I have been playing tennis for a few years now, ever since I started training Taylor Dent (top 20 pro in the world) and discovered that it wasn't a game for sissies like I thought when I was playing football and baseball in high school and college and training as a Pro Kickboxer and World Class Powerlifter in the 1980's and 90's.

I took up the game initially just to help me gain some insight so I could train Taylor more effectively. And as a very physical and athletic type along with my Martial Mentality, I have done pretty well for a beginner. I have won five tournaments and finished 5th in Southern California in the men's 3.5 singles in 2003. Okay to the point!

I have progressed fairly well but certain parts of my game have come slower than others. Mostly, my volleys have been about as powerful as a cotton ball thrown from 10 feet. Mush.

I love the attack game and I can fast twitch my way and angle my volleys to make them tough to get to. But without much punch or steam. The ball usually comes off of my racket like a twinkie!

The biggest problem with my volleys has been getting my racket out in front and attacking the ball with the racket and my body. I get there and perform with about as much penetration as a brick wall.

Well today, in the middle of a practice match, bling! The light went on! As usual, my legs got me there,  I was in position, but my racket dragged back and I was ending up catching the ball by my hip. Yuck!

Then the Warrior in me came out. If I was charging up a hill to meet a Norse Viking with his battle axe ready to cut me in two, would I be carrying my sword down around my knees or behind by hip? I think not. My sword would be up, in front of me, at a sharp angle and ready to meet his blade with mine and closer to his heart than mine!

My racket became my sword. The ball became my enemies axe. My feet moved in like I was cutting his stride in half so I could slice him where he stood. Not behind me.  Wow! My vollies instantly became more aggressive and penetrating.

So now, when I go to the net. I am going to a Sword Fight!  En garde!

William Holland

"If you want to win the war, you better work your bloomin guns!"     Rudyard Kipling