Perception versus what is actually going on

Musaab Musaab Asked 2 months ago

I here by admit this is a weird question and I could find an answer if I could motivate myself to be a little less lazy.

I'm forehand oriented . Worked on my backhand and it had actually improved a lot but I'm still didn't decide on which ready-stance to adopt. I would like to have a backhand one because I'm not that young I want to have a balanced game and be ready on both sides, forehand-only needs stamina that I don't have anymore. 

Basically in the middle of the session when I'm on the top of my form, I have this thing I tried out in which I clinched my fingers and press really hard on my blade during the point, but without actually looking at my hand. And I kid you not, everything makes sense and there literally no difference between my backhand and forehand. I'm almost always making the right decision and the quality of points is just way above my level to be honest. I should be happy right ? except for some reason this never happens at the start of the session or during warm-up. So in competition I never get to experience this level because team events everyone plays only 3 matches that are not consecutive so I'm kind of not totally warmed up. I believe this pressure I put on my fingers changes my grip ? So I guess the solution is to ask a friend to film or take a photo or a note, to see what really happens to my hand. Didn't do it until now because thay are always playing etc ... 
I just thought I share this in the case this is actually a common occurence or if someone had similar observations.

Alois Rosario Answered 2 months ago

Hi Musaab,

This is an interesting phenomenon that is happening there.

Sometimes when we focus on something, whatever it is, it takes our mind away from the extraneous noise that is happening in our head.  It is also why sometimes when we are sick we play better.

I am not saying that is definitely the case here but it may be one explanation.

Gripping your racket tightly isn't something that I would say is ideal to play better but having that as a focus might be allowing you t play more freely.

Let me know over the next few months how this all progresses.  I would be very interested.