I’m a full month into playing paddle tennis & feeling the ups and downs of team sports. I’m empathizing with our two boys. One who’s just finishing up his first football season (yes, tackle), and cross country, which wrapped up a week ago.
It’s tough…the other day while practicing paddle with fellow team mates, I felt I let my partner down on one of the games I served. I was just not focusing…or should I say had trouble focusing. I tried and it wasn’t happening. It’s one thing when you, as an athlete, are out there alone- running, biking, or swimming- and if you screw up your swim or your T1, it’s all you- it’s on your time only, no one else’s. But when you play paddle with a partner or have several teammates, you must communicate and your bad shots, poor decisions, or lack of focus is not up to par, it affects your partner, too. Inadaquate sums it up. Ugh….luckily we were just practicing. I guess at least I could peg my weakness in the game – a low ball toss on some of my serves and my mind was elsewhere.
So, the other day, when my football player came home from practice, when it was cold & rainy, and said his coach yelled at them and he didn’t want play again next year- what do you think I said? It’s tough…it’s almost over…just do your best and hang in there, the last game is Sunday. Honestly, I’m not opposed to him NOT playing football, with all the hitting and what not. I told him to seriously think about doing cross country next fall. The coaches don’t yell, but encourage the kids no matter how fast or slow they are. Plus, all you need is a good pair of running shoes! His ideal – little practice and more games.
But – you can’t expect to be ready and do well in a game if you haven’t practiced.
And here I was today, on my own, as I was rotating out on our team paddle match
so I had a little extra time to run AND swim. I enjoyed my 3 mi easy run, every step of it with my new song- David Gultta with Usher. Then grabbed my swim bag and headed to the pool for a 20-30 min swim of drills. I saw an acquaintance swimming there – triathlete who’s also running the Hot Chocolate 15k next week.
Right away, i felt my arm muscles work the resistance of the water. It was refreshing. I did drills, and enjoyed moving through the water without any particular workout.
I like my solitary workouts and I like team sports. It’s a give and take with the team
and sole survivor on your own!
