3 Things To Do When You Are Losing During a Match!

[thomas daniels]

I was watching some junior match yesterday in Kyoto, and the top ranked girl just choked the match away.

And what made it even worst was this.

She didn't even give herself a chance to come back at any point during the match.

So.

Thought I would give you guys 3 tips to use when losing.

One.

Slow things down.

Many times when we are losing.

We want to get through the points quicker, because we don't want to deal with the pressure.

But this is the wrong move.

Think about it.

The longer you can keep your opponent out there.

The better your chances of coming back, finding your rhythm, and them getting tighter.

With being said.

Focus on working the points more and make them earn each point.

Two.

Play each point like it is match point.

Play each point on your terms.

Image playing each point like its match point.

With a laser like focus and then breathing it away and doing it again on the next one?

If you do this consciously, you will find that you will play yourself back into the flow of the match unconsciously.

I call it… playing yourself back in the zone!

Three.

Don't beat yourself.

This is the most important coaching point in this post.

Make sure you don't beat yourself.

Like the girl yesterday.

Her opponent just let her choke and give the whole match away.

This is why you want to mentally compete in every match that you play in, no matter what the score is...

Because.

Then.

Win or lose.

You can walk off the court, feeling like a Champion!

 

[user92626]

I like this! Thanks.

 

[socallefty]

This is good advice to play like all the time - not just when you are losing!

 

[LuckyR]

Tip #3 is the key to tennis, whether you're winning or losing. Tip #1 is specifically for when you're losing (as stated in the OP). I understand Tip #2, but for most folks, match point is a time of nervousness and often playing tentatively. Not what you should be doing. It needs to be reworded.

 

[ProStaffFanatic]

I was watching some junior match yesterday in Kyoto, and the top ranked girl just choked the match away.

And what made it even worst was this.

She didn't even give herself a chance to come back at any point during the match.

So.

Thought I would give you guys 3 tips to use when losing.

One.

Slow things down.

Many times when we are losing.

We want to get through the points quicker, because we don't want to deal with the pressure.

But this is the wrong move.

Think about it.

The longer you can keep your opponent out there.

The better your chances of coming back, finding your rhythm, and them getting tighter.

With being said.

Focus on working the points more and make them earn each point.

Two.

Play each point like it is match point.

Play each point on your terms.

Image playing each point like its match point.

With a laser like focus and then breathing it away and doing it again on the next one?

If you do this consciously, you will find that you will play yourself back into the flow of the match unconsciously.

I call it… playing yourself back in the zone!

Three.

Don't beat yourself.

This is the most important coaching point in this post.

Make sure you don't beat yourself.

Like the girl yesterday.

Her opponent just let her choke and give the whole match away.

This is why you want to mentally compete in every match that you play in, no matter what the score is...

Because.

Then.

Win or lose.

You can walk off the court, feeling like a Champion!

Good points. But I feel like a very important one is missing. And that is: self-reflection.

Asking yourself the question "why am I losing?"
Looking forward to the next point is good, but simply continuing whatever it is you are doing is just going to make sure you keep losing.

There can be all kinds of reasons why you are losing.
Most likely, you are making too much unforced errors. Rarely is one losing because the opponent rips winners left and right.
So you need to be aware of how you are losing the points. What kind of shots are you missing? Forehands, backhands,... low balls, high balls, fast balls,... And how are you missing: net, wide or long?
Adjust accordingly. Are you missing net? Play higher. Are you missing long? Play shorter. Are you missing wide? Play more to the center and stop seeking lines or heavy angles.

I like "slow down" as well. In the sense of switching a gear lower to reduce your unforced errors. Even if just to get that feel of the ball back and boost your confidence levels of keeping the ball IN the court - let the opponent miss for once.

You might also be losing because of tactical reasons. Perhaps your game is playing right into the opponents strengths. Adjust accordingly again.

I think this "self-reflection" part is missing in LOADS of players.
Whatever it is they are doing isn't working and they are losing. And instead of engaging in that self-reflection and trying to adjust their game / tactics, they just continue doing what they are doing which isn't working, and simply continue losing.

Every time I see players try and figure out what the score is, I die a little inside. It means they aren't paying attention to what is going on at all.
At any time during a game, I know what the score is and will be able to tell exactly how we got there (first an ace, then a forehand wide, then a backhand winner crosscourt, then a slice in the net, etc)
If you aren't keeping track of how games develop and how points end, there is zero hope of figuring out why you are losing - let alone being able to adjust your game to turn things around.

