Getting your mental state to the next level

[miniRafa386]

alright, im a top junior in my section (as high as 8), and a decently high ranked player in the country (190 was my highest). my game has just about everything that one could ask for- I have a great forehand, solid backhand, good serve, and nearly flawless technique. My problem is my mental game. Stroke for stroke, I feel that my game itself (aside from the mental part) is just as good if not better than most players in the top 30 or 40 in the country, and my coaches and peers feel the same. even players in the top 30 or 40 say my game is just as good as theirs.

my question is- how do i get my mental state to rise to theirs? i know that it isnt technical, and about 90% of the time it isnt tactical, so it has to be mental. where do i start and how do i get my mental state to a top notch level?

 

[Majik]

alright, im a top junior in my section (as high as 8), and a decently high ranked player in the country (190 was my highest). my game has just about everything that one could ask for- I have a great forehand, solid backhand, good serve, and nearly flawless technique. My problem is my mental game. Stroke for stroke, I feel that my game itself (aside from the mental part) is just as good if not better than most players in the top 30 or 40 in the country, and my coaches and peers feel the same. even players in the top 30 or 40 say my game is just as good as theirs.

my question is- how do i get my mental state to rise to theirs? i know that it isnt technical, and about 90% of the time it isnt tactical, so it has to be mental. where do i start and how do i get my mental state to a top notch level?

If you're worried about how you feel mentally, then you have too much ego invested in your game. You are taking it far too personal. You have to make your shot selection and strategy more automatic. Get into the zone and focus... not on your opponent, but on your balance, how to get coiled up and how to shift your weight to aim the ball and on your energy level and breathing. Stop smiling at your opponent. Ignor him, he's only a ball machine. Don't look at him when he wins a point, don't look at him when you make a point. He doesn't exist. There is only you and the ball.

 

[HappyLefty]

He doesn't exist. There is only you and the ball.

Interesting point of view. May work in most cases.

 

[montx]

Its nice when you have some control. You are a lucky person.

I would suggest you try to gain control over your game plans.

If your going to drop and lob or chip and charge, stay with your plan.

If your going to attack your opponents backhand, attack it.

If your going to move him side to side, do it.

If your going to play safe crosscourt shots with low margins of error do it.

To gain power of mentality probably would require action consistent with thoughts.

Hence the saying, practice makes perfect, I'm guessing.

 

[HappyLefty]

To gain power of mentality probably would require action consistent with thoughts.

I like this approach. Mind + action in the same page.