How to have enough intensity for match after day of work?

[Gazelle]

In the current tournament I was happy to play my first match during the weekend feeling fresh and focussed

but my next match is tomorrow night a few hours after work

I fear i will be a bit flat after a long day at work and lack intensity to play well

Are there any ways to remedy this? Something (legal) I can eat or drink or do to be in good shape for my match?

 

[ChaelAZ]

Meh. Tis why I suck anymore with leagues. I am up, like, 330a early and work 10 hour days, so getting to some matches I am just too tired to give it 100%. Tried again this last season and while I was excited to start the season, it quickly got annoying after about the first month of grinding in a couple leagues, so out again. My formula for trying to keep the energy up was water a lot through the day. 12 ounce Pepsi about two hours before match time. A banana about an hour before with about 400 MG of Ibuprofen. Worked decent most the time for me.

 

[OnTheLine]

If you have a few hours between work and match, I like doing a mental "reset" before a tennis match in the evening .. quiet space, a very light meal, semi-meditation or mind clearing, Do a crossword puzzle, whatever.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

I'm more psyched to play after a long day at work than a weekend match when I've had time to be lazy prior. I guess the key is keeping some mental reserve that you don't expend on work ["sorry boss, I can't do that assignment; critical tennis match after work, dontcha know."].

 

[lockbox]

I guess we need more information about your job. But I sit at a desk all day, so I focus on eating well/right, and drinking plenty of water to flush out all/any of the coffee. If you haven't been active all day, make sure you get a good warmup in. Also, don't underestimate being mentally drained - as OnTheLine said, getting that mental reset in can be just as needed as any physical warmup.

 

[stapletonj]

also, "pump up" music helps....

 

[Ruark]

I used to have this issue - we had team practice two evenings a week, and at that time I was a high school teacher with an exhausting job. I agree with the above advice - just keep things quiet and calm, a light, healthy meal with a big glass of iced tea (no sugar!). A quick nap would be very useful if you can swing it. Get there a few minutes early and do some easy stretching exercises. Just stay calm and focused, like a Kung Fu master.....

 

[Turbo-87]

For me, it is just the thought of being able to play the game that gets me ready after a tough day at work. Actually, sometimes thinking about a tennis match helps at work because it gives me a mental break for a moment or two so I can reset my problem solving skills.

 

[OrangePower]

My intensity level fluctuates depending on other stuff going on at work, and in my life in general.
And that's fine - tennis helps me get my mind off other things, and if I'm sometimes flat, well, it's not the end of the world.
I'm always better off mentally and physically for having played, regardless of the outcome.

All a long winded way of saying that I sometimes have the same problem, but no real solution

 

[Deleted member 23235]

my only solution is to drink coffee (or somehow caffeinate: 5h enery drink, NOx type preworkout powders, etc..)
downside... i'm up til 1-2a.

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

Do you have a blue collar job? If so, good lick.
Otherwise, a good night's sleep will help.
Also, being in basic shape helps.
Most adults play tennis after a long day of work, at 8pm+

 

[letstakeourshirtsoff]

Lance Dopestrong is your friend on these matters.

 

[Moveforwardalways]

Red Bull and vodka

 

[rchjr2091]

my only solution is to drink coffee (or somehow caffeinate: 5h enery drink, NOx type preworkout powders, etc..)
downside... i'm up til 1-2a.

Same here but I have made the mistake to much coffee and boy did that match turn sour . So tough to find that happy medium.
I do love my coffee though !

 

[gmatheis]

5hour energy

 

[mmk]

I get up at 4:40 am, get into work at 6 am, play tennis at 8 pm. Usually I have no problem with intensity, in fact I use tennis to release some of my pent up aggression from dealing with a bunch of bureaucrats from a number of nations, and having to mentor new hires.

 

[Jim A]

I think most of us deal with that during League season. A couple things that help
1. Get a decent night sleep Eat decent and hydrate during the day.
2 have your stuff organized/overgrip replaced etc before you arrive.
3. You likely have a commute to the match. Start your prep at that point. Relax, get your head right if needed, listen to some music or have quiet if that is your thing. Drink some water
4. Have a plan when you get there, do you stretch, warm up or go right into hitting. Know how much time you have and what you need
5. Warmup. Etc

If all else fails you can take a couple Advil cold and sinus. The pseudoephedrine will get you going! That was the NHL special until they went to the olympics. They would have bowls in the locker room filled line they were m&m’s!




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[Traffic]

a good night's sleep will help.
Also, being in basic shape helps.
Most adults play tennis after a long day of work, at 8pm+

I find that being very purposeful about getting a good night's rest prior to the day of tennis helps immensely.
Drink lots of fluids.

 

[PK6]

A good nights sleep is key!!! Along with being hydrated as well!!! Totally agree on this along with foam rolling/stretching before/after matches!! I’m going to cut back with my job and go part time. This way I be well rested/hydrated when I play. Jobs not worth it if your working 40+hours. To me winning my matches be it singles/doubles are more important then working all the time. Also long as your bills are paid this shouldn’t be a problem. When it’s match time game on as all bets are off as only thing that matters is I walk off the court a winner and my opponent the loser.

 

[alidisperanza]

Are you caffeine sensitive? I’ve played on pre-workout before with mixed results. The crash can be rough though after 2h if your match goes for long

 

[Nacho]

In the current tournament I was happy to play my first match during the weekend feeling fresh and focussed

but my next match is tomorrow night a few hours after work

I fear i will be a bit flat after a long day at work and lack intensity to play well

Are there any ways to remedy this? Something (legal) I can eat or drink or do to be in good shape for my match?

how did you do?