Most, when ascending the ladder of some new-found interest, look to their betters for instruction. For example, the newly-anointed tennis interest is oiled and honed on those whose edges are demonstrably sharper.
But it occurs to me that those of demonstrable skill would be put to the real test by playing against those of demonstrably lesser capacity. Can the real "pro" keep sharp in the face of such obvious mediocrity? Why not just relax into an obvious victory? Will the real "pro" release his or her grip and coast or will s/he play his or her best game ever?
It's no mean feat, I suspect.
But it occurs to me that those of demonstrable skill would be put to the real test by playing against those of demonstrably lesser capacity. Can the real "pro" keep sharp in the face of such obvious mediocrity? Why not just relax into an obvious victory? Will the real "pro" release his or her grip and coast or will s/he play his or her best game ever?
It's no mean feat, I suspect.
As ever, some have a talent for instruction and some do not.
ReplyDeleteUsing a different example, many going up the ranks in the various martial arts learn to hone their skill by sparring with a range of people with various skill levels. Many schools actually teach when to go all out and when to hold back.
Still, its important to mainly train at one's level and a little above. Sparing with someone a great deal better or a great deal worse wastes the time of both.
I imagine the same applies to tennis.