Brace Yourself for Perfect Tennis

“That’s it!” I shouted to the startled and amazed reflection in the mirror before me. The realization that something so momentous could occur so suddenly was overwhelming. My heart pounded. My body began to perspire nervously and my hands quivered with excitement. The adrenaline flow was incredible. My wife called from her sewing machine in the other room. “What is?” I ran in and showed her what I had stumbled upon just then. She remarked, “That’s completely new, isn’t it?” And she didn’t even play tennis! “It sure is,” I exhaled nervously. “It’s a simple change, but it could make a huge difference. I can’t wait to test it on the court.” Returning to the mirror, I continued demonstrating this strange and curious novelty to make sure it was a genuine improvement. New, yes. But beneficial? At first it seemed uncomfortably different and awkward. I wanted to sit and record my new sensations, but I kept a tight grip on my wrist, afraid that if I were to let go, somehow I would forget how to reproduce this new swing correctly and it would be lost forever. Silly, I know. Or worse, I’d wake up from a dream to my old, boring, ineffective backhand, the one Bucky enjoyed tormenting. The more I practiced, the more comfortable this new swing began to feel. I looked up and saw a strange image in the mirror. Is this real? Why doesn’t anybody use this? Why hasn’t anybody ever tried this? Am I wasting my time? My mind raced as I felt this new swing alter my mediocre one hand style. I searched for paper and pencil, finally tearing my hand off my forearm, hands still trembling from the thrilling experience. I quickly recorded thoughts and observations, fearing they would be lost if not immediately captured in writing. As I glanced up to ponder the improvements, my reflection gazed at me with that smug smile, the one that says, ‘I know something nobody else does.’ But that smile was also one of anticipation and awe. I knew this helpful technique would one day conquer and change the world. Oh, it might take a while, but eventually it would transform the game of tennis and become the orthodox stroke worldwide. I believed it. I knew it.