I lose my focus after the 1st set.....

[TennisGal]

I generally win the first set I play then bomb the second set and win the tie break. How do I overcome this pattern?
I don't get over-confident after winning the first set, I just can't focus on the game. That second set slips away from me very quickly. I get into fighting mode during the tie break and win.
How do I get stronger mentally??? I can't waste the second set every time a play a match....

 

[ChaelAZ]

I struggle with this often, and I find focusing on winning every point helps most.

However, overall it helped me along the way to set goals for each set. So if I win the first set, especially if I bagel or breadstick a player, I will set a goal to only allow them maybe two points in a serving game, both sides. Or maybe tell myself I will do as well as the first set but have it in my mind that no more than 2 games will be lost.

 

[SinjinCooper]

People lose:

• Interest
• Energy
• Focus

Or a combination thereof. Different solutions.

The first doesn't matter. Because winning or losing is irrelevant if you've already decided you don't care.

The second is physical. If you're operating at an energy deficit, the solution is to get more. That may mean playing yourself into shape, it may mean playing less. It may mean training off court, it may mean less training off court. It may mean changing your diet, it may mean changing your sleeping patterns. Look at yourself, and you can probably figure out which -- if any -- apply.

Focus may be physical, or it may be psychological. If it's the former, it'll probably get taken care of by whatever you figure out above. If it's in your head, the best anyone here can do is to say, "Take a deep breath, and try to refocus." If it takes more than that, there are a million different mental and pharmaceutical possibilities, and you shouldn't take advice on any of them from uncredentialed strangers.

 

[Booger]

Get fitter. Lots of us have the same problem. In the 2nd/3rd set, I tend to player lower percentage, serve slows down a little, more unforced errors, bad tactical decisions, etc. Doesn't happen in the 1st set when I'm still fresh.

 

[watungga]

May I ask, do you know what focus you're looking for?

 

[user92626]

I have a similar problem and at this point in time I don't have a solution yet.

I play 3 times better when I am under pressure, especially when losing. When I am up 3-0 or something like that, my playing intensity decreases and it enables the opponent to catch up.

In schools I could never complete any assignment early. It had to be left until last minutes.

Sometimes that's just the way we are.

 

[TennisGal]

May I ask, do you know what focus you're looking for?

The same focus I had in the first set. I can focus on the ball, I am mentally in the match, I hit winners instead of unforced errors. I don't think it's a physical thing. I can get to the ball just fine in the second set. I make unforced errors like crazy. It feels like mentally my brain just gives up. I keep telling myself to stay in the game, focus on the ball etc. Not working too well... Maybe I should try some adderall... lol...

 

[watungga]

The same focus I had in the first set. I can focus on the ball, I am mentally in the match, I hit winners instead of unforced errors. I don't think it's a physical thing. I can get to the ball just fine in the second set. I make unforced errors like crazy. It feels like mentally my brain just gives up. I keep telling myself to stay in the game, focus on the ball etc. Not working too well... Maybe I should try some adderall... lol...

Lost of focus tend to happen also when you overthink on variety of things.
You can get to the ball but unable to execute properly. To me, this is on the "overthinking" side.
Simplify that thinking by "visually/mentally" planning on the trajectory of the ball (the cannon trajectory after impact) that you want to achieve.

 

[boredone3456]

The same focus I had in the first set. I can focus on the ball, I am mentally in the match, I hit winners instead of unforced errors. I don't think it's a physical thing. I can get to the ball just fine in the second set. I make unforced errors like crazy. It feels like mentally my brain just gives up. I keep telling myself to stay in the game, focus on the ball etc. Not working too well... Maybe I should try some adderall... lol...

When you say you win the first set, how comfortably are you winning it when you find this happening? Is it like, a 6-1 or 6-2 type of set or maybe a more competitive set? I tend to find when I win the first set by that kind of score, I generally have trouble maintaining that in the 2nd set because, well, I won the first set so comfortably that maybe if I mess up a little I can still win in straights. Or if its tighter and you are struggling, maybe you're worried about the close margins of the first set as you play the 2nd and you aren't really realizing it.

