Use Mind Tennis for a Better Game

-- Mechanics: Too much focus on how to
move your arm/shoulder/etc.; emulating extreme stroke actions you've seen the
pros make -- this type of focus detracts from what your body can do and the
success you can have.

-- Fear of Failure: This is a future focus
(fearing match outcome) that undermines your game.

-- Self Criticism: This is a past focus that
tightens the muscles and inhibits success.

-- Distractions on Court: Some distractions
are unavoidable, but distractions need to be minimized.

• Visual


• Tactile Feel


• Attention

Big Racket -- Picture your racket head or hitting area as much larger than it really is. In your mind you've got a very large "sweet spot", and you can't help but hit the ball solidly and with authority.

Ball Over Net -- See, in your mind's eye, the ball you hit going over the net at the height and pace you want. Do this visualization while waiting to receive serve, while running for a shot, and as you hit your shots.

Low CG (Center of Gravity) -- See your body as in balance, low to the ground, and with feet/shoes almost magnetically attracted to the court surface. Thus, you move gracefully, but with power and assurance, to any part of the court.

Volley Wedge -- Offshoot of Ball Over Net. As you step into your volleys, realize the increased space you have to hit into. See that space as a huge wedge shape that only gets larger the closer you are to the net.

Breathe -- Feel your lungs as you breathe. They are bringing you energy. Feeling this helps distract your critical mind from interfering with your natural ability to succeed.

The Thump -- Feel the clean thump as the ball hits your racket. Strive to duplicate that feel. Augment this with the sound of the ball on the strings when the hit is solid.

Court Ball Racket -- Keep it simple. The court, the ball, and the racket are all you need to be thinking about. This is hardest to do between points and at change overs. So, at those times, focus on the Visuals and Tactile Feel Keys listed above. Note how often the pros seem absorbed with their racket strings between points. This helps them avoid extraneous and defeating type thoughts.

Ball Focus -- There is disagreement as to whether tennis players can actually see the seams on the ball as it hurtles towards them. But just trying to see the seems and the spin will keep your attention where it belongs. Watch the ball up to as close to your racket as is comfortable. This not only reduces mishits, it helps block out distractions. Players like Roger Federer are excellent at tracking the ball to the hit.

Present Focus -- Much has been written about this in sports and in life outside of sports. In fact, being "in the zone" is a prime example of Present Focus where we lose track of time and see only the mission at hand. Your attention should be on where you are right now. In tennis, that means moving away from self criticism (past focus) and blocking out concern about outcomes (future focus). When you learn to control your attention, you give yourself the best chance to succeed. So, work to "stay in the present"!

When I prepare for a match, particularly if I haven't played for awhile, it's very reassuring to see notes I've made on what was working in previous matches.

So, when something is working well (be it your mental game or the mechanics of your shots), find time to jot it down somewhere so you can review prior to your next match. I use index cards tucked into my tennis bag for this.

Here's to your tennis success, however you define it. I hope the right mental approach puts you over the top!

P.S. Check out the offers I found below for more tips in controlling your mental game.

Good Stuff

THE MENTAL MANUAL FOR TENNIS WINNERS - Learn what goes through the mind of tennis winners and use their secrets. This is the quickest way to improving your game and mental toughness.

CLICK HERE

RENEGADE MINDSET TECHNIQUES FOR TENNIS reveals easy-to-use tennis psychology techniques to overcome lack of confidence, skill, physical power and practice time on the court.

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