As a member of the Hoover High School tennis team, I expect you to do three things:
Work Hard
We're hard workers. From the first serve to the end of the last point, I expect you to work as hard as you can to win your match. You owe it to yourself and to your teammates. Be willing to work harder than the other kid. Like Michael Jordan said, “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” The harder you work, the better things turn out. Make it happen.
Play Smart
The object in tennis is to win. It’s not to be impressive. It’s not to look like you’re the best tennis player ever. The object is to win. Be ready to play whatever kind of tennis you have to play in order to win. If you have to become a backboard in order to win, then a backboard you shall be. Be intelligent about how you approach your matches. Notice what your opponent is (and isn’t) good at. Use that to your advantage. Think about your own strengths and weaknesses. Take those into consideration when you’re making decisions on the court. Play smart tennis. Don't give points and games and matches away by being foolish.
Expect Success
If I’m about to hit a second serve and I’m worrying that I might double fault, chances are I’m about to double fault. Don’t worry about what might not go right; focus on what you want to happen. There’s something to be said for positive visualization. Expect to win your match, and be dedicated to working hard and playing smart to make that happen. You’re a good tennis player. You can beat the kid on the other side of the court playing your brand of tennis. Don’t sell yourself short.
Sportsmanship
Determination
Confidence
It goes without saying that above all else, I expect you to be a superb representative of yourself, your coaches, your school, your family, etc. both on and off the court. Way, way, way more important than winning is being a person of integrity who treats others with respect. Do not call a ball out unless you are 100% sure it’s out. Do not treat another player disrespectfully (no matter how he/she has treated you). Do not lose your temper on the court. It’s OK to be frustrated; it’s not OK to act mad and upset. Don’t be irresponsible in the classroom, either. You’re a STUDENT-athlete. Academics come first, and learning to work hard in the classroom helps you be more self disciplined on the tennis court and at practice.
And with specific regard to how to handle yourself on the court:
Do:
1. Represent Hoover High School well.
2. Try your hardest always.
3. Demonstrate good sportsmanship.
4. Represent our tennis team well, both on and off the court.
5. Be a model student (academically and behaviorally).
6. Treat your opponent with respect.
7. Support your teammates.
8. Play fair always.
9. Have fun, but take tennis (and our matches) seriously.
10. Learn something new from every experience on the court.
Don't:
1. Don't goof off or joke around during matches.
2. Don't goof off or joke when your teammates are playing matches.
3. Don't show anger on the court.
4. Don't do anything that hurts team morale or unity.
5. Don't make questionable calls in your favor.
6. Don't stop trying to win until the last point is over.
7. Don't be worried about outcomes.
8. Don't get down on yourself.
9. Don't disappoint your teammates with anything less than your best effort.
10. Don't be lazy (on the court, during conditioning, in the classroom, etc.).
We want to develop a championship culture within our program. Creating that culture is a group effort that requires the dedicated participation of each and every member of the team. Make sure you're doing your part.