DON’T TRAIN TO “FEEL BETTER”

" Most practice sessions prior to competition 

often revolve around perfecting strokes 

and gaining confidence."

The biggest misconception among players and their coaches is that practice sessions should create comfort. Most practice sessions prior to competition often revolve around perfecting strokes and gaining confidence. However, relying on comfortable practice conditions and seeking to develop confidence during practice sessions will later hinder performance in real match play. In this article, we will explore the significance of making practice uncomfortable and focusing on mental toughness, decision-making, and adapting to unpredictable situations to achieve success on the match court.

The Illusion of Comfort:

Many advanced players approach practice sessions with the goal of making their strokes feel good and comfortable. They believe that by grooving their strokes in ideal conditions, they will automatically transfer that confidence into match play. Unfortunately, this approach often leads to panic when the confidence and instinctive stroke-making gained from their practice sessions quickly disappear at the first sign of live match discomfort. 

The Reality of Match Play:

Competitive tennis is inherently challenging, with unpredictable conditions, pressure, and difficult opponents. Many things that affect the result of your match are out of your control, such as weather conditions and poor line calls at crucial times in the match. While these types of adversity are out of your control, the way you react to them is up to you.

Simply practising strokes under ideal circumstances does not adequately prepare you for the complexities of real match play. It is crucial for advanced players and the coaches working with competitive players to recreate these negative conditions each day in practice.

The Big One; Stress

Mental toughness is the ability to stay focused, composed, and resilient in the face of adversity. It allows players to maintain a high level of performance even when things are not going their way. The biggest test you face in matches is your ability to handle stress. A higher levels, every player plays great. The difference becomes how strategically intelligent you are and how well you can play under extreme stress. 

Prioritise mental toughness in your training sessions to overcome the inevitable difficulties you will face during matches.

Decision-Making Under Pressure:

In practice, players have the luxury of time and a controlled environment to make decisions. However, during matches decisions must be made quickly and under pressure. Advanced players should improve their decision-making skills by simulating match-like scenarios during practice sessions. This can involve setting-up situations that require frequent decision-making and forcing yourself to adapt to changing situations.

Adapting to Unpredictability:

Real competition is full of unpredictability. Advanced players must learn to adapt their game plan on the fly and make adjustments based on the opponent's strengths and weaknesses. An unwillingness to adapt quickly to your opponent's winning formula will result in you losing the match. Be ready to pivot quickly whenever you lose the match's small battles.  

Incorporate drills in your practice sessions that simulate unpredictable scenarios. Practice with different players to experience a variety of different game styles. You must develop the ability to think on your feet and be willing to constantly adjust your strategies during the match.

Perfecting strokes and gaining confidence in practice is important, preparing mentally by going beyond comfort is the magic sauce needed to excel in competition. Focusing on mental toughness, decision-making, and adapting to unpredictable situations are the crucial elements advanced players need above all else to help them elevate their game and achieve better results in match play.