Two Mental Tips to Help You Win on the Courts

Don't just "Try to be Positive". Instead, actively PRACTICE POSITIVITY with reflection, written statements and self-talk.

Positivity refers to our tendency to be optimistic. When we have positivity, we might think positive, have positive emotions, and do positive things. Positivity can lead to better mental health and well-being - and better tennis matches.

In the morning of GAME DAY (and every day?), list three things you are grateful for - and recite them. These may be related to tennis and/or to life. This should bring positivity and a new level of gratefulness to your life (and the match).

And practice positive self-talk. Start by following one simple rule: Don't say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to anyone else. Be gentle and encouraging with yourself. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and respond with affirmations of what is good about you, your game, your experiences.

Don't just "Try to be Consistent". Instead, create new habits and routines - and follow them religiously.

Routines provide a lot of key benefits. You have a morning routine, for example, because it works, it reduces stress, it makes you feel in control, it allows you to focus and it readies you to also respond to anything unexpected.

SAME GOES FOR YOUR TENNIS GAME!

FORM GREAT ROUTINES to quickly improve your tennis game!

GAME DAY: From proper sleep, nutrition and hydration to win visualization and attire, do things a little differently (and consistently) each game day so that you set the stage for your best tennis.

MATCH WARM UP: Find the right warm up routine for you and do it every time. Increase your heart rate & body temp. so your body is 100% ready. Shift to relax or energize with thoughts or music. Visualize your best game, boost yourself up & enter the court ready to fight.

CHANGE OVER: These can be 90-second momentum changers. Of all the possible activities that a player can do during the changeover, the two that give you the most significant advantage over your opponent are 1) optimizing your mind and 2) thinking about your strategy.

BETWEEN POINTS: RESPOND and consider what just happened in the point (and if there is a learning opportunity there?!), RELAX, REFOCUS and get READY.

YOUR SERVE: Always pick the target/location and type of serve and commit to the plan. Take time to get your mind focused on the plan for each serve, breathe deep, bounce the ball a few times, and serve to win.

YOUR RETURN OF SERVE: As part of your routine, observe the server’s strengths and choices. Is there a pattern to the types and locations of their first/and or second serves? Learn to anticipate the serve you will receive and have a plan for where and how you want to send the ball back.

We hope you find these helpful! These are just TWO mental tips from the MANY that we will discuss and work on in the upcoming tennis camp.

"Tennis is a Mental Game. Everyone is fit, hits great forehands and backhands." - Novak Djokovic

“Tennis is Mostly Mental... You win or lose the match before you even go out there.” – Venus Williams