I can't even make a dent...
This type of tennis exists?!
This is the world's standard for tennis...
I have to think of a strategy!
Huh?
Marcia?!
I don't get it!
Why are you writing down the details of your losing matches so precisely?
Huh?
Aren't you frustrated about losing against my brother?
Why do you look so satisfied?!
Huh?
Well, your brother's really good.
So I'm happy I got to play against someone good.
Coach, I'm gonna get more water.
Okay. You'll be in another match later.
Right.
Eichiro's such a weirdo.
Not all Japanese people are like that.
A Vicious Circle is Lucky
What can I do to win?
Mike!
Hey, Ei-chan.
I'd like to talk to you about something.
Is right before dinner okay?
Sure.
Hey, Maruo-kun!
This match is about to end, so how about you and I play next?
No, you should play me instead.
We heard what's going on.
If we beat you, we get to play against Soji, right?
Play me, too!
Yeah, me too!
Talk about popular!
I mean Ike-kun, of course, not me.
All right, next.
Maruo and Krishna, get in.
After Krishna, I played against another pro
and ended the day zero for three.
I realized not only how hard these players hit the ball,
but also that their set-up is fast because they go in
for a score in the second phase.
Is this the standard in western countries?
Yeah, that's right.
Just as I'd expect from you, Ei-chan. That's an impressive analysis.
3) Go in for the score 2) If possible, take a shot 1) Observe
2) Go in for the score 1) If possible, take a shot
This is the method that's trending in modern-day tennis.
Athletes have gotten faster and stronger due to improved physiques.
So instead of standing up at the net where the risk factor is high,
they learned that it's more efficient to hit powerful shots from the baseline
where the risk factor is low.
3) Go in for the score 2) If possible, take a shot 1) Observe
2) Go in for the score 1) If possible, take a shot
After considering how to fortify their decision-making speed
with minimal risk, the world's top players determined
that the stage of observing through a rally is unnecessary.
Of course, this all depends on the player's style and the type of court you're on.
But what do I need to do in order to beat this type of tennis?
You need to build up your speed and power.
I already knew that aiming from the baseline is more efficient.
I just need the decision-making ability to determine how to do that, right?
That's true.
Then to improve that, instead of depending on speed and power,
would it be all right to focus on control?
Control?
Speed and power are guaranteed to improve with practice,
but improving control is difficult.
It is?
It varies between people, but normally, yes.
I will work on my speed and power, as well,
but I feel like focusing on control would be more efficient in my case.
Hmm...
I think it would be best for me
to concentrate mainly on an aspect I'm confident in.
That sounds interesting.
I'll have the technical advisor come up with a training menu for you.
You can do something like that?
This is a cutting-edge tennis facility.
And the staff loves new and interesting ideas.
Thank you very much.
So, Alex—
I'm going to bed. Goodnight.
I-Is it me, or has he been in a bad mood?
I heard Ike Soji destroyed him in their match.
Those two siblings hate losing.
Best to just stay away from them when they're mad.
You're talking about Alex?
Out of all of us, he probably hates losing the most.
Krishna, you're always playing it cool, and this one gets giddy when he loses.
Just because he's angry doesn't mean he hates losing the most.
Huh? You think so?
Regardless, I wish he'd just get over it.
Well, I'm beat. We should get to sleep, too.
Oh, I have a few more things to do, so...
Maruo-kun, you're an honor student, aren't you?
Huh?
If I'm hitting from the baseline, I need better than 1/64 control,
and a strong delivery, as well.
Is there a good way to go about this?
Florida Exchange Program Day 2
You didn't sleep well?
Oh, no. I'm fine.
I'll wake up once I'm on the court.
Everyone wants a match against you, so don't overdo it.
Good morning. Can I sit here, Alex?
Good morning, Marcia.
Oh, and Eichiro, Mike said to give this to you.
This is it!
Thanks, Marcia.
Huh?! Why?
Stop that.
What is that?
Mike had the technical advisor come up with a training plan for me.
Training Menu for Improving Control (Maruo Eiichiro)
"Training menu for improving control"?
I've never done anything like that.
What kind of training is it?
The training is separated into five broad parts...
What? This is...
What is it?
The first three are the same kind of training I've done in Japan.
First, image training.
Divide the court into nine squares, and hit each square.
Second, reconfirm those shots.
Make sure to take note of
the sensation of the ball, the path it traveled, and where it landed.
Third, repeat the first two steps while keeping my motivation as high as possible.
1/64!
Fourth, thoroughly strengthen my lower body.
Fifth, discover a way to reinforce my control by my own means.
I'll just have to pay attention to my technique
and figure it out as I go along.
One-set match.
Maruo to serve.
I have to make this two-phase method my own!
He's struggling again today.
Game. 3-0.
Pedro leads.
Do I have to work on my delivery?
Or is my control lacking accuracy?
Hey, Maruo.
