in tennis i cant keep my head in the game. help?

Question

i am a decent tennis player, but when i drop a set i metally get thrown off and have a hard time rebounding. for example, today i was up 4-0 and dropped a set, i get mad and cant play normal. how can i avoid this

Answer 1

Check out a book called "The Inner Game of Tennis". It's been around for a while and is quite good and easy to read.

When these things happen, TRY to focus on what it is you want to have happen NOW, not what you did. When you say things to yourself like "I blew a lead, I suck", you are giving instructions to your subconcious mind TO suck. It's OK to think about the serve that went long or the volley you hit in the net BUT focus on what you will do DIFFERENTLY next time, not what you did wrong.

Answer 2

I used to be like that, so I know what you're going through. Basically what helped me was that I took deep breaths and thought about what I was doing wrong if I kept losing games and giving up points. I might even get something to drink and then get back into the game. What ever helps you start off good should help you end as well. What I'm saying is if you prepare for a game by a certain way try to bring that up again when you are getting side tracked of the game. It helps you concentrate more on the game. Either that or you can always force your frustration into your first serves and hope to get it in. That's what I do sometimes if I'm up by a lot in games.

Answer 3

You just have to stop thinking about that last set or else you won't be able to win any more points with an attitude. Also, calm down and concentrate on what your trying to do, and don't try to do to much, such as going for winners on every shot, and play smart. As a tennis player, it is hard for myself to not be frustrated with myself. But you have to forget about the previous point and keep thinking about the point at hand.

Also, say when you were up 4-2 and you know that you're losing control of your game, slow down between points, take a deep breath and concentrate on what your doing wrong and think about how to fix it.

Answer 4

that's a problem even for professionals...they can't let go a previous mistake or something. you have to play point by point. you miss one and move on...the next game is different from the previous one.

i usually go in there thinking i've already won....."this title is mine, what can you do to hurt me" attitude. i used to be the same way, i dwell on a missed point thinking i could have done a better shot instead of just moving on. since i've changed my attitude, i've been winning more. unless you're playing someone with a higher game than you do...chances are, you're equally the same. you know what you can do, use it...make the other person work for it. especially if you're up 4-0...if you drop a set, that shouldn't matter. you were able to break him before, twice even, take it back. don't go cautious because you lost a game. keep doing what you did before and you will get it back. of course, with breaking you back, your opponent certainly have gained a little confidence so that can be a factor you can't do anything about.

Answer 5

Read Jim Loehrs book on Tennis mental toughness, it is the best. You have to develop rituals that bring you back to your level. Bouncing the ball the same number of times etc.

Answer 6

Just try and pretend that u r down a set, or a couple games.
Its really difficult to stay focussed though.

Answer 7

control yourslef, it's just a game, don't get mad about it. don't waste your energy getting mad. every point is a new point. don't look into the past, look into the future. If you get mad you are more likely to stuff up the next point.

Answer 8

practice with friends it is the easiest thing