Need some advice...

[quiKpoinT]

So I made my high school tennis team, but I need help. I play 5 days a week at my high school, and I do absolutely horrendous.

On saturdays, I go to this clinic, where I can play extremely well. All my groundstrokes, volleys etc. are consistent and I usually win most of my games.

But when I play at my high school, it's like I've just started to play tennis sometimes. My positioning is off, footwork is terrible, can't hit a single shot for my life.

I asked my clinic coach what's going on, and he said it was because when I play indoors, I can judge distances easier and there's no wind or sun, etc.

But the problem is..even with no wind or sun I still do absolutely terrible. Can someone tell me if there's something I'm doing wrong?

I would just like to be able to play at the level that I've seen myself play in the clinic, and I can't seem to able to do it outside at my HS.

 

[dancraig]

Since the High School practice results are probably much more important to you, you feel the added pressure and don't perform as well.
Hopefully, after a few more practices you will begin to play at your best.
You can do it.

 

[quiKpoinT]

Thanks for the help. I was wondering if it was stress, but now that I think about it, I do get really nervous during games.

 

[fuzz nation]

This could simply be an issue of growing accustomed with the environment. Although it's hardly the same setting, the guys I've read about and talked with who work in the Special Warfare community (in the Navy, this means the SEALs) preach the notion of training intensely so that they can become more comfortable with being uncomfortable.

I don't think that my tennis experiences are quite the same challenge, but after putting myself in some different circumstances on the courts and also coaching competitive high school players, I think it's safe to say that you'll get more settled in your outdoor mode after spending a little more time pushing yourself out there. The light, wind, sounds, and any other variables that you don't get so much of under a roof all begin to become more "normal".

Make the effort to actively refocus on your priorities during your sessions of hitting and competing. You can even keep a short "to-do" list with your gear that you can check on during changeovers in your matches. Instead of worrying about everything at once (that can be stressful, right?), it's usually healthy to constantly refocus on one simple thing like keeping your eye on the ball. I also prefer to plan the outset of each point whether I'm serving or returning so that I already know what to do when the action starts. I'm better off when I'm acting instead of just reacting.

 

[OvertheFence]

Yea, this happened to me too. When I first got outside, my groundstrokes + my serve pretty much disappeared, so i resorted to pushing when I play my matches. Just play outside more. After a week or 2, you will get used to it and it will be more comfortable than indoors.

 

[charliefedererer]

The other issue may be one of timing. At your clinic, everyone may have been taught the same basic groundstrokes, serves and tactics. On your high shcool team, there may be more variety with flatter hitters, slice and unusual service motions making it more difficult for you to judge exactly where to get into position and time your contact point. Playing more to develop an abiltiy to play against all types of styles is part of your education as a tennis player. Try to analyse what you need to do different against different strokes. Apply this in practice with your teamates, and against opponents when the season starts. The adjustments must become automatic during play. This will take many matches, and will be a continuing struggle as you advance against better competion. THe fact that tennis is "hard" is what makes it so enjoyable over the long term.

 

[quiKpoinT]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm going to be playing a match on Thursday, and the advice is appreciated.

 

[Nellie]

Definitely play outside as much as possible. You would not beleive how much little things like having to see the ball against the blue sky or paying attention with people walking around will effect your focus.

 

[aeu10]

it's the pressure. when I first tried out for my tennis team, I always felt like throwing up at every try out day