Technically he could play. Fear ended his career anyway.
A batting coach paused a technique masterclass to explain why his own playing career ended early. It wasn't his technique.
Read articleThinking about sport, out loud
Essays on performance, discipline and mental fitness — what the week's sport stories teach anyone who runs, plays or builds around a venue.
Praise is a judgment too. Gallwey's hardest idea, 50 years on.
The Inner Game of Tennis is quoted everywhere, but its most useful finding gets skipped: a compliment does the same thing to a player as a criticism.
Read articleWimbledon fired the line judges. What should tech actually do for sport?
After 148 years, Wimbledon replaced line judges with cameras — and the debate got loud. A useful lens for what technology should and shouldn't do in sport.
Read articlePlaying with people is a different drug than exercising near them
In a 25-year study, tennis players lived nearly a decade longer than sedentary peers — far ahead of gym-goers. The social part might be the point.
Read articleYour club is a third place. Treat it like one.
Sociologists say we're losing the places between home and work where community happens. Sports venues are among the last ones standing.
Read articleThe five minutes after the match are where the learning is
Harvard research found that brief written reflection improved performance by over 20%. Three questions worth asking after every session.
Read articleOnce a week, play without keeping score
Research on fitness tracking finds the metrics that motivate us can also hollow out the joy. The case for one untracked session a week.
Read articleRecovery isn't rest from training. It's half of it.
Stanford's sleep-extension study made basketball players measurably faster and more accurate. What recovery science means for players with day jobs.
Read articleYour worst day is your real level
Most amateur matches are decided by unforced errors, not winners. Consistency is the most underrated skill in sport — and it's trainable.
Read articleFocus is a muscle — and the pros train it with their eyes
Quiet eye research shows elite performers literally look at the target longer. Focus is trainable, and the training is simpler than you'd think.
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