A Big Weekend

I always loved the week prior to playing big tennis matches on the weekend. I lived for the feeling of anticipation and enjoyed the meticulous preparation to give myself the best possible chance of playing at my peak, even if that hardly ever happened. When I left behind college tennis I also left behind that feeling. This week it returned. I have a big sporting weekend coming up.

First up on Saturday is a table tennis tournament at Chi-Slam. I will be playing in the intermediate event and I think I have a chance to win it. It is true that I have little-to-no idea of how good other players entering the intermediate event will be, but I am feeling rather confident due to my good form at Chi-Slam over the past couple of months. Furthermore, although my preparation is pathetic compared to my careful approach to tennis matches, I had a great practice on Tuesday that was just what I needed – match practice against tough opponents with a variety of different styles.

Next up on Sunday, I am making my long awaited return to league football with the first game in a new indoor season. I am also feeling confident here. My last footballing campaign in the fall ended desolately with just one win from eight for my team, but this league is going to be a different ball game. Well actually it is the same ball game, but under very different conditions. Firstly, it is 6 v 6 indoors rather than 11 v 11 outdoors. 

Secondly, I am part of a compiled team rather than signing up as an individual and playing alongside other individuals. This, I am hoping, will result in a more consistent turnout and less variation in the ability of the players. My preparation for the football game was also brief but effective – I was happy with my touches and passing in a 7 v 7 indoor tournament on Friday.

By the end of this week, I could be a table tennis champion and have inspired my team to a winning start in the league…or I could be realizing that my table tennis game still requires much improvement and remembering that I am never quite as good at football as I like to think I am. Stay tuned to Athlete Without a Cause to find out!