I try not to think about the whole match, I try to focus on one shot at a time, and keep myself grounded in the moment, otherwise I overthink things and fall off the rails.

 

[TennisGal]

When you say you win the first set, how comfortably are you winning it when you find this happening? Is it like, a 6-1 or 6-2 type of set or maybe a more competitive set? I tend to find when I win the first set by that kind of score, I generally have trouble maintaining that in the 2nd set because, well, I won the first set so comfortably that maybe if I mess up a little I can still win in straights. Or if its tighter and you are struggling, maybe you're worried about the close margins of the first set as you play the 2nd and you aren't really realizing it.

I try not to think about the whole match, I try to focus on one shot at a time, and keep myself grounded in the moment, otherwise I overthink things and fall off the rails.

Pretty comfortably. 2 weeks I won the first set 6-0. Lost the second 3-6. Won tie break 10-2.
Yesterday, I wont the first set 6-2, lost the second set 2-6, didn't have time for a tie break.

 

[boredone3456]

Pretty comfortably. 2 weeks I won the first set 6-0. Lost the second 3-6. Won tie break 10-2.
Yesterday, I wont the first set 6-2, lost the second set 2-6, didn't have time for a tie break.

I would focus on keeping that momentum from the first set by playing shot by shot. Remember, when you win a set like that, your opponent is likely to step up their game to stay in the match, or try something different. Try to keep in mind to expect differences in play from them, and think point by point to be prepared. Its never safe to assume you will win the 2nd set as comfortably in the first. It sounds like you have this lapse, then realize you need to get it together to win, and step it up to put the nail in the coffin, I would focus on trying to have that mentality in the 2nd set and not the tiebreaker.

 

[TennisGal]

Lost of focus tend to happen also when you overthink on variety of things.
You can get to the ball but unable to execute properly. To me, this is on the "overthinking" side.
Simplify that thinking by "visually/mentally" planning on the trajectory of the ball (the cannon trajectory after impact) that you want to achieve.

I think you may be right. I get to the ball fine then I want to execute and hit an "elegant" winner. Lol. I could win the point with a simple drop shot. But no... I go for a crazy angle slice that ends up hitting the tape and I lose the point. So... I could be overthinkig it. Or (and this could be analyzing the issue), maybe I do get overly confident without realizing it and my confidence is making me wanting to "prove" myself, play elegant and beautiful tennis and I mess up...

 

[RyanRF]

I get this from time to time. Usually it's because I'm feeling too comfortable/complacent after taking a lead.

Instead I have to convince myself that I'm losing, no matter what the score is. I tell myself that my opponent is about make a comeback and once they do I won't be able to stop them.

It's kind of a negative mindset and not for everybody, but it helps keep me focused.

 

[watungga]

Focus on reaction-based response to every ball. It means that there's only one avenue/position where you can hit the ball safely. Then from thereon, apply some quality punch on next ball until you get the deliciousness of the impact (that is your zone I'm talking about).
Not every ball can be "paced" at a certain spot in the opponents court, but possible to do it if you are on "the zone" where you already knew where the opponent's next ball will be and feel confident to the "quality of ball delivery".

 

[Notirouswithag]

Can you give more detail on your focus loss? is it more on the mental side? Physical side?

Do you tend to overthink your strategy and end up hitting more net balls?

There's alot that can factor in here to help get you over your hump and become more consistent

 

[TennisGal]

Can you give more detail on your focus loss? is it more on the mental side? Physical side?

Do you tend to overthink your strategy and end up hitting more net balls?

There's alot that can factor in here to help get you over your hump and become more consistent

Definitely more mental. I am going for elegant, nicely placed shots (that I end up just barely missing) instead of the easier shots. I net a simple serve return because I chip the ball and it hits the tape. It's the same mistake over and over again. Hitting the tape or the ball is barely out. I don't think I'm paying enough attention. I have another match tonight... I will try to make a more conscious effort to focus and stay in the game.

