Disgusted by my performance.....

[pico]

I played a match yesterday in my club tournament. It was the Consolation draw club tournament semi. I played a guy that I beat in the first round. The format was first to 8 with no-ad games.
I went in firstly doing something stupid - a new string setup. Then there were ppl watching and I felt a need to impress them. This resulted in wrong shot selection and high risk play. I also had coffee before and was extremely wired. I just wanted to end points fast; no consistency. The other player played amaaaazing. I lost 8-1. I learnt a lot esp abt my immature approach to matches. Things I learnt:
1) i cannot develop if i dont have a consistent racquet. I switch between 4.
2) play more matches to get used to pressure.
3) work on fitness as I was gassed after 3 games
4) stop trying to create a highlight reel all the time
Just wanted to share.

 

[3loudboys]

Hard to fess up but I bet there are many members here similar to yourself ... and I think you've nailed some of the most common match killers.

Consistency in everything is the key IMO ... with gear, stroke repetition, practise, physical conditioning and competing. I think no4 comes as part of no2. the more matches you play then the more you realise that it doesn't take a Hollywood shot to win a point. An error from your opponent is worth the same as a running backhand line winner around the net post. Also, I often see rec players hitting endless balls across the net with partners and then not play a set? Always finish a session with point play.

Good luck with it.

 

[pico]

Hard to fess so up but I bet there are many members here similar to yourself ... and I think you've nailed some of the most common match killers.

Consistency in everything is the key IMO ... with gear, stoke repetition, practise, physical conditioning and competing. I think no4 comes as part of no2. the more matches you play then the more you realise that it doesn't take a Hollywood shot to win a point. An error from your opponent is worth the same as a running backhand line winner around the trams. Also, I often see rec players hitting endless balls across the net with partners and then not play a set? Always finish a session with point play.

Good luck with it.

I will do this now i.e finish a session with point play. My sessions at the club are mostly just rallying with nothing at stake.

 

[Pass750]

The good news is you identified your issues and now you need to fix them.

This will sound simple, but for me, when I do something good, I tell myself to do more of it, something bad stop doing it. Takes some repetition but it works. Also, I know my game well enough that I know what my safe shots are and my more riskier shots, depending on game situation I use accordingly. If I am in a tight battle and consistency is what I need, I always go for my safe shots in lockdown mode.

 

[3loudboys]

I will do this now i.e finish a session with point play. My sessions at the club are mostly just rallying with nothing at stake.

So important if your goal is to improve match play. Your best match tennis can't come in the match if the first time you experience any score pressure is in that very moment. Match practise is good mental conditioning for the real thing ... though not quite as intense. Don't be hard on yourself in practise sets as well ... you'll lose a few you think you should win ... but that's part of the process and problem solving.

 

[GAS]

What racquet/strings?

 

[cks]

2) play more matches to get used to pressure.

I rejoined a singles ladder, just to force myself to play more matches.

 

[pico]

What racquet/strings?

In the match I floated between a PAVS and a PS97L both strung with BHS7T 1.25 in mains and OEHMS Pearl Rough 1.25mm in crosses at 55. Couldnt find my range. The one game I won was with the PS97L. I felt I hit long a bit and the stringbed was more lively than I am used to. Not sure if going heavier in racquet or string gauge will tame me.

 

[pico]

I rejoined a singles ladder, just to force myself to play more matches.

I shld fine one here

 

[GAS]

In the match I floated between a PAVS and a PS97L both strung with BHS7T 1.25 in mains and OEHMS Pearl Rough 1.25mm in crosses at 55. Couldnt find my range. The one game I won was with the PS97L. I felt I hit long a bit and the stringbed was more lively than I am used to. Not sure if going heavier in racquet or string gauge will tame me.

It was a joke

Pick your favorite racquet/strings and just work on tuning string tension. This way when you're hitting or playing you're thinking about TENNIS and not your equipment.


Yes, it's that simple.

 

[pico]

It was a joke

Pick your favorite racquet/strings and just work on tuning string tension. This way when you're hitting or playing you're thinking about TENNIS and not your equipment.


Yes, it's that simple.

I do agree this is where I shld start.

 

[socallefty]

Most athletes who win a lot absolutely hate to lose. That is what gives them the discipline to prepare properly before matches, make adjustments during a match as needed and try their best throughout the whole match. They are usually the types to play with one racquet and stringjob during matches because they don’t want to think about equipment. They also easily move on to thinking about the next point without worrying about the previous point. When I play doubles, I can sense when I have a partner like that and they are unfortunately only a small % of players. Cultivate that aspect of your mindset where you will give yourself the best shot to prepare well, try hard and win more of the time.

Also in tennis generally the player with better technique and footwork/movement wins. So, it is not only about the mental aspect.

