Psyching out
Published: 30 Aug 2004 - 18:29 by rippa rit
Updated: 13 Jan 2008 - 09:15
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On lookers can be off putting prior to an important match. Some comments may be innocent, some may come from friends of the opposition just to upset you, and put self doubt in your mind.
An example of the comments made while doing your preparation and stretches, or while just moving about the squash courts:-
- Having trouble striking form lately?
- Watch out for this opponent, they are tough.
- You've put on a bit of weight. Do you feel fit?
So, in case you are not aware of it, these comments can be used as a tactic, and can affect your mind.
Tip: Always focus on the things you can control, eg who you speak with, who you look at, who you listen to, etc.
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From rippa rit - 13 Jan 2008 - 09:15
From dazza_16390 - 12 Jan 2008 - 02:27 - Updated: 12 Jan 2008 - 02:27
I dont know why people go to these tactics, its all in body language
-Your opponent is puffing for breath, then look as if your not tired
-If he/she takes their time and leaves the ball roll to the end of the court, get it for them
-Always look and be sharp and concentrate
then your shots will do the psyching out for you, rather than concentrating on tactics, concentrate on shots
it works just as well for juniors as i am one, people who try to psyche me out just pump me up to play my best
From rippa rit - 11 Jan 2008 - 13:39 - Updated: 11 Jan 2008 - 13:41
Adam - I guess this is a personal thing too. It can just be a way of messing with your mind, and these thoughts can over-ride your concentration. For instance, if you had had an injury and were coming back it could have a different effect on your confidence.
If you had previously lost to this particular opponent, comments might make you feel a bit more sensitive too.
A bit of "egging on" can be good if you are a bit flat, but then if you are already up tight it might just push you into an over-aroused state.
From adam_pberes - 11 Jan 2008 - 11:31
It seems to be a bit different for me. Not sure why. Probably cause I'm a junior, and very competitive. I've found I play at my best when people start saying things like that. It just adds the extra edge.
Like if they told me I put on a bit of weight (which, is unlikely, most people tell me I need to put ON weight. :S )But if they did, That would just push me, so then afterwards I could go, hey looks like a fat guy beat you.
It just seems to push me.
*P.S I'm not saying Fat people don't win. I'm just rubbing it in their faces.
From bbob - 07 Dec 2004 - 09:23
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dazza - you are right, concentrate on anything to do with the match that you can control will help your mind focus heaps better.
The bit about the opponent getting tired, is often nerves too. Have you ever felt by the middle of the first game your are out of breath? And, worse still your legs/coordination are out of sync and that is when you hit the tin, tighten up, etc. and sometimes get cranky with yourself.
Have a read of this as it might help understand what is going on.
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