Pressure

You enter the court, not knowing anything about your opponent. You have fifteen minutes to warm up, and learn about your opponent across the net. Whether he likes to place the ball crosscourt or down the line; whether he likes to put spin on the ball or if he slices it. Before you realize it fifteen minutes is over, and you are ready to endure the long match. The pressure is on.

The only thing blocking you from victory is the net. It’s the first serve and you prepare yourself for an arduous match. You try to preserve your tenacity by forcefully hitting the ball back across the net. Not so hard that the ball will go out, but with enough spin and force to set your opponent off course. One ball to the net, and you are done. The pressure is on.

It’s halfway into the match, and your muscles ache. You think you’re getting into a rhythm, until your opponent hits a drop shot, and throws you off balance. The score is equal. You have won one close set, and your opponent another close set. You receive an injunction from your coach, not to let your guard down, and to keep fighting. You feel the last burst of energy rushing through your veins, you are ready to win the set, and be victorious. The pressure is on.

The last set arrives. You have had enough, and you want to win. You have proved your aptitude to your opponent. Everything is going for you. You have just won five straight games. You only need to win one more game to win the set. It is match point, and it is your serve. You blast the serve with so much power your opponent’s racket does not make contact with the ball. You stand there in awe. It’s finally over. As you rush over to shake the hand of your opponent you are ecstatic, it’s finally over, and you have won. The pressure is gone.

~ Lysander M.