My (Absurd) Tennis Challenge

My Tennis Challenge:

Go from tennis newbie to legitimate player in 2 months and for less than $100

Is that completely absurd?  Probably, but I’m going to give it my best shot.

I’ve watched with envy as my wife has played tennis for over 15 years and has developed into quite a good player.  I would love to play as well as she does, but I haven’t wanted to make the time and financial investment to become a proficient player (lessons, equipment, hours of practice, body aches and pains, etc.).  I just wasn’t ready to do it.

Until now.

I’m ready, but I can’t settle for being just an average player.  I want to be a good player.  I have hit the tennis ball around throughout the years, and I have actually played a few doubles matches with my wife, but I’m not exactly sure what I’m doing, and I have absolutely no consistency.  If I give some effort, I think I can be pretty good.  The question has always been, “Am I ready to put in the effort?”  I am, but... I only have 2 months to become good, and I only have $100 to invest.  So my challenge is to go from tennis newbie to legitimate player in 2 months and for less than $100.

I don’t know if I can reach that goal, but here is My Absurd Plan:

• Find a coach who will coach me... for free.  I will agree to mention the coach in many of my patch updates, but my comments will be honest and not just an advertisement for the coach.  If he/she’s good, I’ll let you know.  If not, you’ll know that too.
• Develop a specific 2 month plan with help of coach.
• Get a good racket and good shoes... for free.  Try to find a company/store/rep who will furnish these important items in exchange for the “millions” of readers who will read about my experiences with their products.
• Get a rating at beginning of training and at the end of the 2 month period.
• Work on tennis at least 1.5 hours/day 6 days/week (lesson, practice, drills, learning, fitness, etc) ,
• Journal my experiences and post 2 times per week on www.lilburn.patch.com.
• Join a team for the fall, and win at least half my games.

I will keep patch readers updated at least 2 times per week.  Let’s see how this thing unfolds!