what can i do to calm down before a match?

Question

i get so nervous before a match and i always drop the first set because of unforced errors what can i do to calm down?

Answer 1

i play varsity tennis at school; the main thing i do in the first set is to get the ball in, even if it means taking some power off your shots; like your problem, you don't want to get behind, so think accuracy, not power

Answer 2

I Always Listen To A Little Music Before I Go Out On The Court. Then I Always Mentaly Come Up With A Game Plan As To How I Am Going To Play, & What Stratagy I Am Going To Use, Then In Warm Ups I See How My Opponent Is Playing And See Their Weaknesses And Concentrate On Not Letting Myself Do The Same Mistakes They Are. But The Coming Up With A Stratagy I Think Works The Best For Me Though Because It Builds Up My Confidence No Matter How Good The Other Player Is. Hope This Helps!

Answer 3

The trick is to stay calm DURING the match, from beginning to end.

Here are 4 tips to stay calm during the match:

1. Be mildly aware of your breathing. It's steady rhythm will keep you calm and loose.

2. Play only one point at a time. This keeps you in the Present, and stops you from projecting a negative Future outcome which can be paralyzing.

3. Concentrate on the ball. This way you won't get overly excited by your opponent or any other outside interferences.

4. Don't place too much emphasis on beating your opponent. Instead, just try to produce your best tennis game.

If you're truly the better player, you'll win. If you're not the better player, you'll have played your best and enjoyed every minute.

Answer 4

The best thing you can do is get your feet moving. Do a bit of jump rope before. When you hit the courts run. During warm up try and not let the ball bounce twice. When you are returning serve keep your feet moving. Nerves will affect your feet the most so keep that in mind. The more tournaments you play the easier or more relaxed you should get.

Answer 5

Listen to Chris Spherris, friends and lovers. Close your eyes, visualize victory and just emerse yourself in the music. I can assure you that you will be at least a little more relaxed before the match. I know it's cliche' but take some deep breaths. It really does help. Good luck!

Answer 6

Try stretching well, then follow up with tensing a group of muscles (legs, arms, body) at a time for 10 secs. This will get the lactic acid flowing in you just enough to help you relax but keep you good and streched to prevent injury.

Answer 7

sing a song in your head. seriously. something you like but that is upbeat but not crazy. also focus on the ball in warmup, saying "boom bounce hit" (boom= when your opponent hits the ball; bounce when it bounces, hit when you hit the ball.) it gets you into a rhythm and you focus on the play rather than your nerves. also try aiming more for the middle of the court and play high percentages rather than the lines and low percentage shots. i always play more conservatively in the first few games until i'm fully warmed up, then go for the low percentage winner occasionally. build your confidence, then take more risks. seriously, it works for me. good luck!

Answer 8

Listening to music always calms me down!

Answer 9

i like to listen to music before my matches

Answer 10

watch tv go on the internet and listen to music, sleep be4 the game