 

[Notirouswithag]

Definitely more mental. I am going for elegant, nicely placed shots (that I end up just barely missing) instead of the easier shots. I net a simple serve return because I chip the ball and it hits the tape. It's the same mistake over and over again. Hitting the tape or the ball is barely out. I don't think I'm paying enough attention. I have another match tonight... I will try to make a more conscious effort to focus and stay in the game.

Sounds like you are too focused on trying to get those perfectly placed elegant shots which ends up distracting your mental clarity and focus. Best thing is to just try to figure out your opponents pattern/weakness( are they all courter, baseline puncher, etc) . Your opponent is probably doing the same to you and can tell your trying to carefully place the ball so regardless of the type of ball they hit at you, chances are they know your going to make an unforced error.

They key to beating your opponent is to strategize and aside from trying to find their weakness, be consistent and hit higher percentage shots and know when to put away, chip, etc.

good luck on your match tonight and try not to focus too much on ball placement

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Even tho' you say the loss of focus is more mental than physical, keeping physically active can do a lot to keep you focused, alert and vigilant. Try skipping rope or jumping jacks for a minute or two between sets. Perform a lot of shadow swings between games and even between points. Marion Bartoli did this a lot when she was active on the tour. Other players do it as well. Alternate this with trunk twists, arm swings and various footwork actions. Butt kicks, dynamic lunges, jumping or running in place, jump squats, ready steps, etc.

Ready steps & other footwork:

 

[MikeMechanic]

Try to shorten points.

 

[TennisGal]

Quick update: I played a match this morning. Won the 1st set 6-2, was up in the 2nd 4-2 (our court time ran out). I worked on staying more focused between point (moving around, shadow swings, etc). Also, I realized, that it mostly my evening matches that I have trouble with. I have a very stressful job and after 8-9 hours of work my brain is fried - I wonder if this contributes to my loss of focus...

 

[Notirouswithag]

Glad to hear you had a better result this time around.

How long do you usually have until you get off work and have to go play your evening match? Perhaps if you have at least an hour, doing some meditating/mind clearing along with pre match stretching will help you calm your mind and realign your focus

 

[TennisGal]

Glad to hear you had a better result this time around.

How long do you usually have until you get off work and have to go play your evening match? Perhaps if you have at least an hour, doing some meditating/mind clearing along with pre match stretching will help you calm your mind and realign your focus

I go straight to the club from the office. So pretty much no time in between. I should try some meditation. Maybe even 10 minutes would help.

 

[Notirouswithag]

I go straight to the club from the office. So pretty much no time in between. I should try some meditation. Maybe even 10 minutes would help.

grab your headphones, put some meditation music on and see if it helps, even if its just for that small amount of time

 

[Dartagnan64]

I used to have this problem in golf. After about the 14th hole, mental and physical fatigue from 3 hours walking and concentrating on every shot can wear you focus down. I found that staying well hydrated, bringing a snack (energy bar, peanuts, banana) and taking a "one shot at a time" mentality would kind of get me back and allow me to finish the round strong.

In tennis the same things can happen due to fatigue, electrolyte changes, mental stress. Definitely getting the days work out of your head with some meditation or music is a good idea. Really focusing on hydration and some energy after the first set may help get your mind sharper. Then really start taking a "one point at a time" mentality. Focus away from the overall match to each individual point and what you want to do. Hop a bit to loosen the legs.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

taking a "one shot at a time" mentality would kind of get me back and allow me to finish the round strong.

This approach works pretty well with whiskey also...unless it's a double.

 

[TennisGal]

This approach works pretty well with whiskey also...unless it's a double.

lol....

 

[NE1for10is?]

Consider how you're fueling your body and brain during the match. You need a sports drink that provides enough carbs, sugar, protein and potassium to (i.e. blended OJ, Protein powder, banana) so you can keep the energy and focus going. And Gatorade ain't gonna do it. If you loose focus or can't remember the score, or start physicially fading even though you're fit, it's probably due to lack of proper nutrition during the match. Also, it takes about 15 minutes for it to kick in, so you have to refuel before you start to wane.