 

[johnmccabe]

t any time during a game, I know what the score is and will be able to tell exactly how we got there (first an ace, then a forehand wide, then a backhand winner crosscourt, then a slice in the net, etc)

Is this a trained skill or natural ability? I don't know any new players having this ability. One of my coaches asked me to train this. Still not even close...

 

[ProStaffFanatic]

Is this a trained skill or natural ability? I don't know any new players having this ability. One of my coaches asked me to train this. Still not even close...

Good question. I'm not sure

I don't really remember actively "training" such. Although I guess one does become better at it over time by doing it.
But it's not like this goes automatically. It requires active effort to keep track of how points develop. It's a matter of focus.
I don't do this in practice matches... then I'm more focused on whatever it is I want to practice during that session.

During "official" matches, I'm very much focused on the match itself and what is happening during the rallies and how the points are ending. To me that is vital information.
Tennis is a % game - it's about patterns. Missing one forehand in the net is not alarming. Missing 2-3 forehands in the net per game IS. But if 2 points later you have already forgotten how the points before that ended, how are you going to notice that pattern of missing in the net or whatever else mistake or tactical error or situation is recurring?

It's not that after the match I remember everything that happened, nor is it the case that I have every statistic in my head of amount of unforced errors, winners, double faults etc. But I will have a generally good idea of how the match developed, what was going wrong, how I fixed it (if I fixed it) and I'll be able to give a rough estimate of my unforced errors and double faults.


But if you would want to practice it, I think a good way might be by doing it when watching a match. There's plenty of full recreational matches on youtube.
Pick a match. Then select the player from whose perspective you are going to analyze the match progression. Pause at the end of each game and see if you remember what happened during the game, specifically the ending of each point. If the player you picked is losing, ask yourself why he is losing and what you would do, if you were him, to try and rectify the situation. Then watch the next game and repeat.
Even if he's winning... ask yourself what he is doing correctly and how is he winning. That is also crucial info, because if you are winning because of X, you want to make sure you continue doing X for as long as it keeps working.

Practicing it by watching matches could be a good idea since you are less distracted by having to play yourself.
So it's twofold: see if you can remember the game progression on the one hand, and see if you can sniff out any patterns on the other (recurring situations; types of misses or types of winners).

 

[socallefty]

Is this a trained skill or natural ability? I don't know any new players having this ability. One of my coaches asked me to train this. Still not even close...

If you don’t have confidence in your technique/footwork, many players are in ‘fight or flee’ mood emotionally and feeling stressed when they play a match. It is impossible to then think rationally to analyze what is going on, what their opponent is doing and remember recent points, key trends etc. They also can’t self-diagnose why they are making errors.

When you have a solid foundation of technique/footwork and thousands of hours of purposeful practice as advanced players have, they don’t worry about their game on court and are in a less flustered state emotionally which allows them to be rational/analytical and more observant of what is going on.

An example of this is that lower level players often get confused about what the score is even though someone on court will insist the server call out the score loudly before every serve. Heck, sometimes I’ve seen them even forget the set score. If they forget the game score, they have a hard time remembering the sequence of what happened during the last 2-3 points. At higher levels, it is not uncommon for players to not even call out the score aloud when they play especially in practice and social matches. Yet they all remember the score and rarely get into disputes on what happened during the last few points. You have to train yourself to be ‘mindful’ on the court where your emotions are in check and your brain is working at full tilt while your body is performing automatically.

 

[johnmccabe]

If you don’t have confidence in your technique/fotowork, many players are in ‘fight or flee’ mood emotionally and feeling stressed when they play a match. It is impossible to then think rationally to analyze what is going on, what their opponent is doing and remember recent points, key trends etc. They also can’t self-diagnose why they are making errors.

When you have a solid foundation of technique/footwork and thousands of hours of purposeful practice as advanced players have, they don’t worry about their game on court and are in a less flustered state emotionally which allows them to be rational/analytical and more observant of what is going on.