Yes?
I heard that you're training to use control as a part of your strategy.
But you're thinking too much about it and looking down at your hands too much.
Look at your opponent
and at the whole court, not just where the ball makes contact.
The opponent and the court, too...
Can that be done?
All right!
Look at the opponent...
And the whole court.
Control!
I-I looked too far ahead!
What is he doing?
He's so, well...
He's clumsy, you know?
It's hard to believe he only started playing at fifteen and got this far...
It's no good. I need to broaden my field of vision.
Give half of my attention to the connection,
and the other half to my opponent and the direction I want to hit...
Down the line!
Out. 30-love.
I could see his movements just now!
And my control wasn't too shaky.
All right!
One more time!
Strong hits and scoring on the second phase.
Widen my view, and use control!
Game, set. Winner: Pedro. Score: 6-2.
Yes! Now I can play Ike!
Little by little...
I'm starting to get it!
Florida Exchange Program Day 7
My short stay abroad is approaching its second week.
I'm getting used to the strong hits.
And I've finally acclimated to the two-phase method.
If I can't score on the first shot, I try again on the second.
I'm always in a mindset of "defeat or be defeated,"
so there's no time to think. I just let my body react.
This is what tennis is for me now!
Whew, another day done.
Come to think of it, the year's almost over.
Yeah, it'll be New Year's Eve soon.
Hey, Maruo-kun!
Ike-kun!
You're doing well. Mike had nothing but praise for you.
He said you learn fast.
Really?
I'm glad to hear that.
So?
When are you gonna face me?
That's right...
I know I'm adapting to this style of tennis, but I still haven't won a match.
I'll be there within the week!
I see, I see.
I'll be looking forward to it!
Yeah.
Florida Exchange Program Day 8
One-set match. Maruo to serve.
If I really am getting better,
I'd like to see proof of it.
Christopher is fifteen and aiming for the pros.
Last time, I lost 6-2,
but today, I'm focused on winning.
I'm going in expecting to beat everyone here.
No, I will beat them!
I'll deal with the stronger shots from the back and use my control to score!
Oh, he's doing pretty well.
He really did improve.
Game: Maruo. 1-0.
Now's my chance!
Out!
Damn...
Game: Christopher. 6-5.
If I hit it here and tie the score again...
Game, set. Winner: Christopher.
Score: 7-5.
Yes!
But that was the best match I've had.
I can do it next time!
Maruo, you're up with Roger next.
All right.
Today I lost all three matches again.
This makes twenty-four straight losses.
It'd be one thing if I were up against top players,
but to think I keep losing against players
who aren't that much better than me...
Florida Exchange Program Day 9
I'm going to win today!
Game, set. Winner: Robbie.
Score: 6-4.
Game, set. Winner: Pedro.
Score: 7-5.
I'm in good shape today...
And yet I can't win points when I need to the most!
Out!
Game, set. Winner: Atsushi.
Score: 6-4.
This makes twenty-seven straight losses.
Why?
I'm able to pull off the new techniques I've learned...
And sometimes I even get close to winning.
So why can't I win?
Maruo.
I feel like I should have at least won a set.
Maruo...
This 3-5 game, when I failed at control after getting to 30-all, really hurt.
I'm better prepared to handle risks,
so why do I keep missing at these crucial times?!
Maruo.
Yes?!
I've been calling your name.
Oh...
You want to be a pro, right?
Y-Yes.
Then...
Believe in yourself.
Believe in... myself?
Panicking or getting upset won't change a thing.
Relax and stay positive.
Oh, right...
Well, goodnight.
Goodnight.
Thanks, Alex.
But...
It's getting harder to believe in myself.
I'm confident I can work harder than others.
But to actually do better than others...
I never felt like I could do that.
Game. Winner: Robbie.
Score: 6-4.
Why?
Why can I still not win?
Maruo.
Oh... Yes?
You're definitely advancing and making progress.
You have my word on that as the chief coach.
However, right now, you've gotten into the habit of losing.
The habit of losing?
In the moment that determines whether you win or lose,
your desire to win takes over and makes you hit too hard.
That causes you to lose, so you end up hitting even harder.
It's a vicious cycle.
No way...
Head to the monitor room.
Mike is waiting for you.
A habit of losing?
What am I supposed to do about that?
What does it even mean to have a "habit of losing"?
Oh, Eichiro!
I know I could just not care about winning, but that's impossi—
Pull yourself together!
H-Hey!
Why is Marcia with you?
I'm escorting him.
Apparently.
After looking at your game footage,
the cause of your losing habit became very clear.
Losing habit?
Eichiro has that?
I feel like I'm about to win, but I never do.
In order to get used to the different style of tennis over here,
you didn't give winning much thought and concentrated on improving your skill.
As a result, you've quickly gotten used
to the style, and your technique has improved.
But on the flip side,
your instincts started to lose confidence as you lost match after match.
