• These are repeated positive statements that you make to yourself (usually aloud) and/or write down about any aspect of yourself or your skills.
• They are always made in the present tense and should be short statements (made when not competing or training). eg I always get to the T quickly.

Looking at how players create a positive and/or negative environment

• This is the state of anxiety or nervousness one feels before and during a match.
• To be over aroused means that you are too hyped up and on edge.
•  To be under aroused means that you are too relaxed and laid back.
• The ideal is optimum arousal which strikes a balance between the two extremes.

• Simple words or short phrases, that promote a train of  thought.
• All cues need to be transformed into positive thought/action.
• Usually used in conjunction with mental imagery, which, when spoken or thought about, automatically represent an action, strategy or process which has been practiced.

Acting positively on our thoughts

• The ability to keep thinking about the game plan.
• To concentrate, without distraction, for an entire match including:
• The ability to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent
• Keep reviewing the basics of the game plan for its effectiveness.
• Stay positive right to the end of the match.
• Keep our mind within the court and focus on the task at hand.
• Minimise distractions from outside the court, including the Referee

See the Goal Setting page Link:

• This is the imagination of all the senses, ie images, sounds, smells, feelings and emotions which assist in developing skills and modifying behaviour.
• Practising this technique will assist focussing on the task, and give a deep sense of concentration.

• The ability to carry out tactical and technical skills to the best of your ability when under pressure from intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

• Extrinsic Factors are factors which are outside your own thoughts or actions - usually not under your direct control.
•  Intrinsic Factors are your own thoughts or actions.

• Positive statements made to yourself either aloud or silently, during practice or competition, especially when under pressure.
• Positive self talk can work very effectively with cue words

• Relaxation is the technique to reduce mental stress and anxiety levels and to reduce muscle tension.

• In the mental sense routines are actions which automatically trigger practiced points of concentration either mental or physical during a quiet time in competition.
• Often done in conjunction with imagery and cue words, eg pre serve routines establish the things that must be done in the coming rally.

• The ability to correct, change or adjust tactical and/or technical skills during competition.
• Can be done with the help of cue words and routines.

• The physical action(s) or skill(s) or segment of a skill which has to be performed,. eg hit the ball, swing the racket.
• A  process based performance is one in which there has been a concentration on the tasks involved in the performance, not the result or outcome.