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james_R
11-11-2005, 04:26 AM
When I play with my coach, I play to a reasonable standard, driving through the ball, thinking tactically and just letting loose my A game.
And we do actually play points and with pressure to keep the ball in and keep my coach moving.
Unfortunately, like most people, I find it seldom translates into even 60% of that level of play in a match....Even when I have a more predictable opponent, who is not getting anything like the number of balls back.
It's frustrating, though I only lay the blame at my door, anyone with any suggestions as to how to 'release' one's own best performance during a match? I think this is the most frustrating enigma in tennis, as I know everyone has this to some extent - but to even play at 85% of how I know I can, would be a reasonable step :) Cheers!

Marius_Hancu
11-11-2005, 04:36 AM
you might want to buy this book:
Serious Tennis
lots of good advice on this subject

Geezer Guy
11-11-2005, 08:09 AM
I just finished listening to the Fearless Tennis cd (as I mentioned in another post) and it had some good advice about the mental side of the game. You might check that as well (you may be able to get a FREE copy).
Anyway, from what you said above, might I suggest that when you play against your coach, you don't really EXPECT to win? You can play to your maximum potential because you're playing loose and relaxed in a "safe" environment. After all, if you don't expect to win then you have nothing to lose. You can let it all hang out. On the other hand, when you're playing a "REAL" match, then you start thinking about winning and losing, and THEN you get tight. Both Fearless Tennis and Serious Tennis offer good advice on improving your game. It's been a couple of years since I read Serious Tennis, and I liked it, but I think Fearless Tennis might better address the situation you described. Good luck.

Geezer Guy
11-14-2005, 07:11 AM
you might want to buy this book:
Serious Tennis
lots of good advice on this subject

... Both Fearless Tennis and Serious Tennis offer good advice on improving your game. It's been a couple of years since I read Serious Tennis, and I liked it, but I think Fearless Tennis might better address the situation you described. Good luck.

Sorry - my bad. I realized over the weekend that it was Maximum Tennis that I'd read (and liked). I have not read Serious Tennis.

kevhen
11-14-2005, 08:06 AM
Play more opponents and not just your coach who you obviously groove to.