Dealing with Cranky Pants

Cranky Pants ;)

Last season I was playing a ladies doubles match...  It was a foggy, misty morning at a beautiful club outside of Orlando.  A nice cool day to have great match but ooooooh no, I quickly recognized the ladies that we are about to play.  One of them a lovely woman but her partner... not so much.  I could tell it was her by the permanent scowl on her face ...oh yeah she's the one who enjoys a smoke break in between the first and second set.  Let me tell you, anything that could go wrong in this match... went wrong.  This lady accused me of foot fault on serve and volley, she called me for a verbal let, she accused me of crossing over the net on a mid court volley.  She said I was making bad line calls, but worst accusation of all was... she said I was having too much fun, like having fun was against USTA rules somehow.  That's was it~ I couldn't take anymore I called her cranky pants and told her to lighten up.  We ended up winning the match in two sets woot woot~ and I gave Miss cranky pants a big hug and told her if she thinks I have too much fun durning this tennis match she should come to my next holiday party.  :)

Top 5 Strategies for Dealing with Cranky Pants!!!

1. Don't react!  Some players use confrontation to get in your head.  This is a tactical strategy for some players.  Just remain focused on what you came there to do... beat this opponent!

2. If discussion or arguing begins and it pertains to you~ let your partner handle it. (in doubles)  The person who the anger is directed to should remain calm and quiet if at all possible.  Just breathe wait for the next dust to settle, it always does.

3. Manage to keep your mind free from doubts.  You know what kind of player and person you are. So don't your opponent steal your confidence ~No matter how rude or mean they are being.

4. Recognize your own body language. Treat people the way you want to be treated... just like our Mom's used to say.   Kill your opponent with kindness and let your shots speak for themselves. 

5. Smile and have fun.  Life is too short to not enjoy every minute of your tennis matches.

5 1/2. Laugh at lunch while talking all about that cranky pants.  :)

Let it Rain- Summer Tennis

Why I Hate Ladies Summer Night League

It's just too hot, during the day, to play tennis in the summer (I live in Orlando)…  So, I always think... "ok I'll play evening tennis."  Not a good idea.  I will NEVER and I mean NEVER, EVER, EVER sign up for summer evening tennis again.  It rains every Thursday evening in Orlando.  Not until about 6:00-6:30, or perhaps right at 7:00 just as you arrive to the courts.  It ruins my whole day.  Waiting all day, watching the weather, hoping it won't rain, can't get on with my evening either way.  Then as it gets closer just hoping it would hurry up and rain so I do not have to get dressed.  Then as soon as I change my clothes and head to my car…. IT RAINS!!!!!   ARGGGHHHHHH!!!  Or worse than that is when I'm half way to the courts and receive a text, (which I can't read cause I'm driving), saying…. rain out~ sorry ladies.  Which I already knew was going to happen, thanks to my radar app that I have been staring at since 3:30 pm.  DOUBLE  ARGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!

Top 5 Things to Beat the Summer Tennis Rain Showers…..

1. Do not watch the weather~ just wait for the ridiculously late cancelation phone call.

2. Never get dressed before 6:15... perhaps even 6:30.

3. Plan your day as if you are NOT playing tennis that evening.

4. Make a great dinner for your family, odds are you will be joining them.

5. Have a glass of wine (or beer) at 5:30, either way it makes the entire evening better!

  

5 1/2.  If you already made it to the courts and it has started to rain… go ahead and have drinks with your friends~ enjoy the evening off !!!  

Bring on the Fall Season!!!