There is some confusion concerning Imagery and Visualization and we need to deal with this to start with. It is only in recent years that more emphasis has been placed on the mental side of tennis together with other sports, even though tennis is 65% mental once you have got past the learning of techniques, tactics etc. Visualization has been used for some time in certain sports but this is only part of the equation and only refers to the practice of mental rehearsal with the emphasis on the visual sense, to imagine a sport situation. Tennis players use visualization on a daily basis when getting ready for the serve, whilst doing their preliminary routines they are visualizing in their minds where they are going to place the serve. This can be very powerful and should not be overlooked as a help to your serving practice.

The term Tennis elbow is medically known as lateral epicondylitis. It is an inflammation of the tendons that attach the forearm to the arm bone, the usual stress point is around the elbow, and hence the term tennis elbow. What exactly causes tennis elbow, is still completely not understood, some people believe that the reason is the frequent wear and tear of the elbow joints, others believe that the muscles that are responsible for the cocking the wrist back are to blame (this group of muscles is also called the extensor carpi radialis brevis).However there is a very good understanding of the way tennis elbow can be controlled, and also what steps can be taken to reduce the pain experienced by people who are suffering from tennis elbow pain.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is usually associated with a pain on the outside of the elbow, this pain may be asymptomatic and is usually worsened when the patient attempts to lift weights, or attempts to grip objects or engage the wrist muscles. In chronic cases, the patient experiences pain and sometimes a burning sensation when he carries out even simplest tasks like lifting a mug of coffee........

It's always difficult to play tennis opponents which are ranked higher than you. Of course, you'll feel excited and nervous and it's easy to allow your fear to overcome you. However, there are certain key mental points that you can use in order to overcome this fear rather than succumbing to it. Here are those mental points and how to utilize them to play strategically against a higher ranked opponent. Realize Who the Pressure Is On - Hey, when you go out there to play this great opponent, you need to realize one thing. Although it might feel like all the pressure is on you, it's not. The pressure is on your opponent because people expect him or her to beat you. Your opponent knows this as well. He understands that he's the one in the spotlight and that they are the ones with everything to lose. You, on the other hand, have nothing to lose and everything to gain by playing strategically and realizing who the pressure is really on.

Racquet technology is the parent of the modern game. Watch any old footage and you will see the enormous differences in the game; play with an old wooden racquet and you will appreciate why the game was so much slower and played with such a different style. Today's racquets are still improving - and are the result of truly "space age" technology. You can purchase a lightweight, comfortable racquet that will deliver you power, spin and control that was unthinkable 20 years ago. Generally speaking there are three types of frame you can purchase - the key is selecting one to suit your game.