AboutJoe Rill Expertise Can answer questions related to coaching and playing tennis including stroke production, skill evaluation, group drills, player evaluation, planning and record keeping, mental toughness, first aid and minor health issues, social aspects of club tennis, tennis rules and regulations, and tennis courtesy. I no longer desire to answer questions on "How to become a Pro."
Experience Forty years total playing experience including: 25 years tournament play, three year tennis club tennis director; former racket stringer; Graduate Vandermeer Tennis Univ I; Virginia HS League certified coach; Asst Tournament Director
Expert: Joe Rill Date: 6/13/2008 Subject: Natural Talent
Question Hello Mr. Rill. I was just wondering if becoming a professional tennis player requires natural talent. My parents keep on telling me that only naturally talented players can become pro, but I don't know if that is true or not.
Thank you!
Answer Hi Danice,
First of all, I never disagree with parents. In your case I suspect that part of the truth lies in the interpretation of “natural talent.” When I was young, we used to say people were “natural athletes.” Becoming a professional tennis player certainly requires many things. Some of these things can be learned and practiced until the player has great skill.
Ground strokes are a good example and I do not believe that you need natural talent to have consistent, reliable, and strong shots. You need to spend a lot of money on lessons and a lot of time hitting hundreds of balls day after day.
Another thing required is physical fitness which can be gained by strenuous exercise. I do not believe you need natural talent for this.
You also need mental toughness. There are numerous classes, books, workshops, and other ways to develop your ability to focus on the present, and to disregard external distractions and emotional disruptions. Some of the top sports psychologists feel that players can develop mental toughness and I agree with them.
Here’s where I agree with your parents.
The other things that are required are more closely related to “natural talent.” You have to have a competitive nature. If you don’t mind losing to another player, you are not competitive enough to play on the circuit. Every person in the top one hundred is dedicated to becoming number one. They have intensity, passion, and dedication. If you don’t have those qualities, you will not even make it to the top one hundred no matter how good your strokes and mental toughness are.
Finally, you need to have character. Character is developed from the time you learn to walk and talk. You learn it from your parents, relatives, those with whom you associate, and from those who teach you. It includes commitment, a belief in yourself, honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, and a lot of other things. If you don’t have character, you will face almost insurmountable odds trying to deal with the challenges and disappointments pros face every day.
So the bottom line is this. Your parents know you better than anyone in the world. If they think you don’t have something they call “natural talent,” you have several options. Ask them what they mean by the term. If you do not agree with their answer, you can try to show them that you do have “it.“ Start hitting tennis balls--first against the wall by yourself, and then on the court with friends or fellow students. You can check to see if the municipality, county, clubs, or recreation centers have “group lessons.” These may be free, but they certainly will not be expensive. Go down to the courts where they are giving lessons and observe what the instructors are saying. Try to incorporate their instructions in your own game. Talk to school coaches and tennis pros. Offer to help around the courts if they will help you with your game. Always let your parents know where you are. When they see how much you are into tennis, they may change their minds and let you take some lessons. Good luck, Danice.
