Struggling in Tournament Play

[Stanimal3]

I've started playing tournaments this year, and it's just been very tough. I don't know if it's nervousness or anxiety (I take meds for an anxiety disorder), but I cannot seem to get it together or keep it together when playing tournament matches.

My game falls apart. My usually stellar forehand sails or hits the net despite being reliable for 15 years. My double faults mount. My footwork glitches.

In one match (8 game pro set), I fell behind 0-6. Suddenly, I start to hit aces and unreturnable groundies, winning 3 games in a row. As soon as I felt like I could come back, I lost two games in a row and double faulted on match point.

Any advice? Will this go away with experience? Do I need to change my approach?

My opponents are usually pumping themselves up, doing the occasional fist pump or "come on" while I'm more laid back. I've try to not take things seriously to lessen the anxiety, but I'm wondering if I should try to focus and pump myself up in a similar way.

 

[LOBALOT]

I think this comes with playing matches. The more you play the more confident you are as you deal with the challenges you face in a match.

As far as pumping yourself up... Everyone has their own personality on the court between quiet confidence and brash "Let's go!" so I wouldn't think that would have an impact.

One item to think about is identifying your mental routine between points and stick with it and do it over and over and over again.

 

[PK6]

You need to have killer instinct which I tried but blew up in my face as opponents wanted and did talk about other things non related to match which I as an idiot fell for as it blew up in my face. I’ve been ripped scrutinized for wanting to win/being to intense in winning matches in being more important then other people’s feelings as one of women I played with on mixed team/along with group lessons. This is one of major reasons I quit playing. She said I’m spending too much money on tennis and putting off friendships. If you want to be great tennis player you must must must practice every day!!! Which I did at first then for stupid reason I didn’t do this anymore. She was to much a mother hen and i decided enough was enough! That with frustration/madding losses in long 3 set matches put me over the end-it’s going on 2 years and quitting has been best thing I’ve ever done. If tub want to be great player you need to have intense/don’t give a f—k attitude and beat your opponent sending him home crying every match!!!

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Seems silly, but I think it helps to think and write going forward that "I haven't been able to .....yet" instead of the more negative "I can't". Just because sometimes in a match I hear people say "I can't hit a forehand today" when the match is just 20 minutes in. Get your mind ready to react to the now, make adjustments and never think I can't today.

If your game falls apart in a tournament it wasn't reliable all those 15 years. I think more players need to realize this, nothing we do is reliable until we can do it in a tournament/match setting without it failing.

Good that you came back, but don't rely on aces and unreturnable groundies to carry you through a match to a win unless you are playing people way below your level. Each point is the same when you win it, winner or solid rally, ace or well placed serve plus 1. You describe a situation of playing badly and then acing and hitting winners, need to work on a more fluid path to getting points in all kinds of ways.

Experience helps, if you try different things, make notes, learn about hitting neutral balls and be mindful. Record yourself. Just playing 20 matches in a tournament setting won't help if you aren't thinking about what is happening. Seems like you care enough to post here though, so that's a good sign.

Everyone is different, try pumping yourself up, see if it helps. I know everyone benefits from taking deep breaths and resetting between points.

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

You need to have killer instinct which I tried but blew up in my face as opponents wanted and did talk about other things non related to match which I as an idiot fell for as it blew up in my face. I’ve been ripped scrutinized for wanting to win/being to intense in winning matches in being more important then other people’s feelings as one of women I played with on mixed team/along with group lessons. This is one of major reasons I quit playing. She said I’m spending too much money on tennis and putting off friendships. If you want to be great tennis player you must must must practice every day!!! Which I did at first then for stupid reason I didn’t do this anymore. She was to much a mother hen and i decided enough was enough! That with frustration/madding losses in long 3 set matches put me over the end-it’s going on 2 years and quitting has been best thing I’ve ever done. If tub want to be great player you need to have intense/don’t give a f—k attitude and beat your opponent sending him home crying every match!!!

I talk about non tennis things while having a killer instinct. I'm probing my opponent. A lot of people will kind of stop responding to small talk when I get up in a match, then I know they are having a hard time focusing, when they can't even chat on changeovers. I don't think you need to want your opponent to be crying lol, if you have to get that intense to play well, it's not sustainable for every match. If I notice someone trying to get to that level of intensity, I can easily mind game them out of it.

 

[PK6]

I talk about non tennis things while having a killer instinct. I'm probing my opponent. A lot of people will kind of stop responding to small talk when I get up in a match, then I know they are having a hard time focusing, when they can't even chat on changeovers. I don't think you need to want your opponent to be crying lol, if you have to get that intense to play well, it's not sustainable for every match. If I notice someone trying to get to that level of intensity, I can easily mind game them out of it.

Mind games/gamesmanship need to be illegal!!! No place for that!!! I’ve come thisclose to dropping the fists after losing long 3 set matches because of this!! Matches need to played on court/in silence/players on opposite end of courts-this needs to be enforced on USTA as well ladder leagues with officials

 

[LOBALOT]

I talk about non tennis things while having a killer instinct. I'm probing my opponent. A lot of people will kind of stop responding to small talk when I get up in a match, then I know they are having a hard time focusing, when they can't even chat on changeovers. I don't think you need to want your opponent to be crying lol, if you have to get that intense to play well, it's not sustainable for every match. If I notice someone trying to get to that level of intensity, I can easily mind game them out of it.

