Focus and Confidence: Keys to the Mental Game of Tennis

Provided they have the same stroke powers, both players start equal on the court. However, a line between winning and losing is identified when one has read the other's style and has learned to successfully apply it against the other.

Mastery of oneself gives you a winning edge. Do not lose to yourself or to tennis itself. Rather, manage your emotions well as this is important in succeeding the sport. Learn from top professionals who discipline themselves with focusing on the immediate task instead of the emotion involved in the situation. In your case, think only of hitting the ball to win a point that eventually leads to winning a game and, finally, a set. Refrain from thinking of the consequences of not being able to hit the ball for this is just a major distraction. Master your emotions during play to gain an advantageous spot against an opponent who is poor in doing it. Know what your distractions are and develop a good habit of ignoring them when on the court.

Once you start to feel comfortable with yourself and be consistent with it, confidence sets in. This time, you will have no trouble identifying your opponent's style of play. Be keen to his strengths and weaknesses. There is the kind of player who could get into you, invoking you to commit all of the mistakes. Identified as a push player, his hits are soft and short and he is always able to hit back. But this type is easily countered by a serve-and-and volley game. Another type is referred to as a baseline player. They are apt at making long-rallies from behind the baseline. Take this player out of his comfort zone and into the net by making short balls combined with a spin. You will have to consistently vary your spins, placement and depth of the shots, expecting that he would have to ultimately hit a short ball. When this happens, you make an attack by running up at net and hit a winner. Then, there is the versatile player whose style is mixed from back to fore court. He may seem invincible but do not be intimidated by this type or else you would lose your mental strategy. Concentrate on the ball. Create a variety of spin, hit any kind of shot at every area of the court and sooner or later, you will be able to uncover his weakness. This technique will make the game fascinating, and will put on the opponent and audience into nonstop thinking.

At all times, the best method to employ before, during or after the game is to never let your opponent emotionally, mentally get into you. Do not show your distress or frustrations during the game. If you must, do it quick during time-outs and get over it right away. Always exude confidence that enables you to provide tough and precise serves and winner hits that puts you in the lead of the game and outplay your opponent in the long run.