Winning Ugly: Mental Warfare in Tennis--Lessons from a Master

by Brad Gilbert

Your Equipment Checklist The Basic Daily Requirement For yourself, shorten the list. Here’s what you should take to the tennis court with you for every match. 1. Water. Bring it. Sip it throughout the match. Don’t wait until you get thirsty. And drink water before your match. 2. Two Rackets. Two is the minimum. And remember to alternate them from match to match. They’ll last longer. Bring a third that is strung a little looser, and a fourth strung tighter if you play a lot. 3. Energy Food. Fruit. A candy bar. Something for a quick sugar boost. 4. Flex-All 454. If you’re over thirty-five, stop kidding yourself. Why suffer? Take anything that’ll help you play with less pain. 5. I.B.’s. Ditto. 6. Chemical Ice. For emergency muscle pulls, twisted ankles, and assorted other problems. The quicker you get ice on it, the quicker your recovery. 7. Towels. Only if you sweat. And use it for your own isolation booth when you want to concentrate. Put it over your head during a changeover and think. 8. Sweatbands. Again, only if you sweat. If you don’t sweat, maybe you should be trying harder during your matches or playing tougher opponents. 9. Cap With Visor. The team insignia is up to you. However, I do recommend the A’s or Golden State Warriors. 10. Dry Shirts. Keep several in your bag so you don’t have to pack one each time. 11. Additional Equipment. How much do you play? How many tournaments do you enter? Do you really want to have the equipment necessary to win available? Then dec...