This is one I definitly know, I seem to play well in the friendlies, even though in my mind they are as competitive as the league games as soon as I play a league match it all goes to pot, I think I can tick every single of of the list rita gives for what goes wrong, and that was just tonight's match

Back to top

Adz - sometimes we just get complacent and think we will win 'cos we are better, or because we won last time, which is a ridiculous game plan...in fact it aint a plan at all.  I have had students in major matches up 7:3 and lose the game, and come off and rant that the opponent is too good, or they are playing crap. It is not about playing badly it is about thinking clearly.

It is silly you know, if I go to the grocery shop to buy butter, and then get to the checkout and forget that I already have it in my trolley, they say I am going mad.  But, if we play a game and forget what we are doing that is OK, welll.....

Back to top

I've been having a tough time of things myself recently.

I played two matches on the bounce to try and build up some stamina. Both guys I know I can beat, and both guys play a style that conflicts with mine, so they're great training partners to have. The first match I took too easy, so ended up having to come back from 2-1 down to win 3-2. The second match was a disaster. I got my a$$ handed to me on a plate.... TO SIX POINTS!!!!

Ouch!

Since then I was off the pace a bit. One more humiliating defeat from someone I normally beat easily and then a reasonable performance in doubles.

I think I finally got through it yesterday by simply repeating to myself..... "Relax and flow". My game is best played when I stride around the court and control my movement and position. When I get unfocused or stressed is stops working and I end up trying to trade mid-court shots that are 3ft from the wall!!

So this thread mixed with the thread on mental toughness of champions is worth a read to anyone! Get yourself some verbal keys that make you change your game or focus in a different way.

And above all else..... Believe in yourself and know what you can achieve when playing to your true potential!

Back to top