7 Tips to Keep Your Head in the Game

Written by
Kirsten Korosec
Even the most technically accomplished tennis players can lose matches if they lack mental toughness. Before you step on the court, make sure your mental game is as sound as your forward hand, volley and serve. These seven tips will get you started.
Control Your Anger
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So you just missed an easy overhead or double faulted a serve at a critical point of the game. Don't show your frustration. Angry muttering and swearing under your breath (or not) might be how you normally let off steam. However, these outbursts send a signal of weakness to your opponent. Find other less expressive ways to handle these low points in the game.
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Be Present
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Mentally tough players are focused on the present, not the past. When a player starts to think about the last point, game or set, he or she is more likely to miss a shot or fail to recognize a strategic opening. Quick tip: Some players speak silently to themselves to stay in the moment. They follow the movement of the ball and call it out (quietly) as it moves. So, they might say 'bounce' as it comes over the net and then 'hit' as they strike the ball.
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Support Your Partner
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Maintain positive support with your doubles partner no matter what happens. This achieves two goals: your opponents see a united and powerful front and your partner won't feel the pressure to perform.
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Don't Hang Your Head
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A good player watches for weakness and then takes advantage of momentum shifts in the game. The best way to avoid that is to play every point like it matters. Once the point ends, focus all of your attention on what happens next. Don't hang your head or give off other signs that you're not confident in your play. Even if you know you're playing poorly, shake it off and pretend that all is right with the world.
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Don't Make Excuses
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If you're losing, don't waste your time and effort blaming it on your environment. Too windy or cold? Your opponent is playing in the same conditions. Your strings aren't the right kind? Make the necessary adjustments. Focusing on the weather or other factors out of your control makes you feel helpless and takes your attention away from the game.
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Try a Carefree Approach
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Many tennis players get nervous before matches, even when it's supposed to be a fun game between friends. Nervous players tend to be tentative, which can cause unforced errors. The most successful players are those who have learned to play with a carefree attitude. What's the trick> Everyone has different methods to get to that confident, stress-free place. Some get on the court early and give themselves more time to warm-up. Developing a warm-up routine and working up a sweat before the match can help get rid of jitters.
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Act on Your Opponent's Weaknesses
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If you see your opponent violating any of the no-no's described earlier—showing anger, frustration, berating their partner or playing tentatively—act on it. Play confident and aggressive and your opponent's attitude will likely worsen and lead to more unforced errors.
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