`Tennis,'

said the coach,* ``is relaxed concentration: The mind, able to predict the trajectory of the ball, can equally picture the player run and hit it when it bounces, low, medium, or high. And following this mental image, he hits it, with an awareness of every part of his being (even down to his little left toe) and a surge of joy rises in his chest like a column, as the ball, completing its cycle flies to the opponent's side. ``Then is a moment for composure, a shaking down to zero -- as a man, letting his thoughts flow through like water -- not touching. ``And before the ball reaches the opponent's racket, then,'' coach said, ``is when you play the game and plan the tactic and place the mental shot. The trauma is the ball. Most the battle with yourself. With the opponent, little.'' * Geoffrey Harvey