How do you get out of a slump?

[beltsman]

What do you do when you've completely lost "it," your mojo, your strokes? When things just get out of sync and you can't play like you're accustomed to? A slump.

For about three months now my game has gone AWOL. I'm now losing 6-1 6-1 to guys I used to beat. My game is just a total mess in all aspects. Particularly the FH. Spraying balls everywhere; can't find the court. It's getting worse and worse.

What do you do when everything falls apart, and how do you get your mojo back? Or do I just suck and this doesn't happen to good players?

Physically I'm just fine. My strokes feel the same, but I know something is wrong. I just can't pinpoint what. I haven't enjoyed tennis since the beginning of December.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Being tennis fanatics, we probably have a tendency to believe there is a deterministic fix for everything: not enough TS? Brush up more. Shots going long? Use less drive. Weak volleys? Use more of the big muscles. etc.

Being in a slump is just the opposite of being in the zone: when we're in the zone, we try NOT to think about it. Maybe that's what you need to do to deal with the slump: don't try to find a specific fix. Your body is probably wise enough to figure things out in due course. Maybe take a break.

Also, consider the possibility that you're actually slightly injured and the injury is manifesting itself in more subtle ways than pain; maybe it's causing you to alter your stroke every so slightly to avoid the pain and that's throwing your game off. Long shot but I thought I'd mention it.

 

[WisconsinPlayer]

Personally I like watching some videos of college tennis or lower levels. It's refreshing to see players who are closer to how we play and It reminds me that no one can hit every shot perfectly.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

It reminds me that no one can hit every shot perfectly.

I don't need any reminder of this beyond watching myself on video.

 

[WisconsinPlayer]

I don't need any reminder of this beyond watching myself on video.

Likewise But seriously, watching yourself fail can only help to a certain point Too much and your confidence will drop

 

[mad dog1]

What do you do when you've completely lost "it," your mojo, your strokes? When things just get out of sync and you can't play like you're accustomed to? A slump.

For about three months now my game has gone AWOL. I'm now losing 6-1 6-1 to guys I used to beat. My game is just a total mess in all aspects. Particularly the FH. Spraying balls everywhere; can't find the court. It's getting worse and worse.

What do you do when everything falls apart, and how do you get your mojo back? Or do I just suck and this doesn't happen to good players?

Physically I'm just fine. My strokes feel the same, but I know something is wrong. I just can't pinpoint what. I haven't enjoyed tennis since the beginning of December.

Based on the short video you posted of your forehand awhile ago, it's mostly all arm. When the stroke is all arm, consistency and control are difficult to achieve.

Video you posted was in this thread but it looks like you've since removed it.
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/thoughts-on-fh-video.580354/#post-10882349

 

[Deleted member 740774]

I haven't enjoyed tennis since the beginning of December.

To me this is the most important part of your post. I think it's clear that the slump is due to the fact that you don't enjoy it. Why not take some time off? Unless you are getting paid to play it doesn't make any sense to force yourself to play. Take some time off and refocus. It won't hurt your game, as it seems to not be getting better regardless. I had a similar problem in December, but I learned it was because I had hardly taken more than a weekend off in about a year. Take 2 weeks off then try bouncing back.

 

[Lance L]

I would start doing or add additional physical training. Hit the road running, do line drills, pushups and lunges, jump rope. Get at it. Few things help as much feeling more physically prepared.
I'm convinced the most important part of tennis is fitness and improving our athletic ability. I think we should work hard on the physical side then work on technique.

 

[heninfan99]

I would take a few weeks off and come back refreshed.

 

[movdqa]

My usual reasons for a slump are: not enough sleep, feeling pressed for time, subpar conditioning, injuries. So some good comments here on those. Some of these I can't do much about in the near-term.

 

[Holliman]

Find a ball machine and hit a thousand balls without match pressure. Practice always gets me out of slump.

 

[beltsman]

Based on the short video you posted of your forehand awhile ago, it's mostly all arm. When the stroke is all arm, consistency and control are difficult to achieve.

Video you posted was in this thread but it looks like you've since removed it.
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/thoughts-on-fh-video.580354/#post-10882349

That was my old crappy FH. It has since turned into a real FH. Don't have it on video though.

 

[beltsman]

Find a ball machine and hit a thousand balls without match pressure. Practice always gets me out of slump.

I actually own a ball machine but haven't taken it out because of winter. Actually I think the winter is playing a big role in my slump.