An example of this is that lower level players often get confused about what the score is even though someone on court will insist the server call out the score loudly before every serve. Heck, sometimes I’ve seen them even forget the set score. If they forget the game score, they have a hard time remembering the sequence of what happened during the last 2-3 points. At higher levels, it is not uncommon for players to not even call out the score aloud when they play especially in practice and social matches. Yet they all remember the score and rarely get into disputes on what happened during the last few points. You have to train yourself to be ‘mindful’ on the court where your emotions are in check and your brain is working at full tilt while your body is performing automatically.

If I don't make a conscience effort to do it, I don't even remember how every point ended in a game watching a live match on couch. This is probably the case for a lot of people.

 

[ProStaffFanatic]

If you don’t have confidence in your technique/fotowork, many players are in ‘fight or flee’ mood emotionally and feeling stressed when they play a match. It is impossible to then think rationally to analyze what is going on, what their opponent is doing and remember recent points, key trends etc. They also can’t self-diagnose why they are making errors.

When you have a solid foundation of technique/footwork and thousands of hours of purposeful practice as advanced players have, they don’t worry about their game on court and are in a less flustered state emotionally which allows them to be rational/analytical and more observant of what is going on.

An example of this is that lower level players often get confused about what the score is even though someone on court will insist the server call out the score loudly before every serve. Heck, sometimes I’ve seen them even forget the set score. If they forget the game score, they have a hard time remembering the sequence of what happened during the last 2-3 points. At higher levels, it is not uncommon for players to not even call out the score aloud when they play especially in practice and social matches. Yet they all remember the score and rarely get into disputes on what happened during the last few points. You have to train yourself to be ‘mindful’ on the court where your emotions are in check and your brain is working at full tilt while your body is performing automatically.

You make a lot of sense. Haven't thought about it like that. Very well explained...

 

[ProStaffFanatic]

If I don't make a conscience effort to do it, I don't even remember how every point ended in a game watching a live match on couch. This is probably the case for a lot of people.

That's the case for me to though. As I said, it does take focus to keep track of what is going on.

But I have to agree with @socallefty also... This is probably hard to do in a match if next to that you also have to be mindful about your tennis itself if you haven't already achieved the stage where 'the game' is so implanted in your muscle memory that your body just responds on semi-auto pilot.

 

[johnmccabe]

That's the case for me to though. As I said, it does take focus to keep track of what is going on.

But I have to agree with @socallefty also... This is probably hard to do in a match if next to that you also have to be mindful about your tennis itself if you haven't already achieved the stage where 'the game' is so implanted in your muscle memory that your body just responds on semi-auto pilot.

I made a poll. Will find out how the distribution is like.

Match Awareness and level

Some people can automatically remember how every point ended during the last game while watching or playing a match. If you have this level of match awareness, doesn't matter what you play most frequently (singles doubles, mixed doubles), what is your ntrp level?

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[thomas daniels]

Tip #3 is the key to tennis, whether you're winning or losing. Tip #1 is specifically for when you're losing (as stated in the OP). I understand Tip #2, but for most folks, match point is a time of nervousness and often playing tentatively. Not what you should be doing. It needs to be reworded.

Why? Doesn't matter the order, all that matters is that you use them when needed.... the sweating of the small stuff isn't needed here either, just the context and concept...

 

[thomas daniels]

If you don’t have confidence in your technique/fotowork, many players are in ‘fight or flee’ mood emotionally and feeling stressed when they play a match. It is impossible to then think rationally to analyze what is going on, what their opponent is doing and remember recent points, key trends etc. They also can’t self-diagnose why they are making errors.

When you have a solid foundation of technique/footwork and thousands of hours of purposeful practice as advanced players have, they don’t worry about their game on court and are in a less flustered state emotionally which allows them to be rational/analytical and more observant of what is going on.

An example of this is that lower level players often get confused about what the score is even though someone on court will insist the server call out the score loudly before every serve. Heck, sometimes I’ve seen them even forget the set score. If they forget the game score, they have a hard time remembering the sequence of what happened during the last 2-3 points. At higher levels, it is not uncommon for players to not even call out the score aloud when they play especially in practice and social matches. Yet they all remember the score and rarely get into disputes on what happened during the last few points. You have to train yourself to be ‘mindful’ on the court where your emotions are in check and your brain is working at full tilt while your body is performing automatically.

Sorry. But you lost me, because not only did you say a lot there, without saying anything, but it isn't even related to the post at all….

 

[user92626]

Good points. But I feel like a very important one is missing. And that is: self-reflection.