You have to be who you are. The external stuff you put forward has nothing really to do with results on the court except if you are negative. If you are negative your opponent will sense and feed off that.

I tend to be more chit chat, on the court. laid back, but focused inside. My son is the quiet/confident type whole will destroy his opponent and not show anything one way or the other. One can be successful with any personality and how it exhibits itself.

Success comes with preperation and experience. This other stuff doesn't mater

 

[PK6]

It’s kill or be killed as we survival of the fittest!!!

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

You have to be who you are. The external stuff you put forward has nothing really to do with results on the court except if you are negative. If you are negative your opponent will sense and feed off that.

I tend to be more chit chat, on the court. laid back, but focused inside. My son is the quiet/confident type whole will destroy his opponent and not show anything one way or the other. One can be successful with any personality and how it exhibits itself.

Success comes with preperation and experience. This other stuff doesn't mater

Well, yes, but you can't win and want to make your opponent cry lol, that's too far to the extreme for success. I didn't realize it was the famous PK6 writing, should have noticed.

It’s kill or be killed as we survival of the fittest!!!

Get back to the gym! haha.

 

[PK6]

Well, yes, but you can't win and want to make your opponent cry lol, that's too far to the extreme for success. I didn't realize it was the famous PK6 writing, should have noticed.

Get back to the gym! haha.

I am!!!

 

[ngoster]

It sounds like you have the physical skill sets to be competitive and win matches but you need the develop the mental side of your game. Tennis is a very mental game. It's all about confidence whether that means being confident in beating your opponent or executing shots. Confidence will help your quiet your mind and allow you to focus on (fill in the blank). If you aren't confident in any aspect of your game, anxiety builds and completely wreck your ability to do anything. Moving forward, it may be helpful for you to do a post mortem analysis of your match to find the root cause and work on improving it.

For example, my main challenge is focus. I tend to lose focus or check out because I'm easily distracted by things that my opponent do like being nice and starting small talk during changeovers. It causes me to drop my guard (focus) which causes me to not be lazy with my shots and making more errors. I've been scolded by my mixed teammates for being too nice. What helped me with this was to identify when this happens (hopefully before it's too late) and say to myself, "ok, no more mr niceguy" which helps me refocus.

I also experience random instances where the game or set points, even if we're up by a good margin and I've been dominant the entire match, causes me to get nervous. My knees have literally started to shake. What has helped me take focus off the points is redirecting the focus to my mechanics. I'd pick 3 things to focus on like footwork, spacing and watching the ball.

To summarize, find the root cause(s) of what's failing you then work on fixing them one by one. This may be a constant work in progress thing but that's what makes the game so fun.

 

[J D]

Stanimal3, I have coached lots of people that struggle under pressure. Performing at your highest level under pressure is a little different for every person, but there are some common things that work for everyone.

1) Before the match, use positive vusualization. Imagine points where you dominate with your strengths. Envision winning the match. You will be much more relaxed going into play.
2) If you have butterflies, anxiety, etc…., focus on your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths. Do this every time you feel nervous.
3) Slow down, take time to refocus on your match goals. What do you do well? What does your opponent not do well and how can you exploit that?
4) Focus before each point. What should you be trying to accomplish based on the score?
5) Back to basics. Focus on moving your feet and watching the ball through contact.
6) If a reliable shot has gone missing, try being more aggressive to safe targets with it. Try to find your rhythm.
7) Never change a winning formula, always change a losing one. If losing, what can you do differently? Maybe your best shots are just feeding your opponent’s strengths? Try mixing up pace, spin, and placement to get your opponent out of rhythm.
8) What kind of shape is your opponent in? Guys can be thin but still have little stamina. Run him side to side, up and back.
9) Tennis is mental. If you can’t outplay your opponent, you may very well be able to outthink him.

 

[socallefty]

I don't know if it's nervousness or anxiety (I take meds for an anxiety disorder), but I cannot seem to get it together or keep it together when playing tournament matches.

Are you getting any help (beyond pills) from therapists to understand the reasons for your anxiety disorder and possibly reduce it over time? Singles tennis is very stressful if you have an anxiety disorder already and you might need to fix the root cause for your anxiety first.

A book like ‘Smart Tennis’ by Dr. John Murray can be very useful to improve your mental skills on court.

 

[Jono123]

This very common. The more you play the less the effect. Try not to have too much emotional investment in the outcome.

