Tennis challenges you mentally and physically. One second you can be in control, and then the next, one small step shifts the entire match. It’s about outsmarting your opponent, adapting to the conditions and staying focused.
“The mental game is often a player’s biggest obstacle. When you’re not in the right mindset, having more time to think can actually lead to more mistakes and self doubt,” Mr. Prokosch, the assistant coach for the Boys Varsity Tennis Team, said.
When it comes to mentality, the NH tennis team learned everything they know from their role models.
“My biggest role model is my dad. Like me, he’s been playing his whole life. He taught me everything I needed to know and still teaches me new things until this day. He helps me train and brings out the best in me while I’m on the court,” David Berg, a senior on the tennis team, said.
Almost everyone has someone they look up to, whether it’s a family member, a mentor, or a well-known public figure. Jack says he is inspired by Michael Jordan’s mental toughness. Like Jordan, Jack thrives under pressure He doesn’t shy away from failure. Instead, he uses failure as motivation to improve.
When it comes to mentality, players have to take the time to prepare themselves before stepping into a match. Some players take the time to listen to music, while they warm up to get in the right mindset. While others prepare by making mental notes, setting goals, or clearing their mind before a match.
Even though mentality is a big part of tennis, players also have to be physically fit too.
The team takes the time to focus on specific skills during practice, like developing a strong backhand or topspin combined with small-scale match play scenarios. This helps the players apply techniques in a more practical game-like setting.
“There is a wide range of skill levels on the team, from your top tennis player to someone who just picked up a racket last month,” Mr. Prokosch said adding that it’s the coaches job “to bring them all together to help them grow as a team.”
That range includes players like David, who said “I first had a racquet in my hand at the age of two. My dad is what got me into the sport. Getting me familiar with easy and simple hand-eye coordination.”
While some players have been involved in the sport for years, others discovered a sudden passion for it and decided to pick it up.
“I started playing tennis for fun with my friend Mathu,” Jack Lemura said. “That kind of sparked my interest so I got a few lessons and then I decided to try out this year.”
When it comes to being on a team, there are moments these athletes will never forget and will cherish forever.
“Of all 5 years on the team I like to say I enjoy and cherish every moment,” David Berg said. “But there was one match that I like to say is my all time favorite. In 8th grade I was playing first doubles with senior Kyle Grover. This match was against VVS in the sectionals, who I was seeded in this tournament. Despite losing 0-6, 1-6 to them the first time, Kyle and I after 3 hours of a hard fought battle ended up winning in a 3-set tie breaker thriller. This is definitely a moment I’ll never forget.”
Though the team works hard to win matches, they also appreciate the moments they spend with each other.
“Winning my last match and just socializing with all of my teammates is memorable for me,” Jack said.
“I couldn’t say anything bad about anyone on the team. They’re a great group of guys and we have a lot of fun.”
The seniors on the team have mixed feelings about their final season.
“As a senior it feels a lot different, ”David Berg said. “Most players that I had grown bonds with and practiced with have graduated 1-2 years from now. Not having them by your side and having to take that leader role by yourself has definitely been a big change for me considering the fact I was always known as ‘the little kid on the team.’ But that’s what makes being a senior better because you get the chance to build those relationships with the underclassmen like they did with me.”
The next home game for the NH Boys Varsity Tennis Team is Friday May 2nd at 3:30pm against Utica Proctor.