Asking yourself the question "why am I losing?"
Looking forward to the next point is good, but simply continuing whatever it is you are doing is just going to make sure you keep losing.

For me that would be a recipe for (further) disaster. Doing that would be getting me to go into overthinking mode, become indecisive.

If I'm losing badly I'll try to recall what I do well and try to get into that zone. I like OP's #1.

 

[user92626]

Is this a trained skill or natural ability? I don't know any new players having this ability. One of my coaches asked me to train this. Still not even close...

@ProStaffFanatic​

Good question. I'm not sure

I don't really remember actively "training" such. Although I guess one does become better at it over time by doing it.
But it's not like this goes automatically. It requires active effort to keep track of how points develop. It's a matter of focus.

I don't know about others but I do or have this thing naturally. I think it's just good memory for me. Last week I know precisely how many 0-40 games my opponent escaped and how. On the 3rd time which was also the last game I determined to not let him get away with that again It's just memory for me.

If you don’t have confidence in your technique/fotowork, many players are in ‘fight or flee’ mood emotionally and feeling stressed when they play a match. It is impossible to then think rationally to analyze what is going on, what their opponent is doing and remember recent points, key trends etc. They also can’t self-diagnose why they are making errors.

I can think rationally up to a point. It's probably not super clear like a 3rd person watching the match. But being able to analyze is different from being able to alter the course or implement your plan. Your opponent has half the saying in your match though.

About "fight or flee" mood, I've been practicing telling myself in the middle of a difficult match that I am out here to enjoy tennis. The least I could get is good exercise so I'm loving the chance to try harder. It works!

 

[johnmccabe]

ou don’t have confidence in your technique/footwork, many players are in ‘fight or flee’ mood emotionally and feeling stressed when they play a match. It is impossible to then think rationally to analyze what is going on, what their opponent is doing and remember recent points, key trends etc. They also can’t self-diagnose why they are making errors.

I have the opposite problem on the mental side. I'm too calm most of the time, leading to low energy level. The first official USTA match this year, I did feel nervous. Nothing after that. In couple of recent matches, I'm deliberately trying to raise anxiety level and that actually seemed to work.

 

[ProStaffFanatic]

I have the opposite problem on the mental side. I'm too calm most of the time, leading to low energy level. The first official USTA match this year, I did feel nervous. Nothing after that. In couple of recent matches, I'm deliberately trying to raise anxiety level and that actually seemed to work.

I feel 'stressed' before every official match. Quotes, because it's not exactly the right word. Perhaps 'pumped'. Or 'anxious'. Or 'high in adrenaline'. Or all of the above. It's hard to express.

I have it always, even when I know in advance the opponent is weak and it will be 6-1 6-0 type walk in the park.

But it also results in hyper focus... So I consider it a good thing. Not having it would probably make me unease or something lol.

Perhaps it's like muscle memory and just an old habit from back in the day...

I don't feel like that at all in practice / friendlies and i play worse then.

Played an official match against a friend I practice with also. At practice it's always like 50/50. Tie breakers, 7-5, 6-4, etc. In the match I destroyed him 6-2 6-3

 

[Mahboob Khan]

I was watching some junior match yesterday in Kyoto, and the top ranked girl just choked the match away.

And what made it even worst was this.

She didn't even give herself a chance to come back at any point during the match.

So.

Thought I would give you guys 3 tips to use when losing.

One.

Slow things down.

Many times when we are losing.

We want to get through the points quicker, because we don't want to deal with the pressure.

But this is the wrong move.

Think about it.

The longer you can keep your opponent out there.

The better your chances of coming back, finding your rhythm, and them getting tighter.

With being said.

Focus on working the points more and make them earn each point.

Two.

Play each point like it is match point.

Play each point on your terms.

Image playing each point like its match point.

With a laser like focus and then breathing it away and doing it again on the next one?

If you do this consciously, you will find that you will play yourself back into the flow of the match unconsciously.

I call it… playing yourself back in the zone!

Three.

Don't beat yourself.

This is the most important coaching point in this post.

Make sure you don't beat yourself.

Like the girl yesterday.

Her opponent just let her choke and give the whole match away.

This is why you want to mentally compete in every match that you play in, no matter what the score is...

Because.

Then.

Involve your mind in the process to do the smaller things right and methodically find your way back in the match.

Win or lose.

You can walk off the court, feeling like a Champion!