Real Tennis Players - Like You! - Asking For, And Offering, Advice On The Sport They Love
Player to Player is USTA.com’s bi-weekly feature in which everyday tennis players are given a forum to ask advice on the sport they love – and their fellow players will dish out advice. Each week, we’ll post a number of the best responses we receive to our question of the week.
Please send any questions you’d like answered or responses to other player’s questions to Ezra@usta.com. For more information, please click here. To see the next question from Marlon P. of Birmingham, AL, click here.
**Please note that Player to Player will be on hiatus during the US Open and will resume Sept. 14.**
Last week’s question from Carrie of Denver, CO
As a solid 3.5 player who wants to move up, I am entering some tournaments. I already play on a club ladder and USTA Leagues and love all of it! What I need help with is the case of nerves I get when I play in a tournament. Sometimes the match is at my home court and even against a player I know, but somehow just the fact that the match is a tournament causes me to get so nervous that I can't seem to calm down and focus on my tennis. It doesn't make any sense to me. It's not like a lot of money is on the line or anything! Help! Thanks.
PLAYER RESPONSES
From Michael K. of Huron, SDIt could help you to realize that nerves affect just about everyone, even your opponent. Three things have helped me over the years with the same problem: First, when I was starting out, I imagined I was my idol, who was Bjorn Borg. Try imagining yourself as Maria Sharapova or someone who will make you feel very confident. Second, I focus on the ball at all times and don’t look at who I am playing. Play the ball and not the opponent. Third, if I am playing singles versus someone who isn’t a serve and volleyer, I just work on getting the ball in play to build confidence, instead of being really aggressive. As I get into my groove, I begin picking it up, and many times I am playing my best at the end of the match.
From Martha of Kinston, NC
In my first tournament, my nerves were so bad I couldn't breathe! After that, I entered every tournament that was within driving distance. My nerves became less and less of a factor each time. However, you don't want to become too relaxed. Some nervousness helps keep you sharp and focused. Good luck!
From LaRue C. of Alexandria, VA
The key is to not let your mind make the situation bigger than it is. There's no money or life on the line, just a winner and loser. And since there’s no tennis player alive, including the top pros, who has never lost a match, it's no big deal what the outcome of a single match is. In each tournament, eventually everyone loses a match except the champion. So, with this mindset, I don't let any one match take on too much significance, and I allow myself to be comfortable with the possibility that I could lose a match.
I play hard and try not to worry about the outcome so much as the process. We all tend to think that we must be perfect in a tournament match. We focus so hard on each shot that we lose the ability to let our bodies flow free and just hit the ball. Have you ever noticed how well everyone hits in practice? Go into your next tournament knowing that no matter how you do, there's always going to be another tournament, so have fun with it and "cut-loose!"
From Kyle W.
I have found that purely enjoying the match you are about to play helps tremendously with nerves. Don't think so much about the entire tournament, but focus on how great it feels to swing that racket. If this doesn't work, I also like to remember that my opponent is just as, or possibly more, nervous than I am! Take some deep breaths and consider it a challenge to be better with your nerves than the person on the other side of the net
From Phil M. of Houston, TX
I am a beginning 3.0 player, and I have gotten nervous before every match that I've played so far, except for the first one (I didn't know any better). I spend hours researching my opponents and the draws and seeds. While at the match I try to scout out my competition to see if I'll be blown away by them or if they'll be easy to beat. Being well prepared mentally helps give me peace of mind. You will still get nervous, but with experience and by doing your homework, the nerves will work in your favor by providing you with extra energy and adrenaline the day of the match. Good luck, and remember, you entered the tournament for fun!
From Leslie S. of Savannah, GA
The best way to control nerves is to focus on things that are controllable. You cannot always control the outcome of the match or the strength of your opponent. However, if you focus on things 100 percent in your control – your footwork, attitude, height of the toss on your serve, body language, etc. – then you will allow your body and mind to work together toward an achievable goal. In doing so, you will minimize the "helplessness" feeling that produces the shallow breathing and "deer in the headlights" physical responses that are characteristic of nervousness.
From Dick B. of Morrisville, VT
Concentration! When warming up for the match, concentrate on your opponent’s game and try to figure out your game play before the match begins. If you serve first, think about where to serve and how you will play out the point. If receiving, think of your strengths of return of serve if hit to your forehand or backhand. This should help you think about how you are going to play instead of just reacting to your opponent’s play.
Next week’s question from Marlon P. of Birmingham, AL
I am 6' 3" and 250 lbs. I have competed in football, basketball, boxing and have run a few 5K's, though I am a bit overweight for my height. Are there any match-day (tennis) nutritional tips that anyone can share? Should I be carb loading the night prior, drinking Gatorade after my match rather than during, etc.? I cannot stomach any fruits, so I am open to all suggestions.
Please share your advice with us – and Marlon – by e-mailing
Ezra@usta.com with your advice, name and hometown.
*Please note that any advice given out in this forum should in no way be confused with actual medical advice. Before starting any new exercise regimen or altering your existing one, we strongly urge you to consult with your regular physician.
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