What?
So your reason wanted to win and started focusing more on that,
but your instincts haven't regained their confidence.
That is the nature of your losing habit.
So I just have to get my instincts confident again?
Yes, basically, you just need to believe in yourself.
Believe in myself?
Alex said the same thing to me last night.
Because he's the same way.
Since he went pro, with his livelihood depending on whether he wins or loses,
he's been on a losing streak.
I think he feels pressured to provide for the family, and that's why he's struggling.
Alex is going through that?
I didn't know how dire his situation was.
If I became a pro and played tennis every day
and continued to lose like this,
I wonder if I'd be able to say such a thing.
Believe in yourself.
Alex is amazing.
But the same goes for all of us.
We all want to be pros, but anyone can have a losing streak.
But in the professional world, it's not the people who lose,
but the people who lose faith in themselves that end up dropping out.
That's what Alex tells me all the time.
Marcia...
You're not even a pro yet, just like me, so stop moping around already!
Now, now.
So, Mike...
What should I do to get my instincts to be confident again?
This is a slump that many people who badly want to win go through.
But it's a struggle within yourself, so everyone deals with it a different way.
There's no right answer.
No right answer?
I won't tell you to try hard, because you're doing so already.
Instead, I'll tell you this.
Good luck!
I'm rooting for you!
Are you saying it's up to luck?
Good luck.
One-set match. Pedro to serve.
I know what's wrong now, thanks to Mike.
But what exactly do I do to get my instincts confident again?
Game: Pedro. 1-0.
Out. Game: Pedro.
2-0.
Damn...
Eichiro's using too much power.
It's just the first half of the game, and he's too worried about winning.
Whoa!
Are you all right?
Yeah!
I didn't even realize they were untied.
How can I be confident if I can't even keep track of myself?
My strings are messed up, too.
Judging by how I've started, this could be my worst match yet.
You ready?
Yeah!
Keep it together!
If my best isn't enough, the rest is up to luck!
Love-15.
Huh?
That one was good.
Yeah.
How?
I tripped on my shoelace and fell,
my strings were messed up, and I returned the shot without even having a plan.
Could it be a fluke?
But there's no other explanation.
I'll try the same exact thing again.
I don't have time to fix my shoelaces, so I'll fix my strings first.
I also took a deep breath, right?
Nice return!
I can go in for the shot on the second phase!
Yes!
Love-30.
I didn't put in too much power that time.
I have no basis for this,
but I seem to do well after fixing my strings and taking a deep breath.
It's worth trying it again.
All right!
15-30.
30-all.
40-30.
Game: Pedro. 3-0.
I've gotten better, but it's still not enough to break his serve.
Game: Maruo. 3-1.
At least I was able to hold serve.
15-love.
15-all.
Maruo's attitude has changed.
He was able to hold serve,
but if he doesn't break Pedro's serve, he's gonna lose again.
Game: Pedro. 4-1.
Game: Maruo. 4-2.
Game: Pedro. 5-2.
Game: Maruo. 5-3.
If I don't win the next game, I'll lose the match.
Every point is crucial from here on out.
And if I don't strike offensively, I won't be able to break serve.
Fixing my strings and taking a deep breath
does sound kind of superstitious,
but if it can help me play tennis offensively...
I'll trust it!
He's paying a lot of attention to his strings.
That's it!
It's a routine.
Routine? You mean when an athlete does a certain behavior every time he plays?
That's right.
Doing the same thing every time as a routine
helps maintain a constant state of mind and consistent movements.
People often do this while serving.
They bounce the ball the same amount of times each serve.
When Ei-chan fell before and took up time,
he might have discovered his own routine.
He fell, but he got lucky?
Coming up with new ideas in situations like that is what Ei-chan does best!
30-all.
30-all. This next point is the most important.
1/64...
Control!
30-40.
It went in!
I can do this!
Game: Maruo. 5-4.
Pedro leads.
He broke serve!
Yeah, he's not using too much power now.
I wanna keep this up!
I don't want to change my plan, movements, mindset, or anything if I don't have to!
What's most important now isn't doing my best so I can win.
Game: Maruo. 5-all.
It's doing what I've always done before:
believing in myself!
Game: Maruo. 6-5.
Maruo leads.
Maruo broke serve again.
Game, set.
Winner: Maruo. Score: 7-5.
Finally...
I finally won!
Ei-chan, nice game!
Damn it!
He's finally at the starting line.
Hey, look at that.
It's like he won for the first time in his life.
My first win in America!
Next Time
On the day we had our New Year's party,
I got to talk with Mike, Ike-kun, Atsushi-san, and everyone about a lot of things.
We talked about families, significant others, friends...
And about our favorite tennis athletes.
We even talked about our future in tennis.
The next morning, I woke up at five,
and on the court was my first opponent of the year.
Data for the Future
On the next episode of Baby Steps:
"Data for the Future."
End