Need Help Improving My Game.

[TennisNinja]

I'm currently a 14 year old junior in the PNW section. Everyone (Coaches, friends, parents, even random people who just see me play) says that I should be a lot better player than what I show when I'm actually playing matches. Most of this happens when I'm playing tournaments. Technically, I have really good shots, but I struggle mentally. I occasionally lose my focus when I'm practicing and I'm having huge problems in matches.

In tournaments, I have no problem winning my first match, having not lost one in a long time. (Playing a mix of challengers and champs). I rarely win my second round match though. My biggest problem is that when I'm playing for something that counts, my game totally changes. In practice matches I set up points well, but in tournaments I tense up and start to hit high loopy shots and whenever I go for anything I miss. I'm really streaky and I can string together a lot of winning points, but then I'll do something stupid like whiff an overhead or double fault. I usually end up blowing a lot of matches.

Are there any tips on what I can do? It doesn't seem to matter who I'm playing against, this happens with people ranked at, above, and below my level. I've read Tennis Beyond Big Shots and Winning Ugly, and that has helped, but not as much as I've liked.

Thanks for any comments. It's late right now and if there's any info I'm missing, forgive me. (Playing at 3.5-4.0 level right now, played for three years. Hard time naturally moving and positioning on court. 5'11" 135 lbs.)

[aznteniizboi]

I used to have that problem too but i think i've gotten a little mentally stronger.The only advice I have is to basically calm down during the match and take your time. I think winning ugly puts it really well with the "don't rush me" concept. If you calm down and tell yourself what you are going to do, you should be able to execute well. And another thing that might help is if you don't think about losing or winning the point. If you're thinking too much about winning or losing, you're bound to get tense and screw up trying to hit something that you know you could have put away. Also when you're practicing try to play some matches where you put some pressure on yourself. Imagine you were playing a real tournament match to train mentally and be better prepared next time you actually do play at a tournament

[obnoxious2]

I think everyone has that problem. The hardest part is in the beginning of the match. Try to take deep breaths and clear your mind. And remember not to hold back on any shots just like practice. Don't worry about making errors. After a few shots where you haven't held back you will have the confidence.

[Gmedlo]

I think I know who you are ;) I may have even seen you at a tournament before.

My brother has played against some of the opponents you've lost to, and most of them are pretty tough. The symptoms you are describing are probably due to your court mentality. I just got over that same phase you are going through, and I'm finally champing up (16s). I got through it, surprisingly, by reading books, specifically Winning Ugly, by Brad Gilbert, and Vic Braden's Mental Tennis: Psyching yourself to a winning game. If you haven't read either of them, buy them now, or ask a coach; there's probably a 70% chance they have a copy of Winning Ugly you could borrow.

Keep working hard and trying to find out what works for you to keep focus on the court, and you'll eventually see a breakthrough in your results.

[baghdatis]

Join the club buddy.. I know how you feel and wish I could finaly start really winning matches.

I feel like I am cursed in a way..

[TennisNinja]

Thanks for the advice guys. Gmedlo, where do you play?
I got destroyed at another tournament today because I was constantly double faulting and none of my shots would stay in, while other times I was smashing winners. (No aces though). So streaky.... *sigh*

[Gmedlo]

Thanks for the advice guys. Gmedlo, where do you play?
I got destroyed at another tournament today because I was constantly double faulting and none of my shots would stay in, while other times I was smashing winners. (No aces though). So streaky.... *sigh*

I went from Sprinker in spanaway/tacoma (Ugh! Don't play tournaments there!), then left for a Balley's, won't say which one. But I've stuck with a private coach for the last 6~ years that moves around to a lot of clubs, he's currently at Amy Yee.

EDIT: 666th post :lol:

[TennisNinja]

Gmedlo I figured out who you are! Your name is familiar but I don't know who you are for sure. Your brother is named Scott right?

[Gmedlo]

Gmedlo I figured out who you are! Your name is familiar but I don't know who you are for sure. Your brother is named Scott right?

yep! So where do you hit?

Heh, you reminded me to look at my brother's ranking... It kind of cracked me up seeing it, shows that he has a lot of focus during matches, if you catch my drift ;)

[TennisNinja]

I play at Robinswood on Varsity. My goal is to make the Tournament team by the end of summer.

[Gmedlo]

I play at Robinswood on Varsity. My goal is to make the Tournament team by the end of summer.

Haven't heard much about Robinswood, much of a tennis program there? Do you go to Robinswood HS as well? I go to ERHS (in the SPSL, you can find the name), and I'll probably be playing doubles in state this year. Are you playing in districts in May? (assuming you're a freshman now)

Most of the HS action in Washington is based around the puget sound area and a few of the private schools (charles wright...), it almost makes you forget about all the other schools!

[TennisNinja]

Yeah I'm a frosh. Tennis program at Robinswood is pretty good. If you remember Sean Macbeath and Frederick Walsh they both play there. I actually go to Skyline, if you remember it, and I didn't play for HS this year because I hurt my arm and I did XC instead.

[TennisNinja]

I'm currently in a terrible slump. Last session I was 8-2 on the team, and now I'm 2-10. Help. Thanks for everyone else's previous advice.

[[K]Topspin]

Try reading Winning Ugly. Its a great book that'll really help your game.

[TennisNinja]

I've decided to re-read all these books and so far its helped. Thanks for the tips everybody.

[baek57]

try blowing 5 match points, then double faulting for the match. thats the ultimate choke.

[babolatisduhbomb]

ok i used to have your problem but i found out how to break it when u go to a match dont be stressed just relax becalm

[TennisNinja]

Thanks for the tips everyone. This is what my coach told me. "You're not measured by how well you play at your best, you're measured by how well you play at your worst." It's got me thinking. and another phrase I found was in the Kid From Courage The guy says "You can't win if you're afraid to lose." Also, in the latest article of the Tennis Magazine, it says From a ball-striking and physical standpoint you probably won't notice much tat seperates them [Top 10 player and one outside the Top 50]. Both own practically every shot in the game. Yet one is successful at ttransferring that ability from the practice court to a match, while the other struggles to make the conversion on a consistent basis. Why? Because as much as serves and forheands matter, what's between the ears counts most.
Right now I'm trying to win more matches and although I'm out with elbow problems for a bit, hopefully everything will be better when I start playing again!