Paralysis Syndrome

You hit the good serve, you take a step into the court because you are feeling aggressive. You do your split step and assume the ready position. Your opponent returns the ball deep, deep, deep and in a flash, it is by you, and you are still in the ready position. What the what? You have suffered an attack of momentary paralysis. It often happens at the net when that ball comes a bit too close or soars over your head, and you stand there with your feet locked in cement. It happens with alarming frequency in 'no-man's-land' which is probably why they call it no-man's-land. It is not a frequent problem but it is always humiliating, and it can be an indication of a deeper and more pervasive issue.

In general when this happens it is because you are either unable to move, afraid to move, unprepared to move or you just had a massive stroke. That last being beyond our abilities to deal with here, it is the first three we need to consider. Unable to move is the simplest - you are sick, exhausted or just out of shape and cannot rise to the occasion. The diagnosis is straightforward as is the treatment; get well, get in shape or get with the program. Afraid to move occurs most often in Tennis Hell (aka the Pit of Despair) and relates back to Expectationism (the fear of failing to meet other's expectations) or some other form of neurotic self doubt. Being unprepared to move is the most important cause of Paralysis Syndrome because it is the easiest to prevent. It occurs when you drift unconsciously into a straight-legged position. With your knees unbent you are not only clearly in static balance, but you are not prepared to push off into dynamic balance in time to deal with the ball. You may not recognize your inability, but your brain is always clued into your state of balance and will stubbornly refuse to waste its time or yours starting the playback of a stroke that will fail if you can't get into dynamic balance in time. All your brain requires is some flex in your knees, and it will start the movement for you. The solution is to make sure you at least bend your knees, and preferably establish full dynamic balance, before being called upon to address a ball - any ball. You need to drop your body weight low enough so that whatever convulsions you are about to go through, your knees can't lock up. If you pay proper attention to your feelings, you will sense an immediate spike in optimism the instant you go into your crouch. That is just your mind saying "Ahhhhhh! Now we are ready!"