We have all been in this type of situation before when we are losing the game/match and are “playing from behind.” We try to get back to good form and even up the game/match or possibly forge ahead. It is critical at this point in the match to play smart strategy as there is very little room to make any mistakes. (more…)
July 30 - August 4, 2017 there will be a HIGH level Championship Training Camp at the Renaissance ClubSport in Aliso Viejo, Calif. with three of the most dynamic coaches/players in the game today. This camp is open to Elite and Open players only! Legendary Coach Fran Davis, Jason Mannino, former #1 men's professional International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Pro & US Open Champ, and Rocky Carson, Present #2 IRT Pro & US Open Champ, World and Pan American Champ, team up to provide the following: -16 hours of high level instruction/drilling/playing & critiquing by the pros -Physical & Mental Aspects of the game
[caption id="attachment_7045" align="alignright" width="300"] Rocky Carson holds center court against Jose Rojas during the 2017 Shamrock IRT Shootout. Photo by Juan Martinez.[/caption] Detectives investigate a situation and gather information before they can make a determination of what happened or what they need to do to solve the mystery. A “racquetball detective” is no different. You, the racquetball detective, must analyze your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses as well as your own strengths and weaknesses to determine the game plan you need to beat your opponent. Here’s a simple formula: (more…)
[caption id="attachment_6580" align="alignright" width="225"] Rocky Carson (finalist) and Paola Longoria (Champion) pose with Coach Fran Davis after the 2016 UnitedHealthcare US Open Championships. Courtesy of Fran Davis[/caption] As I take time to reflect back and look at my Championship Team, lead by Rocky Carson and Paola Longoria and followed by my Juniors, Wayne Antone, Jordan Cooperrider and Mitchell Turner, there is a definite theme going on explaining why they are so successful, holding numerous championship titles. (more…)
[caption id="attachment_1646" align="alignright" width="150"] Coach Fran Davis[/caption] Does your record matter? Real winners know that when they lose they need to work on specific skills, strategies, techniques, drill more, read more mental toughness books, and sharpen the area that cost them the match. They are not losers in life because they lost a match; they are winners in life because they are willing to go back to the trenches and work even harder on their game. Every obstacle in your life is offering you a lesson to be learned. The courageous athletes say, “Bring it on!” (more…)
ERP stands for Early Racquet Preparation, one of the most critical parts of a proper stroke. The idea is to get your racquet up as soon as the ball hits the front wall (or on the way to the front wall) when you know whether you'll be hitting a forehand or backhand shot. "Racquet up" means your elbow should be in line with your shoulder and racquet pointing up to the ceiling. (more…)
[caption id="attachment_1646" align="alignright" width="150"] Coach Fran Davis[/caption] The ego does not like to live in any gray areas. The ego loves to be right and hates to be wrong. But we as human beings are 100% in control of the thoughts and emotions that we choose to focus on. So whatever we pay attention to and focus on grows. If you are filled with negativity, doubt and fear is what will grow in your mind. If you focus on being positive, happy, and fearless that is what you will create. All of this is up to you. Everyday thoughts are
[caption id="attachment_1322" align="alignright" width="199"] Coach Fran Davis[/caption] A pregame psych plan prepares an athlete’s body, mind, and emotions to be 100 percent in the present moment. The more an athlete is willing to prepare properly, the more that athlete will walk onto the court with total self-confidence, consistency, focus, and concentration. For elite athletes, the pregame psych plan begins 48 hours before their competition. If they prepare before each match by eating properly, warming up their bodies properly, sleeping enough, visualizing their game plan, having routines, saying their affirmations, and staying calm and relaxed, the easier it will be to
[caption id="attachment_1646" align="alignright" width="150"] Coach Fran Davis[/caption] An affirmation is a personal and present statement of what you would like to happen in your game. It is as if you are bringing the future into the present moment. Your mind does not know the difference between a self-created statement and reality, so it sends triggers to your body as if it is a reality now. The beauty of the mind is that you really can control so many aspects of the way it works and how it affects your everyday life. (more…)
[caption id="attachment_1646" align="alignright" width="200"] Coach Fran Davis[/caption] A strategy is a method of achieving a specific goal or end result, which is to play your best to win the match. Your strategy helps you carry out your plan. If you just step out on the court without a plan and a particular strategy, you will be doomed from the start. You will always be reacting to the situation rather than creating the situation. You are in a much better position to win when creating the situation right from the beginning of the match. (more…)