 

[Bender]

Take two, three weeks off and hit the gym a bit. Get the good vibes going from the pump. Work your calves because they will help you stay on your toes. Do a lot of skipping.

There's a chance that you put on a bit of weight over the winter, and you're just a bit slower than you used to be. A split step is all it takes for you to start spraying everywhere.

 

[mad dog1]

That was my old crappy FH. It has since turned into a real FH. Don't have it on video though.

Well then...I guess just switch back to your old crappy fh!

 

[mad dog1]

Take two, three weeks off and hit the gym a bit. Get the good vibes going from the pump. Work your calves because they will help you stay on your toes. Do a lot of skipping.

There's a chance that you put on a bit of weight over the winter, and you're just a bit slower than you used to be. A split step is all it takes for you to start spraying everywhere.

I'd better get rid of my split steps pronto!!

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

What you said here is that zone and slump are 2 different sides of the same coin that can flip at any given moment regardless of our will.
I cant see how this can work in a long run, especially if you practice a lot, few hours per day.

Because tennis is immensely complicated although the more experienced and practiced we are, the more we tend to forget how complicated it is. So it's not surprising at all that some days you're the windshield and others you are the bug. I think it transcends our will. I don't will myself into a slump any more than I know how to will myself into the zone. And yet, I've been in both.

Chances are you will end up in slum way more then in the zone.
So i dont see why zone would be a good thing,on contrary i would try to find deterministic fix for everything as only logical solution.

I define being in the zone as everything is working just as I practiced it, perhaps even better. It's a sweet and transitory feeling and I enjoy it while it lasts, knowing that it won't last. But, by the same token, I don't get depressed when I'm in a slump because I know that won't last either.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

When i watch good players it is very clear that they have the absolute feel and the control of the ball at any given time, on hitting, points , drills what ever when ever.

If that were the case, they'd never make an error.

After a mistake this feel doubles even.

How do you know what good players feel after a mistake?

Their main problem is they can play every shot they wish, so they often go for to much in a practice.

While they may be able to play every shot, they may not be in position to do so [ie they just got aced]

This means they have full control over their game at all times ,

Again, I don't agree because it implies no mistakes.

they are not in the zone or out of it, ever.
What are they doing then?
I seen many players like this at all ages.

I don't know what they're doing; you'll have to ask them and report back. I can't explain something I believe is false.

 

[Crocodile]

What do you do when you've completely lost "it," your mojo, your strokes? When things just get out of sync and you can't play like you're accustomed to? A slump.

For about three months now my game has gone AWOL. I'm now losing 6-1 6-1 to guys I used to beat. My game is just a total mess in all aspects. Particularly the FH. Spraying balls everywhere; can't find the court. It's getting worse and worse.

What do you do when everything falls apart, and how do you get your mojo back? Or do I just suck and this doesn't happen to good players?

Physically I'm just fine. My strokes feel the same, but I know something is wrong. I just can't pinpoint what. I haven't enjoyed tennis since the beginning of December.

Your last sentence holds the key to the solution. "I haven't enjoyed tennis since the beginning of December".
What you need to do is bring back your passion and fire. Think about how much you love playing tennis and conjure up feelings of desire when playing each point. Before each point say to yourself, "I want this point". Play with joy, not stress, no must do feelings.
Enthusiasm and passion is what turns on ideal performance states. This is an internal thing that you can turn on any time. Finally stop thinking about recent past performances because that is over and means nothing to what you want to achieve now.

 

[Bender]

I'd better get rid of my split steps pronto!!

Good catch...didn't even realise that's what I wrote!

 

[Fintft]

Based on the short video you posted of your forehand awhile ago, it's mostly all arm. When the stroke is all arm, consistency and control are difficult to achieve.

Video you posted was in this thread but it looks like you've since removed it.
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/thoughts-on-fh-video.580354/#post-10882349

a) I would listen to mad_dog

b) I'd take a lesson once in a blue moon (even good players do that as a checkpoint). Or maybe a couple b/c one might just get you confused.

 

[Fintft]

That was my old crappy FH. It has since turned into a real FH. Don't have it on video though.

Then maybe:

1. You are just facing stronger opposition
2. It's not stable/consistent yet.

I would say the later, since my girl coach points the same to me, although I also think that I have a real FH, she points out that while when I'm stable and hit relaxed it is great, at other times I also miss, so I need to become more consistent.

 

[MisterP]

Beat up on scrubs.

 

[Dso]

Taking time off isn't always an option if you've committed to a team/league but even a week can help.

