Real Tennis Players - Like You! - Asking For, and Offering, Advice on the Sport They Love
Player to Player is USTA.com’s regular 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. We’ll post a number of the best responses we receive to our question of the week. PLAYER TO PLAYER DOESN'T WORK WITHOUT YOUR QUESTIONS, so please send any queries you’d like answered, or responses to other players' questions, to Player@USTA.com.
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SEND YOUR TIPS TODAY This week's question from Albert S.: | | "Can anyone help me with these problems? How can I become more accurate with the placement of the backhand groundstroke? How can I improve depth on the forehand, by hitting with more pace rather than with more height? How can I improve my ability to exploit an opponent's weakness (in this case the backhand) in the course of a baseline rally?" | | Please share your advice with Albert by e-mailing Player@USTA.com and include your name and hometown. Got a question of your own? Send that along, too! | |
READ OTHER PLAYERS' ADVICE
Last week’s question from Bethany L.:
(Please note: There's no need to send additional responses to this question)"I'm 15 years old and a competitive player on the junior circuit. Lately, I've been having trouble staying positive when I lose some points and make unforced errors. I would like to take my game to the next level. Does anyone have any recommendations for tips on staying positive during my matches?"
PLAYER RESPONSES:
From Nancy Clayton, Rowland Heights, CA:
Bethany, I used to have that problem, also. A friend of mine told me to read a book by Tim Gallway called "The Game of Inner Tennis.” His whole approach is to let the last shot go. It is the best book I've read on mental tennis. His premise is that we have two selves. "Self One" is the self that yells and is very judgmental. "Self Two" is the one that knows what to do. I've learned to shut "Self One" up, and let "Self Two" take over. My explanation is really basic, but my advice to all players with this problem is to read his book.
From Coach Poppie, Palm Bay, FL:
Computers are a part of everyone’s life today. "Click" and a new page appears. “Click” for another, etc. Control what is in your control -- everything else gets “clicked.” The moment fear raises its ugly head, “click it,” as well as any other distractions. “Click” to your favorite place between points, and let go of the past. Then “click” back to only the ball. Just remember, your enemy is the net, and the lines are the ball’s best friends. As for your opponent, she should be doing the same thing. After all, if there was no opponent and the score did not matter, it would be called practice. Love the play, and live at ease with the results.
From Elina T., East Windsor, NJ:
I played college tennis, and I had that problem a lot. I learned that when my coach would yell at me, I’d get frustrated. The thing I learned off the court that really helped me on the court is to simply use that negativity toward your advantage. Sometimes being angry is the best way to play through anything, and always make sure you keep telling yourself that you can get the next point, don’t just give up on a game or a set. I hope that helps in some small way!
From Wilburn A., Calhoun, GA:
The best thing to do about a bad point is to learn what caused it and correct it. Other than that, you have to block that out and prepare for the next point. Never dwell on a point after it's over. Learn from your mistakes, and move on.
From Maria:
Hi Bethany. I have struggled with the same problem, and my captain had the best advice: Just play the point; don't think of the game, just the points. If you’re down 15-40, tell yourself you can come back point by point. Also, remember why you're out there – because you love to play tennis!!!!
From David F., Geneva, IL:
My daughter is 15 years old and plays USTA tournament tennis. Whenever she makes a few unforced errors in a row, she takes a little extra time between points (always within USTA rules), adjusting her strings or re-tying her shoes in order to re-focus on the match and what her strategy and tactics are. Players tend to speed up after making a few errors, compounding the problem. By taking a little extra time, she is able to calm herself and get back to the task at hand.
From Kenny S., Highland Park, IL:
When you are a junior player, you have big dreams. Really, this is a sport of a lifetime, and when you are on a tennis court, it should always be the place you want to be. Think of all the positives of the game -- fitness, friendship, letting go of stress. If you find yourself getting down on the court, it might be time for a break to rethink what you want out of the sport. Roger Federer used to have a huge temper and lack of focus but overcame that, and look where he ended up.
On the court, try deep breathing, focusing on your racquet strings between points, visualizing what your great shots feel and look like. Off the court, train hard, get the right sleep, and pursue life activities, like friends, dates, school, other sports and family. Balance on and off the court will bring great results. Always know who you are, though. Being a pro tennis player takes incredible physical qualities, like height, which I battled as a junior (being 5-5 just would not cut it in the higher levels). Most important, have fun. Every time you go on a tennis court should be a gift. If it isn't, that’s a big problem.
From Meg E.:
As a Type A person, when I started playing tennis, it seemed natural for me to only see my mistakes and not my successes with tennis. From my very first lesson, my coach always told me to focus on the “next ball” because there wasn’t anything I could do about the last ball that went in the net or off the court. There is no do-over button to push.
When playing your matches, focus only on the “next” ball. I hit some of my worst shots ever in a match (usually due to nerves), and I just have to smile because I know that isn’t my best shot.
During my first singles match, I was so nervous that my hand was shaking so badly during the ball toss for my serve. I could not throw the ball up straight. I was so nervous that I didn’t have any strategy, except staying in one piece until the match was over.
I asked my coach to recommend books to help me compete. My coach said that competing would help me improve my game. He suggested reading James Loehr’s book, “The New Toughness Training for Sports.” Also, there is a videotape called “Mental Toughness Training, the 16-Second Cure” by James Loehr. I found a copy online, and it is great helping you focus between points so that you never get upset with yourself.
Between my coach, Jim Loehr’s “The New Toughness Training for Sports,” and the videotape, “Mental Toughness Training,” I am able to be my best cheerleader on the court when I am competing. No matter what the score is or how bad any of my shots are, I am always able to stay positive during my matches.
I thought that you had to be born with toughness. Luckily toughness can be learned; you just have to get the right resources. Good luck! You can do it!
From Melanie S., Idaho Falls, ID:
My best advice for Bethany is to focus on performance, not score! Just take it one point at a time. Focus on making good serves or good returns and smart shots in between. Be gracious when your opponent makes a winner. Don't get mad at yourself or feel like you should have had it. Forgive yourself quickly and get on to the next point, having learned something. When your shot goes as planned, compliment yourself. And remember, it's not over 'til it's over.
My 12-year-old daughter recently played in a club tournament against a 15-year-old. She lost the first set, 6-4. The second set, she won, 6-4. The third set, she got down, 5-1, but hung in there and went on to win, 7-5, to take the match. Her greatest victory was over discouragement. She hung in there when it looked like the match was over. She focused on being consistent and making the right shots. She forgot about the score. Good Luck, Bethany!
*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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