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Mastering Your Time Between Points: Stage Two

October 17, 2010 in Competition, Fearless Tennis, Mindset

So, I’ve talked about getting out of your head after the point is over and putting your attention into your body—an internal focus. As I said, this should be approximately 5 seconds or so. It will help keep you present and less vulnerable to the extraneous, unproductive thoughts that swirl around in your mind. The key is that you are directing your mind and not being passive because we all know how negativity and indecision can trap us when we are not clear about what to do with our mind. Read the rest of this entry →

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Mastering Your Time Between Points-Stage One

October 15, 2010 in Competition, Fearless Tennis, Mindset

Did you know that only 20% of your time on the court is actually spent hitting balls? Were you aware that the remaining 80% of time in any given match is spent walking from one side of the court to the other, sitting on changeovers, or preparing for the next point? This time is ripe with opportunities for the brain to work over time. After all, there is a score, the prospect of winning or losing, perhaps a shot to fix or a strategy to revise, a comment from a doubles partner to let go of….Oh, the traps we can find ourselves in! For years, I fell into them a lot! Still do, but  far less frequently now that I am clearer on what to do with my mind. Read the rest of this entry →

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The Art of Coaching: Learning How to Learn

September 3, 2010 in Fearless Tennis

Tennis is actually a complex game requiring good eye-hand coordination, balance, spatial ability to set up to the ball properly, strength and speed and a great deal of “task” focus. Taking these demands into consideration, it is critical that the experience as student and coach be a collaborative one. Certainly, managing a player’s approach to the game and shot selection is both an art and a science. Read the rest of this entry →

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Use Moderation when Playing the Score

July 16, 2010 in Fearless Tennis

The case has been made that you should use the score to improve your game.  The theory instructs you to go for more when you’re up in the game, use your strength to attack your opponent’s weakness when you’re up by a little (30-15),  or exploit their weakness regardless of your strength when you’re down 15-40. Trying to close it out? “Play the weakness”, it says. Okay. Now, I encourage you to evaluate this approach for yourself and be realistic about what is helpful and what is not. Let’s look at what makes the most sense for you. Read the rest of this entry →

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Cultivating Composure: The Practice of Acceptance

July 2, 2010 in Fearless Tennis, Mindset

Why is it so hard to maintain composure in tennis? There is no team or person on the sideline to cushion the blow of a missed shot at a critical time. There is noone to pull you out of that frustrating place when you can’t seem to find your shots. The truth is you are exposed at all times; there is nowhere to hide when things aren’t going your way. You are all alone out there to deal with the emotional ups and downs. Read the rest of this entry →

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The Power of Belief: How to Keep Your Inner Demons at Bay

June 29, 2010 in Competition, Fearless Tennis, Mindset

As I’m sure you know, self-belief is critical if you expect to win at any level. The best in the game have it most of the time–especially Federer and Nadal. But, they too, have their moments, especially when they’re playing one another. Read the rest of this entry →

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The Psychology of the Serve: Isner and Mahut Find the Zone

June 25, 2010 in Fearless Tennis

Of course we are all dumbfounded at not only the length of Isner and Mahut’s historic match, but how they could maintain their concentration under these conditions for that long. In an interview, Isner himself, had great difficulty articulating how this was possible: “I don’t know. I guess we both served incredibly well. It’s grass. We were hitting our spots, a lot.” Read the rest of this entry →

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Mental and Emotional Recovery: Isner and Mahut Epic Battle

June 24, 2010 in Competition, Fearless Tennis, Mindset, Wimbledon

No doubt John Isner and Nicolaus Mahut are part of something amazing, absolutely amazing. Patrick McEnroe is right that win or lose Isner and Mahut have to feel special. They’ve touched every tennis player on the planet. This will be a memory they will never forget. Read the rest of this entry →

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The Essence of Motivation: Rafael Nadal Sets the Bar

June 23, 2010 in Mindset, Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal exemplifies grit, perspective, hard work, discipline and motivation. Asked today about John McEnroe’s belief that if Nadal stays fit he could bag at least 12 Grand Slams, Rafa laughed. “I’ll see what happens at the end of my career,” Nadal responded.  “I’m very happy to have seven Grand Slams already. This is more than I dreamed of. I feel very lucky.  If I still improve my tennis I hope I have more chances to win. I just want to keep fighting to play well. I want enough motivation to keep practicing and get on the court. This is what I have done all my life.” Read the rest of this entry →

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Managing Expectations: A Lesson from the Best

June 22, 2010 in Mindset, Wimbledon

We can learn a lot from the pros. Watch and listen this week and see what you can glean from their approach to the game. After all, if they are competing for their livelihoods, they must have figured a few things out about what mindset is optimal in competition. Read the rest of this entry →

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