You are browsing the archive for focus.

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 →

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 →

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 →