 

[Roforot]

is it really fitness or was it nerves that got you gassed?
Does this happen often in other matches?

Unless you're sensitive to caffeine, I doubt it's the coffee, but suspect you can improve your mental aspect preparation?
If you're sensitive, then you're falling in the pattern of self-destructing by taking coffee beforehand which is also mental.
In general, there's little benefit to looking at video of strokes when you're mentally not present (or physically diminished).

Did you have any goals when you approached the match? I realize for myself as much as I obsess on strings, equipment, and even technique,
mental training is most neglected.

 

[Megafanoftennis100]

I am sorry to hear that you lost. Tough luck, but I am sure you will do better next time!
By the way, you said that your opponent was "amaaaazing," right?
Well, who do you think would win in a match, your opponent or 2011 Novak Djokovic? On hard courts?

 

[pico]

is it really fitness or was it nerves that got you gassed?
Does this happen often in other matches?

Unless you're sensitive to caffeine, I doubt it's the coffee, but suspect you can improve your mental aspect preparation?
If you're sensitive, then you're falling in the pattern of self-destructing by taking coffee beforehand which is also mental.
In general, there's little benefit to looking at video of strokes when you're mentally not present (or physically diminished).

Did you have any goals when you approached the match? I realize for myself as much as I obsess on strings, equipment, and even technique,
mental training is most neglected.

I think it was both - nerves and lack of fitness. I went in not wanting to win I think since I knew I couldnt hold up in the final shld I have made it.

 

[Roforot]

I think it was both - nerves and lack of fitness. I went in not wanting to win I think since I knew I couldnt hold up in the final shld I have made it.

Ah well, physical conditioning is my weakness in singles. NOt so much being gassed but at my age I find tightness creeps in over a tournament in my hips/hamstring/elbow/neck/shoulder... I try to use a foam roller or theragun while waiting b/w matches which has helped. I suggest you check out the health and fitness and try to improve that aspect. That will do much more to improve your game than a new racquet or string. Not wanting to win is usually bad.

 

[pico]

It all makes a lil more sense now. I am sick today.

 

[chuckersthenut]

Federer said it best "you should be able to play this game perfectly".

Yet you get these seemingly random fluctuations in level. Sometimes you can feel like giving up or starting all over. Then you go out a week after and youre hitting lights out. Loose arm. Clear head. Everything working. Life is good.

Tennis is one of life's mysteries for sure.

And like most of life's mysteries. It's better not to look too far into it [re Nietszche] so you can't get out. Changing grips. Rackets. Stance dancing. Putting lead tape. Looking up strings. There is a line to draw with the abyss. A man has to make a stand so to speak.

 

[am1899]

Hey, good for you for thinking about what went wrong and admitting to some mistakes. Nobody is perfect of course. And if you believe that, how do you improve if you can’t be honest with yourself about mistakes you’ve made, what you have to work on, etc?

Everyone is different, but I’m one of those guys that if I consume too much caffeine right before match time, sometimes I’m too wired. Also, as I am a latte kind of guy, there’s a fair bit of milk in a latte. And milk has a fair bit of sugar in it - enough to cause a sugar crash. Anyway, for me, between the caffeine and milk, I personally find I do better if I don’t consume any coffee right before I play. YMMV.

For matches and tournaments, I always use equipment which has been thoroughly tested that I trust implicitly. Although I enjoy the rabbit holes of trying racquets and string, I don’t “tinker” during “meaningful” matches - league, tournaments, etc.

As others have pointed out, being consistent is critical. Sure, if you want to be glamorous go for the highlight reel shots. But if you want to win matches, be more consistent. This is especially a hard concept for the male collegiate players I coach. They tend to arrive to us as freshman with the mindset of putting their “sword” on the table to measure who’s is bigger between them and their opponents. Sometimes it takes a lot of patience to help them come around to accept they need to play more “boring tennis” to win more matches.

 

[pico]

Hey, good for you for thinking about what went wrong and admitting to some mistakes. Nobody is perfect of course. And if you believe that, how do you improve if you can’t be honest with yourself about mistakes you’ve made, what you have to work on, etc?

Everyone is different, but I’m one of those guys that if I consume too much caffeine right before match time, sometimes I’m too wired. Also, as I am a latte kind of guy, there’s a fair bit of milk in a latte. And milk has a fair bit of sugar in it - enough to cause a sugar crash. Anyway, for me, between the caffeine and milk, I personally find I do better if I don’t consume any coffee right before I play. YMMV.

For matches and tournaments, I always use equipment which has been thoroughly tested that I trust implicitly. Although I enjoy the rabbit holes of trying racquets and string, I don’t “tinker” during “meaningful” matches - league, tournaments, etc.

