email me to schedule a full workshop for you and your tennis buddies.