How not to lose a match

[TomUK]

Ok lately iv lost several matches after being completely in the driving seat,

Me and my doubles partner were playing a game, 5-1 in first set then our oponent started pushing and we went on to lose the match 7-5 6-3

Another game i played i won the first set 6-2, then lost the second 6-3 then lost the third set in a tie break after being 5-3 up in games, went to 6-6, was 6-3 up in tiebreak and then lost 9-7

My game just seems to collapse once i have been winning so easily, im fairly sure its not that my opponent is playing better, its that my game just falls away as i seem to get the mental attitude of "its ok to lose this game/point as im so far ahead", in the end it catches up with me and i have to start playing again.

My match play experience is still quite limited as im 17 and heavent been playing competetively for very long, this is my first year in the adult club teams.

Its just really frustrating and i was wondering if there are any tips you guys use to put the game to sleep and avoid losing concentration.

Many thanks,

Tom

 

[FiveO]

Perhaps, the answer is in the way you titled this thread: "How not to lose a match." Closing a match out is generally a learned skill, although there are some instinctive hunter/killers who seem to have the ability in their genes. In my mind playing not to lose is very different than playing to win. Playing not to lose generally results in tentativeness and the erosion of confidence. Sometimes overhitting will occur as a result, when the player senses he is losing points from tightness. Its all part of a downward spiral, which appears to accelerate out of one's control.

I believe an important element of "playing to win" is being an objective spectator during one's matches and in one's post-match analysis. I'm an advocate of losing oneself in focused concentration during the execution of every shot. I believe its just as important that a player be very conscious of the outcomes of each shot and each point. Not emotionally attached to the outcomes, but very aware of them. By being aware of strength to weakness match-ups, successful patterns of play, etc., you can then call on them as your nerves come on as you near the finish line. It will aid in keeping things organized and clearer, allowing you to invest yourself in shot to shot goals as you close the match out.

The approach is like watching a another person playing chess, solitaire or for that matter tennis (i.e.- during the Wimbledon men's SF it was notable that Hewitt stopped using his bh dtl to attack Federer's fh). We've all been there. When observing someone else in the flow of the game, objectively, almost detached, its usually easier to see the winning moves more clearly. The trick is to bring that mind-set, objective observation, to one's own matches. Observe what is successful vs. what is not, apply the what has been successful, (rinse) and repeat. Play to win.

Good luck.

 

[TomUK]

so if i understood that correctly, the problem is largely with my mentality in that im playing not to lose, where as infact i should have it in my mind set that im playing to win the game. Then throughout the game i should note which shots i hit win me the points, and which shots i hit lose me the points. Towards the end i should concentrate purely on hitting the shots that won the most points throughout the game?

Thanks for the reply.

Tom

 

[SageOfDeath]

Well you could use that as a strategy but after the match is over keep in mind the shots that lost you points. What type of shots were they? How can you improve those shots? Its never really the shot that lost you the point, its the error you made in the shot.

You said you were playing doubles? Play a lot with your partner to gain good teamwork. Doubles tactics are very important in the game. One of the more dangerous ones is when 2 players are at the net at the same time. Beginners often have a one up and one back formation but when both players are at the net hitting a passing shot is very difficult. The only way to do a passing shot is hit down the middle between both partners to confuse them or lob over them. But that shouldn't be a problem if you have good teamwork. Handling lobs is a skill most club players have, but if you don't, don't worry. Have your partner hit you some lobs with various spins so you get used to them.

 

[vin]

Nice post FiveO!

When observing someone else in the flow of the game, objectively, almost detached, its usually easier to see the winning moves more clearly. The trick is to bring that mind-set, objective observation, to one's own matches.

Ain't that the truth! I am going to try to start taping some of my matches so I can compare what I thought I did good and bad with what I really did. I'm also going to count the stats to get a more objective perspective of my game. I figure all of this may also help having a more accurate perception of what's going on during the match. Does anyone else study their own matches on tape?

 

[MegacedU]

Decided to delete this one

 

[vin]

Hey vin, do you instruct at Tri-City? I saw the name Vin on a hopper today.

I used to. I was teaching younger kids and didn't like it that much. I didn't really have the time for it either.

 

[MegacedU]

Hahaha, now I'M the one teaching young kids. I don't like it that much - I'd rather be sleeping till noon. The six-year-olds I encounter are my reasoning for waiting till MUCH later to have kids.

 

[kevhen]

The key to tennis is to finish strong and get stronger through the match and to take every point seriously and not start giving points away because you are ahead. Only experiment with opponents if you know you are good enough to go back to plan A if you need to finish the match out with a win, but don't experiment or sloppy if playing someone within a half level of ability who could turn the momentum on you. Play sloppy when rallying for fun after the match is over. Stay sharp during the match through to the very last point.