Lacking in the second set

[zill]

I tend to dominate in the first set but then go downhill a lot in the second set. I am relatively fit so it's not just fitness. My strokes and timing go sharply downhill in the second set. Any explanations and how can I improve on this?

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

I tend to dominate in the first set but then go downhill a lot in the second set. I am relatively fit so it's not just fitness. My strokes and timing go sharply downhill in the second set. Any explanations and how can I improve on this?

How is your mental toughness? Does the easy first set lead you to wander mentally in the 2nd? Remember also that this is the time when your opponent will up their game.

Have you ever tried Brad Gilbert's trick of pretending you lost the first set?

Take a listen to this:

http://www.essentialtennis.com/eliminating-the-2nd-set-slump-podcast-242/

 

[zill]

How is your mental toughness? Does the easy first set lead you to wander mentally in the 2nd? Remember also that this is the time when your opponent will up their game.

Have you ever tried Brad Gilbert's trick of pretending you lost the first set?

Take a listen to this:

http://www.essentialtennis.com/eliminating-the-2nd-set-slump-podcast-242/

Very nice. Thank you.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Try getting your heart rate up (into your aerobic training zone) by moving around more between points. Groundstroke shadow swings, ready steps, arm swings, trunk twists, washing machines twists, pogo hops, butt kicks, tennis footwork patterns, etc. Clear your head and use this increased activity like a dynamic meditation. This can possibly relax & focus your mind and allow you to achieve a flow state. It could get your adrenaline flowing and possibly release endorphins (or endocannabinoids).

Ever watch Marion Bartoli play? She was a fanatic about performing shadow swings between points.

Players who lose the first set, can often turn things around in the 2nd set by becoming a bit more active. Players who win their 1st set but fade in the 2nd or 3rd sets will often find that stepping up their activity level can be energizing and keep them from being listless or playing flat. For an idea of what I mean by "ready steps" check out the beginning or Bailey's tennis dance video (seen again at 0:38 and later in the vid):

In the last vid, we see Anna K performing ready steps with a bit of a twisting action.

 

[Chadillac]

I tend to dominate in the first set but then go downhill a lot in the second set. I am relatively fit so it's not just fitness. My strokes and timing go sharply downhill in the second set. Any explanations and how can I improve on this?

Focus on getting to 12 instead of 6. Set your initial bar low.

 

[Searah]

How is your mental toughness? Does the easy first set lead you to wander mentally in the 2nd? Remember also that this is the time when your opponent will up their game.

Have you ever tried Brad Gilbert's trick of pretending you lost the first set?

Take a listen to this:

http://www.essentialtennis.com/eliminating-the-2nd-set-slump-podcast-242/

mind sharing the "pretending you lost the first set" info? got me curious haha!
i've actually ordered the book but it's been a month now and still no reply from my bookstore. the book is not that popular in australia it seems

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

mind sharing the "pretending you lost the first set" info? got me curious haha!
i've actually ordered the book but it's been a month now and still no reply from my bookstore. the book is not that popular in australia it seems

Probably because it was written by an American.