STAYING POSITIVE IN MATCHES



ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS IN TENNIS...

Being successful in competitive tennis 
depends largely on how well, you can manage 
problems and control your emotions. 

If you have trouble with anger and frustration during matches and believe those emotions during the match are due to playing poorly, then you're mistaken.

This notion suggests that errors trigger negative emotions. You make mistakes and then your negative emotions arrive as a consequence. 

But after many years of working with competitive players I now believe that a player's predisposition towards negativity and frustration is actually waiting to be triggered by events during the match. 

Your current negative mindset amplifies 
your reaction to mistakes; the emotion 
doesn't start from the errors themselves. 

This inherent negativity inside you amplifies your reactions to errors during a match. The more negativity you carry around with you, the bigger your reaction will be when things start to go wrong in the match.  



But this knowledge is empowering. It means that instead of trying to put out fires (negative emotions) during matches, you can turn your attention to eliminating negativity before the competition and not allowing the fire to even start! 

Understanding this dynamic is crucial for any player wanting to improve their mental game and overcome harmful emotional meltdowns.


NEGATIVITY FROM OUTSIDE

Negativity can start very early on in our tennis career and stay with us. It's difficult to shake off the habit of overreacting when it's been with you for several years. Overreacting and negativity can seem quite normal after some time.

I recently talked with a player trying to overcome negativity during matches, but particularly on "big points". It turns out that he had been criticised frequently by his father during his junior years and now had a destructive inner voice that made him indecisive and fearful.

When you're playing at a high level, 
any negativity or doubt during those 
"big" moments will be harmful.


WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS DURING THE MATCH

It's my guess that many players carry this pre-existing contamination inside them. When they step on the court, they carry a baseline emotional state shaped by their mindset. Players prone to negativity and frustration during competition are likely to exhibit these emotions when faced with mistakes, stress, or unfavourable umpiring decisions. 

This vicious cycle can lead to a loss of focus, poor decision-making, and even "tanking" matches completely. However, recognising this pattern is the first step towards breaking it and creating a more positive response.

Instead of mistakes causing frustration, 
the pre-existing negative mindset heightens 
the impact of these errors. 


HOW TO PRACTICE POSITIVITY

Players must train their "positivity muscle" with the same dedication they apply to their technique and physical skills. This involves incorporating "mental techniques" into their practice routines. Here are some effective ways to help create stronger positivity when under pressure in matches:


1. Positive Self-Talk: 

Encouraging yourself with positive affirmations and constructive feedback during a match can help boost positivity. Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones builds resilience against on-court stressors.



2. Visualisation: 

Visualising success and positive outcomes reinforces a confident and optimistic mindset. It will act like your armour during the "big' points. Try to come up with some visualisation techniques of your own to cope with difficult moments.

New Zealand rugby player Damian McKenzie
injects positivity by smiling before the kick.

3. Practice Solutions: 

Instead of constantly reminding yourself of what's wrong with the situation, start reflecting on staying positive and finding solutions. Seeking solutions can counterbalance the negativity that arises from mistakes and pressures.


By dedicating time to these mental exercises, players can strengthen their ability to remain positive and composed, even in the face of challenges. This mental fortitude enhances their performance and makes the game more enjoyable and rewarding.


Location: Bangkok, Thailand

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