Match #1 2009 World Masters Games

I know you’re on pins and needles, so I’ll get right to it. I arrived VERY early for a friend’s match that was scheduled before mine… Seriously – the first match started with a lot of nervous energy that is symptomatic of the first and early morning matches. I won it 11-9 which is a little deceptive since I had a comfortable lead throughout the game. I came out with a plan and stuck to it, I was just a little nervous which is normal. I knew I would settle into my rhythm.

Game two was much of the same, I took that one 11-5. At this stage I felt confident that I could win the match if I stuck to my plan. I’ve been training with a partner and the drills we did made a significant difference – on several points, not only did I get the ball back, but I took an otherwise defensive return and turned into an offensive shot that put my opponent under pressure to set up the subsequent winner. Developing a point like this was something that was completely out of my domain a year ago. Now I can construct a point or rally and know ‘how to play it out’ without stress or substantial effort – that’s the key component, conserving effort.

Game three went to my opponent, 5-11. He got a few good points and while I stuck to my game plan, my execution wasn’t quite right, but as the game progressed, my range and accuracy improved which was what I was focused on. This is something you can afford when you are up 2-0.

I dominated game four with the smooth execution of my shots and rally construction, winning the game 11-5 and the match 3 games to 1.

Several lessons learned:

Pre-competition preparation made a HUGE difference today. There were 3 or 4 points in each game WITHOUT a doubt would have been different. That says a lot for anyone wondering if the training, drills and routines are worth it.

Abso-total-ulety!

Of course I can’t divulge my secrets, because I never know if my opponents are reading my blog, but I can share with you that the drills were SPECIFICALLY designed for this tournament… That means you need to have the right mentor/coach/advisor to help YOU perform at your best.

Another lesson learned is that I have my preparation and pre-game rituals that work to center my focus to get into ‘game mode’.

I refereed the next match  – Men’s Open 40-44 with two great players – 3 tight games, great hitting and I had to call a stroke at 10-10 in the third game. I’ve been learning to referee and how to break down the lets and strokes rules and was able to make a very tough call taking a step-by-step approach.

Lose shot, in the middle of the court, not effort to move out of the way was made, the hitter was ready to hit the ball and the opponent was in the way for the ball to be hit WHERE the hitter needed to hit the ball.

STROKE.

I was confident enough to make such a dramatic call – the person it was called against of course would have difficulty agreeing, but that’s part of the game – I felt confident I made the right call – I now have the understanding and appreciation of the nuances of the sport that is quite rewarding.

All great lessons learned on day 1 of the 2009 World Masters Games where 28,091 competitors from all over the world are giving their all and having fun doing it!

Wish me luck in tomorrow’s match!

2 Responses to “Match #1 2009 World Masters Games”


  • Congratulations on the success today Marc.

    And you are so right that you have to prepare for game you are going to have to play. I also appreciate how well you are able to translate the performance, training and preparation requirements for sport into the business world as well where you can get exponential growth leverage from using powerful and persistent strategies that lead to championship level performance on the business court.

    Ray Keefe
    http://www.successful.com.au

  • Do you plan to keep this site updated? I sure hope so… its great!

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