Watching tennis greats such as Venus Williams, Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, and the like is awe-inspiring. Their grace, speed, and dexterity seem, at times, superhuman.

You wonder how they became so adept, so skillful. Were they born a natural? Is it their rigorous training schedule? Their hunger for the game?

The Paseo Club is a social club with fitness facilities, a junior-Olympic pool, and tennis and pickleball courts. We offer court games, events, classes, and private training sessions to members throughout the year. 

In this article, we will explore the meanings of talent and potential. Although most of us are not professional athletes, this topic offers insight into how we can be the best version of ourselves — at all skill levels and ages.

Talent on the tennis court

What does talent mean in regard to athleticism or sports?

Talent is a natural aptitude or skill inherent within someone. 

In tennis, some people seem to have a “knack” for the game. 

• Better hand-eye coordination 
• An inclination toward great footwork 
• The quickness that comes without trying
• A groove for figuring out the patterns of a specific sport or activity   
  
  

Is talent something a person is born with?

Like anything else, some people are born with an affinity for certain things. It may be a talent for drawing, engineering, or for an athletic endeavor.  

Certainly, genetics can help, but genetics is not going to win you tournaments. At the highest level, tennis becomes chess with a racket, so while a specific body type can help you move well on the court, it will not aid you in high pressure situations when you are under stress.  

The best athletes are AT THEIR BEST in the face of adversity. The statistics do not lie. Tennis greats, such as Federer, are better in a 30-30 or 30-40 pressure situation compared to 15-15.  

You can have all the predestined genetics and talent in the world — but at the end of the day it is the hard work that sets you apart.

Lots of people have talent, but it is what you do with it that matters. Many people underestimate how hard guys like Federer work. Their dedication is what turned them into the players they are now, NOT their talent.

Why do some people show an aptitude for certain sports?

Sometimes aptitude seems to be passed down. Certain athletes, such as Coco Gauff, who had two incredible athletes as parents, have aptitude for athletics that she appeared to be born with. 

Other people just seem to be “good” at something from an early age, regardless of genetics or background. 

Scientists are still learning what role genetics has in talent. There have been times when athletes show a unique trait that is innate, but that is more of an exception than the rule. 

Potential on the tennis court

What does potential mean in regard to athleticism or sports?

Potential is the untapped opportunity from within. Whether or not you have talent, you can develop potential, which is the desire to work on your sport. The people who work on their potential are the ones who always learn and work to be their best.

Is potential something you are born with?

People are born with talent. 

Potential is what you make out of it. You can develop a work ethic that actualizes whatever your full potential might be. Potential comes from discipline, determination, and often sacrifice. 

When you have a fire inside to propel yourself to work hard, that is potential. It is not something that can be taught — it only comes from within the individual.  

So, while a talented player might have more potential overall, they will not even reach it without applying themselves. And, of course, a less talented player can reach a higher potential through their disciplined efforts, rather than a player that only relies on talent.

How can a person know what their potential is?

You can only find out what you are capable of if you work hard and try to achieve new goals. 

This is where a good coach is essential. Coaches keep their minds open because not every player develops the same way.  

Some kids can concentrate for long periods at an early age, others cannot, but that does not mean they will not get there eventually. 

Potential is a longer process — it takes time to get there. A player needs to understand this. Hard work will not just pay off overnight — it is a process.

How can a person know when they have reached their full potential?

Potential changes as people evolve. 

The fullest potential of a junior tennis player will evolve into the fullest potential of a collegiate tennis player, and the evolution of the collegiate player transitions into an adult player. 

It could be said that no one who is driven to find their potential EVER reaches it. People continue to work to evolve, fine-tune, and get better. 

What is the mindset of a person who is utilizing their potential?

The person who utilizes their potential has the mindset that they have nothing to lose. They’ve put in the effort and now compete to reach the perfect day/match/game/event. 

The mindset of such a person is very focused. They know what they want, they have a plan in place and they follow it in a very disciplined manner. 

Every day you have to put in the work and be willing to grind to get better.  Determination can move mountains.

How do talent and potential work together to help an individual succeed?

Talent is wonderful because the most skillful athlete must have the talent to reach the highest levels.  

But all the talent in the world will be useless if you don’t have the fire within yourself to use your talent to become even better. 

Fire, dedication, and passion are potential. A player with potential is always willing to work hard and give their best. It’s apparent every time they practice and play. 

How to be your best on the tennis court

Your natural ability or aptitude for sports can vary. But through dedication and commitment, you can rise to your greatest potential.

Since potential is a constantly moving target, the goal-seeking nature of the process never ceases. This mentality helps athletes of all ages and abilities stay fresh, excited, and fit, including for senior athletes.

The Paseo Club has been mentoring members in their sport of choice for almost twenty years. Members can work out on their own, join one of over 60 group fitness classes, or get a little one-on-one with a private trainer.

If you’d like to see the facilities in person, schedule a tour of the Paseo Club.

To learn more about how to strengthen your tennis game, check out these articles:

• Meditation and tennis
• The Non-dominant hand’s role in tennis
• The 7 best warm-ups for tennis and pickleball