Playing In The ZONE

[Tennis Aloha]

Many threads, magazine articles and videos talk about playing in the zone. How you want to increase your chances of playing in the zone and how to get in the zone even on days that you're not feeling as smooth.

For me it's more like a chance thing. I 've been playing for a long time but I can honestly count with two digit numbers how many times I remember truly being in the zone.
My mind is quiet, my body moves smoothly and I just don't get too excited or bummed out when I make mistakes.

This was one of those days where I just felt good. I don't think is the best I've ever played but I definitely felt very good.

Unfortunately I have I have noticed that whenever I play in the zone, the next day I actually play a bit worse than usual. I think it's a up and down thing, so extreme ups lead to extreme downs.

What are your thoughts on this? Have you ever played in the zone? How does it differ from regular playing sessions? Do you always win when in the zone? Have you been in the zone and still lost a match?

 

[socallefty]

What are your thoughts on this? Have you ever played in the zone? How does it differ from regular playing sessions? Do you always win when in the zone? Have you been in the zone and still lost a match?

In terms of staying in the zone for an entire match, it happens only once or twice a year in singles matches and I play about 125 singles matches a year. Usually the opponent has to be weaker and I have to start off serving great (especially with flat serves on 1st) which then makes me relaxed and lifts up the rest of the game. There will be a lot of bagels and breadsticks handed out.

More common is to be in the zone for a set against better opponents again triggered by good serving form at the start. Usually they will make some comment that I’m playing really well at the set changeover which makes me think about it and then this will get me out of the zone. Good opponents also relax and play better when they are being beaten badly as they are not thinking about the score too much anymore - they sometimes make good adjustments and try new things which can knock me out of the zone also.

In terms of when it happens, I think it either happens after good practice drill sessions on the previous day or in perfect hot conditions (no wind, low humidity) when the serve is more potent and I can be more aggressive with groundstrokes to hit more winners. I’ll usually say I was in the zone only if I hit a lot of winners (including on serve) while making few errors, didn’t have to bother about avoiding my opponent’s strengths and I never got broken. If I won by being more consistent to make less errors, targeting my opponent’s weaknesses or by breaking serve a lot while also getting broken sometimes, I wouldn’t call it being in the zone.

When I play doubles, I don’t think I could ever say I was in a zone as the dynamics of playing with a partner makes It difficult to stay in that superior relaxed rhythm for an entire set or match.

 

[ichaseballs]

there is a well known book by tennis pros and other sport athletes... the inner game (of tennis)
should help you hit the "zone" more often

 

[Tennis Aloha]

In terms of staying in the zone for an entire match, it happens only once or twice a year in singles matches and I play about 125 singles matches a year. Usually the opponent has to be weaker and I have to start off serving great (especially with flat serves on 1st) which then makes me relaxed and lifts up the rest of the game. There will be a lot of bagels and breadsticks handed out.

More common is to be in the zone for a set against better opponents again triggered by good serving form at the start. Usually they will make some comment that I’m playing really well at the set changeover which makes me think about it too much and then this will get me out of the zone. Good opponents also relax and play better when they are being beaten badly as they are not thinking about the score too much anymore - they sometimes make good adjustments and try new things which can knock me out of the zone also.

In terms of when it happens, I think it either happens after good practice drill sessions on the previous day or in perfect hot conditions (no wind, low humidity) when the serve is more potent and I can be more aggressive with groundstrokes to hit more winners. I’ll usually say I was in the zone only if I hit a lot of winners (including on serve) while making few errors, didn’t have to bother about avoiding my opponent’s strengths and I never got broken. If I won by being more consistent to make less errors, targeting my opponent’s weaknesses or by breaking serve a lot while also getting broken sometimes, I wouldn’t call it being in the zone.

When I play doubles, I don’t think I could ever say I was in a zone as the dynamics of playing with a partner makes It difficult to stay in that superior relaxed rhythm for an entire set or match.

Very thorough answer. Well done. I agree with all of your points

 

[derick232]

I've played in the zone on a couple occasions. One was when I was sick, coughing, sore throat, etc. Never had a match with less errors in my life, and I'm a very aggressive player so inconsistency is much more common (first every 0 DF match, only 1-2 since then.
Most other times, it's similar to you. Against a good opponent I start out serving big flat 1st serves that make for quick service games. The good serving helps the rest of my game and I'll often go out to a good lead. Then over time I drop my level and come back to Earth. These have always been good matches so when I loose I can hardly complain because I can see the high level and the improvement I've made. But to be able to sit in the zone for a whole match like I did when I was sick would be amazing. All comes down to mindset and keeping focused but also staying relaxed. Easier said than done but it's possible to make huge improvements in this area

 

[Bud]

I've only been in the zone a handful of times playing tennis. For me, it happens after playing for a couple hours and I'm completely exhausted and dripping sweat. I then get this weird second wind of energy and calmness. My mind is completely focused and I feel like I'm gliding effortlessly across the court. My body is on autopilot and I'm just observing it play great tennis.