Any discussion of how to compete is irrelevant before one knows what type of competitor one already is. This article seeks to help the reader to ascertain where he or she currently is. Three of the most common competitive states are represented by the sections, Player A, Player B and Player C. As you read on, ask yourself which one of these players matches your competitive intention. You may find yourself resembling one player more than the others, or, more likely, you will find yourself to be a unique amalgam of these types. After you've finished, feel free to respond to the sections. E-mail your response to us and be able to share your unique, competitive qualities with the rest of our readers. Your responses may be published in future issues as we develop our dialogue on our "Winning Ways"

Player A

I hurl every shot,
Explode with every step,
Execute precise strategies,
Cut fine angles
And create new geometries.
I will overwhelm with an exhibition of the sport.

I curse every error,
Denounce the luck of my foe.
I punish my faulty equipment
I swipe at the wind
And spit on the cracked court.

I stoke my anger to sustain my passion.
I exert force on force until I have no more.

Player B

I will not miss.
I will give them no quarter.
I shall neutralize every attack.
I will chase down the last ball.
I won't risk the loss.

I send everything back,
Hacking, if that's what it takes.
Chopping, flailing,
Sprawling, clawing--
It ain't pretty,
But an ugly win
Is still a win.

I refuse to miss.
I contest every call and

Steal every close one--
"Benefit of the doubt," indeed.
I break his concentration,
Disrupt his composure,
Undermine his confidence,
Until he forfeits the victory.

I never quit,
Hounding until the end
I'll win or I die
I lose, I die.

Player C

It has begun!
Let's play and
Challenge each other
To execute and exult in this instant,
This honing test of our skills.

I find my balance,
Orient my senses and
Search out the rhythms of this day.
I establish my wide and deep base
And stretch the expanse
Of today's unique positions.

My influence extends
And touches yours.
Yours reach out and shape mine.
Somewheres and somewhens,
Joy is found in the meet of our difference.
Wonderment and astonishment form
In appreciation of our shared goals.