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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 →

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 →

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 →