 

[ChaelAZ]

I've started playing tournaments this year, and it's just been very tough. I don't know if it's nervousness or anxiety (I take meds for an anxiety disorder), but I cannot seem to get it together or keep it together when playing tournament matches.
My game falls apart. My usually stellar forehand sails or hits the net despite being reliable for 15 years. My double faults mount. My footwork glitches.
In one match (8 game pro set), I fell behind 0-6. Suddenly, I start to hit aces and unreturnable groundies, winning 3 games in a row. As soon as I felt like I could come back, I lost two games in a row and double faulted on match point.
Any advice? Will this go away with experience? Do I need to change my approach?
My opponents are usually pumping themselves up, doing the occasional fist pump or "come on" while I'm more laid back. I've try to not take things seriously to lessen the anxiety, but I'm wondering if I should try to focus and pump myself up in a similar way.

Why are you playing? What is you expectation?

 

[PK6]

This game will eat you alive and spit you out!!!

 

[a10best]

Yea, I agree you need to look at losses with confidence builders that you did some things right. Sometimes you just play bad that day.
When you come back from long breaks from the game you are less consistent with your past form.
I lost a couple league matches this year by 1 break or in a TB after taking a season off due to family concerns and not being physically prepared (lack of electrolytes, towels).
In each match I killed them in the first set; 6-1 or 6-2 but then I dropped my level (pace of serve and aggressiveness) thinking their belief in winning was low. However, each changed their style to a front court game which made the set scores close. I was also serving for the match, got broke and lost.

In another match I lost the first set 6-2 but won the 2nd set 6-0 doing everything I was supposed to do. I was very happy I turned the second set around completely but couldn't sustain it in the 3rd as he raised his level. Funny thing is before the match I asked him how'd you beat your previous opponent 0 and 2 and told him I never bageled anyone in this division before. Then that day it happened with him. I was honestly happy to bagel someone who was playing well and turn the match around in that set.

 

[chuckersthenut]

I've started playing tournaments this year, and it's just been very tough. I don't know if it's nervousness or anxiety (I take meds for an anxiety disorder), but I cannot seem to get it together or keep it together when playing tournament matches.

My game falls apart. My usually stellar forehand sails or hits the net despite being reliable for 15 years. My double faults mount. My footwork glitches.

In one match (8 game pro set), I fell behind 0-6. Suddenly, I start to hit aces and unreturnable groundies, winning 3 games in a row. As soon as I felt like I could come back, I lost two games in a row and double faulted on match point.

Any advice? Will this go away with experience? Do I need to change my approach?

My opponents are usually pumping themselves up, doing the occasional fist pump or "come on" while I'm more laid back. I've try to not take things seriously to lessen the anxiety, but I'm wondering if I should try to focus and pump myself up in a similar way.

This sums up my entire high school tennis career...tough read.

When I picked the game back up in my mid thirties I found I was much more prepared to handle a lot of these problems. Mostly stemmed from making my way into the world, failing, and getting to know myself. Getting dusted up a few times.

Time to time that familiar feeling does creep in. I suspect it may be a part of my character. Just got to remind it who runs the show. Me or the devil?

When in doubt trust the technique and swing out. You've put in the time.

 

[a10best]

If you get anxious and take medication for it then it is you. Not a nig deal. We all get nervous. At least most of us do.
You may have to swing out more aggressively in the beginning than later on in the set.
My current dilemma is I blow people away in the first set and end up in a much closer second set due to being less aggressive and my opponent has always hit more aggressively on their serve and fh.
I have now lost 7 tiebreakers in a row against different people. To get this out of my head, I'm going to start playing friends and people TB's for money. $5 or $10, an electrolyte drink, etc. Something of value so there is something on the line to get rid of errors that should not happen.
Your profile pic is cool too. Stan was a beast.

 

[ChrisJR3264]

So I play in Florida. From October through May my game is dominate.

Being a north east born living there 28 years of my life - I cannot play in the summer heat here in Florida. I am a 4.5 and I find myself struggling against those players in this heat - especially junk ballers. Mentally - after 20 minutes of hitting I just say screw it and start going for winners and volleys to get off the court.

 

[Fintft]

Stanimal3, I have coached lots of people that struggle under pressure. Performing at your highest level under pressure is a little different for every person, but there are some common things that work for everyone.

1) Before the match, use positive vusualization. Imagine points where you dominate with your strengths. Envision winning the match. You will be much more relaxed going into play.
2) If you have butterflies, anxiety, etc…., focus on your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths. Do this every time you feel nervous.
3) Slow down, take time to refocus on your match goals. What do you do well? What does your opponent not do well and how can you exploit that?
4) Focus before each point. What should you be trying to accomplish based on the score?
5) Back to basics. Focus on moving your feet and watching the ball through contact.
6) If a reliable shot has gone missing, try being more aggressive to safe targets with it. Try to find your rhythm.
7) Never change a winning formula, always change a losing one. If losing, what can you do differently? Maybe your best shots are just feeding your opponent’s strengths? Try mixing up pace, spin, and placement to get your opponent out of rhythm.
8) What kind of shape is your opponent in? Guys can be thin but still have little stamina. Run him side to side, up and back.
9) Tennis is mental. If you can’t outplay your opponent, you may very well be able to outthink him.

10) Don't forget to breath: e.g. starting exhaling as you start your swing.
11) Keep eyes at contact point during contact
12) Shadow swings