Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Pinsky's "Tennis" is a poem that explores the intricate balance between physical skill, mental discipline, and strategic thinking inherent in the game of tennis. Through its five sections—each focusing on a different aspect of the game—Pinsky delves into the deeper philosophical and psychological elements that underpin not just tennis, but life's broader challenges.

The first section, "The Service," introduces the game with a focus on the serve, a moment that requires both physical precision and mental clarity. Pinsky describes the act of serving as one that involves "the nerve to make a high toss" and the "sense of when the ball is there." This moment is more than just a physical action; it requires a kind of mental detachment, a focus that excludes everything else: "forgetting cancer, / Or panic learning how to swim or walk, / Forgetting what the score is, names of plants, / And your first piece of ass." The serve becomes a metaphor for the way we must sometimes isolate ourselves from distractions, fears, and memories to perform effectively. The motion of the serve—described with detailed attention to the body’s mechanics—represents a fusion of body and mind, a moment where pure action takes precedence over everything else.

In "Forehand," Pinsky shifts to a different stroke, emphasizing the straightforwardness and vulnerability it entails. The forehand is described as "a cruel test," a moment of exposure where "no excuses" are allowed. Yet, Pinsky softens this harshness by reflecting on the word "stroke" itself, linking it to gentler actions like stroking a cat or brushing a woman's hair. This connection introduces a tactile, intimate element to the forehand, contrasting the aggressive connotations of "stroke" with notions of care and precision. The detailed instructions—"Pull back the racket well behind you, drop it / And lift it, meeting the ball well out in front"—emphasize the importance of technique, but Pinsky also acknowledges the wisdom embedded in clichés like "Keep your eye on the ball." These pieces of advice, though often trite, are described as "the coinage of advice," small, enduring truths that, like well-worn coins, remain valuable despite their familiarity.

The third section, "Backhand," introduces a sense of difficulty and panic, reflecting the common struggle many players face with this stroke. Pinsky notes that "panic may be a problem," and describes how it can cause players to rely too much on their arms, neglecting the coordination of the whole body. The solution, he suggests, lies in achieving a kind of holistic balance, symbolized by the "Uroborus, the serpent / Of energy and equilibrium," an ancient symbol of cyclical renewal. The backhand, when approached with the right mindset, becomes a mirror image of the forehand, demonstrating the importance of adaptability and mental balance. The motion of the backhand, described as a "circular motion from the shoulder, / Hips, ankles, and knees," emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body’s movements, suggesting that success in tennis—and in life—depends on harmony between different parts of oneself.

"Strategy," the fourth section, shifts the focus from physical execution to mental tactics. Here, Pinsky explores the importance of thinking ahead, hitting "to the weakness," and using the geometry of the court to one’s advantage. The discussion of crosscourt versus down-the-line shots reveals the underlying logic and chess-like strategy of tennis. Pinsky advises hitting crosscourt because it limits the opponent's options, demonstrating that success often depends on limiting the choices of others while maximizing one’s own. The section also touches on the importance of adaptability—knowing when to hit straight ahead, when to lob, and how to keep the opponent off balance. The comparison to animals, "bouncing in rhythm like a dog or seal," adds a playful yet instinctual layer to the strategy, suggesting that a successful player combines intellect with an almost animalistic responsiveness.

The final section, "Winning," moves beyond the mechanics and strategies of the game to address the psychological aspects of competition. Pinsky advocates for sportsmanship—"Call questionable balls his way, not yours"—and emphasizes the importance of self-control and mental resilience. The advice to "Wear white" and "Walk, never run, between points" reflects an understanding of the psychological warfare inherent in sports, where demeanor can influence an opponent’s perception and behavior. The final lines, "By understanding the world, and all its parts," elevate the game of tennis to a metaphor for life itself, where victory comes not just from skill, but from a deep understanding of oneself and the environment.

"Tennis" by Robert Pinsky is more than just a guide to playing tennis; it is a meditation on the interplay between the physical, mental, and strategic elements that define both the game and the human experience. Through detailed descriptions and philosophical reflections, Pinsky offers insights into how the principles of tennis can be applied to the broader challenges of life, where success depends on balance, adaptability, and the mastery of both body and mind.

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