As others have pointed out, being consistent is critical. Sure, if you want to be glamorous go for the highlight reel shots. But if you want to win matches, be more consistent. This is especially a hard concept for the male collegiate players I coach. They tend to arrive to us as freshman with the mindset of putting their “sword” on the table to measure who’s is bigger between them and their opponents. Sometimes it takes a lot of patience to help them come around to accept they need to play more “boring tennis” to win more matches.

Thank you. I am realising "boring tennis" is effective tennis.

 

[chuckersthenut]

Thank you. I am realising "boring tennis" is effective tennis.

Grip it and rip it my boy.

 

[Cashman]

Consistency in everything is the key IMO ... with gear, stroke repetition, practise, physical conditioning and competing. I think no4 comes as part of no2. the more matches you play then the more you realise that it doesn't take a Hollywood shot to win a point. An error from your opponent is worth the same as a running backhand line winner around the net post. M

I strongly believe that the difference between an average player and a good player is nothing more than the discipline to do the boring things for every match over many years

Tennis is very much a game of percentages

 

[pico]

I strongly believe that the difference between an average player and a good player is nothing more than the discipline to do the boring things for every match over many years

Tennis is very much a game of percentages

Nailed it

 

[3loudboys]

I strongly believe that the difference between an average player and a good player is nothing more than the discipline to do the boring things for every match over many years

Tennis is very much a game of percentages

100% … requires strong discipline.

 

[Moon Shooter]

Try to remember what the nerves felt like in the big moments. Then try to imagine that is the situation at practice and try to mentally put yourself in that situation.

The more matches you play the more you will be in that situation and the more you will know you can handle it like a vet. Even before you played many matches if you played other sports you can draw on confidence from being in pressure situations in those.

 

[ngoster]

I will do this now i.e finish a session with point play. My sessions at the club are mostly just rallying with nothing at stake.

To add to this, try to have different hitting partners. One thing I learned from playing leagues is that. You can get so grooved playing the same people all the time.

 

[nyta2]

I played a match yesterday in my club tournament. It was the Consolation draw club tournament semi. I played a guy that I beat in the first round. The format was first to 8 with no-ad games.
I went in firstly doing something stupid - a new string setup. Then there were ppl watching and I felt a need to impress them. This resulted in wrong shot selection and high risk play. I also had coffee before and was extremely wired. I just wanted to end points fast; no consistency. The other player played amaaaazing. I lost 8-1. I learnt a lot esp abt my immature approach to matches. Things I learnt:
1) i cannot develop if i dont have a consistent racquet. I switch between 4.
2) play more matches to get used to pressure.
3) work on fitness as I was gassed after 3 games
4) stop trying to create a highlight reel all the time
Just wanted to share.

we've all been there (are there?!).

another thing to note, when deciding to playing more aggressive/risk (aka harder), often the ball tends to go through the center more, and usually at a height that is comfortable to the opponent, so they can appear to be playing "amaaazing" because you're essentially feeding them a ball that has pace, and in their strikezone, so they just need to redirect with minimal energy spent on their own (ie they don't need to generate their own pace which tends to be riskier if they don't have great technique_.

 

[TheSlicer]

Ok

 

[iceman_dl6]

With all that has been mentioned, there is also a tactical preparation before the match starts. It’s about knowing the strengths/weaknesses/tendencies of your opponent and have plan A, B and even C depending on that. If you aren’t familiar with your opponent, use the warmup to get to know his strengths/weaknesses/tendencies!

 

[DC74]

I played a match yesterday in my club tournament. It was the Consolation draw club tournament semi. I played a guy that I beat in the first round. The format was first to 8 with no-ad games.
I went in firstly doing something stupid - a new string setup. Then there were ppl watching and I felt a need to impress them. This resulted in wrong shot selection and high risk play. I also had coffee before and was extremely wired. I just wanted to end points fast; no consistency. The other player played amaaaazing. I lost 8-1. I learnt a lot esp abt my immature approach to matches. Things I learnt:
1) i cannot develop if i dont have a consistent racquet. I switch between 4.
2) play more matches to get used to pressure.
3) work on fitness as I was gassed after 3 games
4) stop trying to create a highlight reel all the time
Just wanted to share.

Did I write this in my sleep? Sure sounds familiar. You are not alone in this and those four points you made are solid. I think with the strings, is it possible you are waiting to long to change them and they do not stay at a consistent level. Meaning the change is drastic until they get 'worn in' and therefore doing lower tension swing on a higher tension bed then ball goes flying all over the place first few matches.

 

[DC74]

Did I write this in my sleep? Sure sounds familiar. You are not alone in this and those four points you made are solid. I think with the strings, is it possible you are waiting to long to change them and they do not stay at a consistent level. Meaning the change is drastic until they get 'worn in' and therefore doing lower tension swing on a higher tension bed then ball goes flying all over the place first few matches.