Need help game sometimes goes "stale"

[robok9]

I've found through a repeated routine that my game will sometimes go completely stale. By that I mean that my shots have less umph, my serves lack pace and accuracy, and my overall net game is not as good. Although, I mainly notice it in serves, since I usually average about 5 aces and another 5 unreturned serves per set, but this gives me only like 1 or 2 of the latter. I will walk you through the exact routine that twice put me into this kind of mini slump.

First time:
-went to tennis lesson (1 hour)
-my opponent for a league match was a little late (sat around for about 45 minutes)
-played 3 sets and lost to someone I should easily beat (2 hours)

Second time:
-went to tennis lesson (1 hour)
-courts were full so had to meet up at other courts (35 minutes of down time)
-played some pretty bad doubles (2 hours)

I really don't understand what happens. I don't feel tired or worn out. I just can't seem to play well when it happens. I need help to see if I can prevent this from reoccurring. Help would be much appreciated!

 

[Fxanimator1]

Maybe that 35-45 min. cool-down of your shoulder in the middle of playing is not what your body and mind likes.

 

[Topspin Shot]

5 aces per set on average? That's a lot of aces.

 

[robok9]

5 aces per set on average? That's a lot of aces.

Well, I guess that's on a good day. If its a decent serve returner, maybe 2 or 3. I guess I exaggerated a bit. Bottom line, this slump makes me serve badly.

 

[Topspin Shot]

Well, I guess that's on a good day. If its a decent serve returner, maybe 2 or 3. I guess I exaggerated a bit. Bottom line, this slump makes me serve badly.

Okay. Probably what Fxanimator said.

 

[MissD]

Sounds like it's mainly a mental hurdle. Something about waiting around is frustrating you and messing with your concentration. Try keeping a tennis book on hand, bring bands to stretch, music to listen to or watch tennis videos on your phone. Keep your mind active and don't dwell on the number of minutes you've been put on hold.

 

[robok9]

Alright, thanks for the replies.

 

[crash1929]

OP: I know what you mean. I think that happens to everyone. Hopefully it doesn't last too long. I know its simple answer but for me usually being extra loose and breathing well helps.

 

[thatguymattin]

This usually happens to me after working out muscles I haven't exercised in a while.. Also I feel this way when playing with older tennis balls.

 

[LuckyR]

I've found through a repeated routine that my game will sometimes go completely stale. By that I mean that my shots have less umph, my serves lack pace and accuracy, and my overall net game is not as good. Although, I mainly notice it in serves, since I usually average about 5 aces and another 5 unreturned serves per set, but this gives me only like 1 or 2 of the latter. I will walk you through the exact routine that twice put me into this kind of mini slump.

First time:
-went to tennis lesson (1 hour)
-my opponent for a league match was a little late (sat around for about 45 minutes)
-played 3 sets and lost to someone I should easily beat (2 hours)

Second time:
-went to tennis lesson (1 hour)
-courts were full so had to meet up at other courts (35 minutes of down time)
-played some pretty bad doubles (2 hours)

I really don't understand what happens. I don't feel tired or worn out. I just can't seem to play well when it happens. I need help to see if I can prevent this from reoccurring. Help would be much appreciated!

There is nothing wrong with your game, the problem is in your mindset. Everyone doing every activity has normal fluctuations in their abilities. When we observe others we see this fluctuation, realize that the fat part of the bell shaped curve is centered in the middle and we expect most outcomes to be in that zone but are not suprised when it strays to the left and the right. When we observe ourselves (especially in tennis) we remember our very best and subconsciously expect ourselves to play at that level all of time. Hey I made that running FH DTL pass that curved out of the alley to hit the line last week, why did I miss it today?

Why do you think there is a thread on cursing on court? Bad misses shatter expectations (which are generally too high for the above reason) leading to outbursts that frankly are pretty embarrassing when taken in context.

 

[robok9]

Well, it isn't really an issue with having an off day and expecting to have a good day every day. It's more along the lines of just getting out of rhythm in certain situations. The odd thing about when this happens is that I play pretty well for that 1 hour, take a break and then my game drops exponentially. Honestly, I think it's more physical than mental, so I'll try to work on just staying loose during that break.

 

[LuckyR]

Well, it isn't really an issue with having an off day and expecting to have a good day every day. It's more along the lines of just getting out of rhythm in certain situations. The odd thing about when this happens is that I play pretty well for that 1 hour, take a break and then my game drops exponentially. Honestly, I think it's more physical than mental, so I'll try to work on just staying loose during that break.

My point is, that is NOT odd. That's expected. If you play above average for awhile, you need to play below average (the exponential drop) next time for the average to be the average.

 

[robok9]

My point is, that is NOT odd. That's expected. If you play above average for awhile, you need to play below average (the exponential drop) next time for the average to be the average.

I get what you're saying, but that's not really applicable for real life. If I usually play at a 4.0 level, that doesn't mean that if one day I play at a 4.5 level, then the next day ill play at a 3.5 level. It just doesn't work like that.