The Inner Game of Tennis - Chapter 1

According to the author, every game is composed of two parts. What are they?

According to the author, what is the thesis of The Inner Game of Tennis?

Describe the characteristics of the player of the inner game mentioned by the author on page xviii.

According to the author, what is the quest of the Inner Game? (page xviii)

• To uncover and explore the potential of the human body

• To outscore the competition

• To meet the expectations of others

• To intimidate the opponent into submission

True or false:

The author would agree that the problems which most perplex basketball players are those dealing with the proper way to shoot a jump shot.

(page 3)

• true

• false

In “the typical tennis lesson” described on page 4-5, what happens before long to Mr. Weil?

• He learns that mastery depends on unlearning bad habits and allowing good ones to develop naturally

• His mind starts racing with six thoughts about what he should be doing and sixteen about what he shouldn’t

• He exerts himself too strenuously and sustains an injury that derails his progress

• His mind becomes calm and he plays with effortless confidence

What insight did the author gain as a new pro when he began “saying less and noticing more”?

(page 5)

Compare and contrast the author’s experience working with Dorothy to his experience working with Paul.

(pages 5-6)

In his lesson with Paul described on page 6, what method did the author use to teach Paul the forehand stroke?

• He carefully described each muscle involved in the swing, from the shoulder to the wrist, so that Paul could consciously control them

• He demonstrated the swing ten times himself, instructing Paul to simply observe carefully without thinking any thoughts about it

• He explained to Paul that skill takes years to develop and frustration with the process is inevitable

• He insisted that Paul memorize the seven critical movements involved in the forehand swing before practicing them on the court

According to the author, what must all good teachers and students of tennis (or any sport) learn?

(page 6-7)

• Images are better than words

• Showing is better than telling

• Too much instruction is worse than none

• Trying too hard produces negative results

• Knowledge is more important than instinct