Fun to talk about winning, but what about the L word as in losing?
We all experience it and how we experience it is what separates champions from also-rans.
1. Yes you are angry and yes, you almost had the match and Yes, you do not feel like talking to anyone. I totally get that and have been there. However, you do not realize how the crowd sees the matches. Most of them would love to be in your position and for you pros out there, all of them envy your abilities. Remember them and be gracious. You do not have to be happy, but having a little snit is not good for the game.
2. Parents, it is even rougher when that obnoxious Dad is jumping up and down with the “yeah, in your face!” type actions; however best to be classy, suck it up, and be nice. I will never forget the 8 and under match in Carson City one year back in the day. Two Dads got in a fistfight in the parking lot over their daughters’ 8 and under match. A ten year old turns to me and says, “Can’t someone stop them from fighting?”
I am thinking how weird it is when the children act adult and the adults act like children!
Suck it up, shake the opponent’s hand and their coach and act adult. In the words of the great Ron Burgandy, “Stay classy San Diego!”