My slumps seem to be in short durations. To me, when I'm in a rut it's entirely because my confidence is gone. When confidence is gone my shots are forced and don't flow well. I hit into the net, hit out and play, well, like a *****. I hate it.

To turn things around- do anything you can to regain confidence. Even outside tennis. Try to play like it doesn't matter. This is hugely difficult because it directly conflicts with your desire to win. Caring too much causes tension and nerves which wreaks havoc on strokes. For me the first thing to go is serves.

It's just not easy. But if you let it get the best of you- it won't be fun. Personally I find doubles worse as poor play impacts my team mate and that sucks.

Oh another thing. Understand and accept that slumps just happen. It part of sports. Even to the very best. Watch the biography of Navratilova- one of the best woman players in the world. She talked about choking, etc. -it happens. Ride the storm.

 

[beltsman]

Hit a few hundred balls on the machine tonight. Nearly all FHs. I can feel my groove coming back. Funnily enough, I put my go-to racquet down. I was hitting okay (better) with it, but wanted to change it up. So I pulled out what I had laying around: a beat-up, old, chipped, underweight (11 oz) APD last strung with syn gut from last fall. And guess what? I hit way better with it. Why have I been listening to the racquet nerds and making fun of the APD!?? It makes tennis so easy!

But really, it definitely helped me to start to find my groove. I'm not 100% back yet, but finally felt some progress. I also hit a bunch of serves and my serves with the APD were probably 50-60% better. Higher %, more pace, more action.

Am I dumb for not simply playing with the APD full-time (stringing it with actual poly)?

 

[onehandbh]

A more important question:

How do you get out of a Trump?

 

[beltsman]

A more important question:

How do you get out of a Trump?

Hopefully

 

[onehandbh]

Hopefully you never do, if you enjoy winning.

The real winners during his admin are the commedians.

 

[Chadillac]

I actually own a ball machine but haven't taken it out because of winter. Actually I think the winter is playing a big role in my slump.

Probably got chubby and lazy in the cold. Combined with thicker shirts could make you slump.

It gets down to like 55 here and im stiff as a board.

Honestly, i think you reached a stagnation level. People reach a certain level with consistent improvement "but" continue to push at that rate. Like in video games, its harder to level up the higher you get. Maybe take a step back and play like you did 6 months ago, restart things.

Not enjoying tennis because your losing or playing bad? It must be embarassing to ask for a refund on your court fee because your match only lasted an hour

Also change your mindset, instead of trying to figure out what went wrong, start thinking about what you like while hitting the forehand. Once you find that one thing that makes it great (and you enjoy, most important part), drop and anchor and always think of that when it drifts off.

For me i like the high low high backswing on my forehand prep (like becker), the gravity doesnt do much but has a cool effect. I cant keep my right foot planted for some reason, think my contact point is to far in front, making pivot, losing compression.

 

[Bender]

To continue from the other thread...get a new racquet...will give you confidence boost for a short while...

 

[beltsman]

Probably got chubby and lazy in the cold. Combined with thicker shirts could make you slump.

It gets down to like 55 here and im stiff as a board.

Honestly, i think you reached a stagnation level. People reach a certain level with consistent improvement "but" continue to push at that rate. Like in video games, its harder to level up the higher you get. Maybe take a step back and play like you did 6 months ago, restart things.

Not enjoying tennis because your losing or playing bad? It must be embarassing to ask for a refund on your court fee because your match only lasted an hour

Also change your mindset, instead of trying to figure out what went wrong, start thinking about what you like while hitting the forehand. Once you find that one thing that makes it great (and you enjoy, most important part), drop and anchor and always think of that when it drifts off.

For me i like the high low high backswing on my forehand prep (like becker), the gravity doesnt do much but has a cool effect. I cant keep my right foot planted for some reason, think my contact point is to far in front, making pivot, losing compression.

I don't pay court fees. I don't mind losing. I only care about my own level.

You have a point about winter.

 

[beltsman]

To continue from the other thread...get a new racquet...will give you confidence boost for a short while...

That's the plan...go with a new racquet every few weeks whenever I feel like I'm slumping. What can possibly go wrong?

 

[Bender]

That's the plan...go with a new racquet every few weeks whenever I feel like I'm slumping. What can possibly go wrong?

Nothing, that's what!

I get a racquet. You get a racquet. Everyone gets a racquet!!!!

 

[Chadillac]

I don't pay court fees. I don't mind losing. I only care about my own level.

You have a point about winter.

