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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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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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Making the Right Adjustments During Competition

June 19, 2010 in Competition

I think one of the more difficult challenges we all face in the game is making effective adjustments in the middle of a match. The key question is what factor(s) are responsible for the increase in unforced errors or sub-optimal execution of your shots (i.e  forcing passing shots, low first serve percentage, going for too much at the wrong time). Is it the sudden awareness of physical tension that is causing you to hold back or overhit? Are you doubting your strokes which is creating moments of indecision just before you hit? Read the rest of this entry →

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Staying Loose AND Fearless

June 7, 2010 in Anxiety

Anxiety and physical tension are, arguably, two of the most damaging symptoms that can impede our ability to play our best tennis.

In my experience, getting our bodies loose when our nervous system is ramping up is a worthy pursuit, and achievable. The benefits are numerous: self-confidence, greater enjoyment, more passion and, ultimately, results. Read the rest of this entry →

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