Beware of Gun fighter syndrome!
In the old West the young hotshot came into town looking to fight the old retired gunfighter. The old gunfighter was trying to live a quiet life with his young bride and family, but this young gun would not let him! What follows in the grade B Western is inevitable gunfight at the end of the movie. What does this have to do with racquetball? All of you veteran players reading this already know but will share this knowledge with the masses.
From the club level to the pro level the young guns are coming! They think they can beat anyone, are full of themselves and their abilities and are gunning for the old guys. Bear with me while I share a personal story. I moved to upstate NY and this young guy seemed really nice and eager and wanted my help and so I helped him. He was an A player at best when I met him but after showing him the “sauce” he worked his way up to low open level. We used to work out and then he disappeared. Out of nowhere he calls me and asks to play on a Tuesday night. I work all day, rush over to the club, get there and find the stands behind exhibition court full of people. I realize he has invited his friends over to witness him beating me. Needless to say I was pretty irritated. I wanted a workout and usually winning wasn’t as important as working on shots. I had been blindsided by the young gun but I had learned about gunfighter syndrome!
Fortunately, like the westerns, I won that fight. Witnesses called it ugly because I used every trick in the book to do so. That didn’t end the issue though of course and finally when age and bad hips got to me, he beat me in a tournament. Fast forward to current times…..
Beware of the young guns! Take your time between serves, Stare them down and laugh at them. Act very relaxed, like you do not care. Hold your head high and let them know you are king or queen as the case may be. Remember-you’re the best player!
………..For now!