It was a joke, beltsman grouchy without his belt

Do you string your own rackets? Old rackets like your apd feel good because they are loose. I strung one of mine at 37 and it wasnt so bad, gonna do next at 42 (its a 16*15 so launch angle gets funky).

Maybe -5lbs on your current frame. What is the new frame?

Ohh i also forgot, always string looser when its cool

 

[beltsman]

It was a joke, beltsman grouchy without his belt

Do you string your own rackets? Old rackets like your apd feel good because they are loose. I strung one of mine at 37 and it wasnt so bad, gonna do next at 42 (its a 16*15 so launch angle gets funky).

Maybe -5lbs on your current frame. What is the new frame?

Ohh i also forgot, always string looser when its cool

I didn't mean to come off grouchy! I appreciated the post.

I own a stringing machine but I've been too lazy to do it myself...the worst of both worlds.

I have no desire to play full syn gut though. I mean, I haven't seriously thought about playing the APD full-time. But if I did, I'd string it up with poly. Or buy a new Pure Strike and string it up with poly.

 

[Chadillac]

I didn't mean to come off grouchy! I appreciated the post.

I own a stringing machine but I've been too lazy to do it myself...the worst of both worlds.

I have no desire to play full syn gut though. I mean, I haven't seriously thought about playing the APD full-time. But if I did, I'd string it up with poly. Or buy a new Pure Strike and string it up with poly.

1pc poly at low tensions has a pretty darn feel good, its worth dropping $4 and test.

What is the racket you swapped from to the APD?

 

[beltsman]

1pc poly at low tensions has a pretty darn feel good, its worth dropping $4 and test.

What is the racket you swapped from to the APD?

Head Graphene XT Extreme Pro. Played the best tennis of my life with it.

 

[Todd Hicks]

What do you do when you've completely lost "it," your mojo, your strokes? When things just get out of sync and you can't play like you're accustomed to? A slump.

For about three months now my game has gone AWOL. I'm now losing 6-1 6-1 to guys I used to beat. My game is just a total mess in all aspects. Particularly the FH. Spraying balls everywhere; can't find the court. It's getting worse and worse.

What do you do when everything falls apart, and how do you get your mojo back? Or do I just suck and this doesn't happen to good players?

Physically I'm just fine. My strokes feel the same, but I know something is wrong. I just can't pinpoint what. I haven't enjoyed tennis since the beginning of December.

Practice and work on correcting your flaws.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

What do you do when you've completely lost "it," your mojo, your strokes? When things just get out of sync and you can't play like you're accustomed to? A slump.

For about three months now my game has gone AWOL. I'm now losing 6-1 6-1 to guys I used to beat. My game is just a total mess in all aspects. Particularly the FH. Spraying balls everywhere; can't find the court. It's getting worse and worse.

What do you do when everything falls apart, and how do you get your mojo back? Or do I just suck and this doesn't happen to good players?

Physically I'm just fine. My strokes feel the same, but I know something is wrong. I just can't pinpoint what. I haven't enjoyed tennis since the beginning of December.

need to be more sensitive to why you're missing.
is it something he is doing?
is it something you are no longer doing?
don't know? video yourself.
i spend alot of time taking mental notes of shots i'm missing (especially frequently), and why... then spend my next practice specifically working on those shots.

 

[1HBH-DownTheLine]

Hah, new racquets always boost the confidence for sure. But on a serious note, I would try adding more spin to each shot and really focus on keeping it between the lines. Try some short angles and try not to overpower everything which could lead to unforced errors and most importantly...

You're playing the BALL not your OPPONENT!

 

[Nostradamus]

What do you do when you've completely lost "it," your mojo, your strokes? When things just get out of sync and you can't play like you're accustomed to? A slump.

For about three months now my game has gone AWOL. I'm now losing 6-1 6-1 to guys I used to beat. My game is just a total mess in all aspects. Particularly the FH. Spraying balls everywhere; can't find the court. It's getting worse and worse.

What do you do when everything falls apart, and how do you get your mojo back? Or do I just suck and this doesn't happen to good players?

Physically I'm just fine. My strokes feel the same, but I know something is wrong. I just can't pinpoint what. I haven't enjoyed tennis since the beginning of December.

just go out and have fun. say to yourself, it is ok if you lose. That is Federer did and he beat RAFA at Aussie open so it works

 

[sureshs]

just go out and have fun. say to yourself, it is ok if you lose. That is Federer did and he beat RAFA at Aussie open so it works

You know for a fact that Federer told himself it is OK to lose?