Volume Up to Zone In!

Published: 28 Nov 2004 - 14:33 by rippa rit

Updated: 30 Sep 2007 - 13:21

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A former student, who had relocated from interstate to be under my tutelage found it difficult to concentrate or get into the "zone". He would forget his game plan half-way through the match, and then get cranky. His mind would often be elsewhere and as a result he would play 3 really excellent points, and then go off the track for 3 points, and so on.

We tried some of these strategies:

Play a radio loudly at the back of the court during a lesson, or practice session, to improve concentration skills. Focus, in spite of the noise.

Formulate a game plan while sitting in the TV Room.

Train the brain to block out external distractions without feeling disturbed, frustrated or angry.

Visualise playing the match, eg lob serve and return, good length, etc in a room where others are talking.

Find a way of deeper concentration.

Those players who can stay in the "playing zone" can be hard to beat as they are unaffected by the opponent's moods, remarks, actions, etc..

By the way, this Under 19 player was subsequently accepted into the Australian Institute of Sport, played the overseas circuit, and became a Coach in Europe.