I cannot stress enough the importance of trying different mental strategies and finding a routine and method that works for you. Every mental skills article, book, seminar and DVD will have similar messages presented in different ways. Use them to find your unique way of becoming mentally tough. Here are a few dynamics that in my experience happen before a match and need to be dealt with before you step onto the court.

A player seriously diminishes his chances if he is afraid. Often a player will simply brush this feeling under the carpet and pretend it is not happening or ignore it. Face fear head on with a plan. Decide exactly how to use what weapons you have to strike fear into your opponent’s heart. Decide to take on his biggest weapon as soon as possible and make a statement against it. Picture over and over again how you will hurt your opponent until you become mentally excited to play this person.

How can one be mentally tough when one is being outplayed or simply playing terrible? Again plan for this! I recommend setting small achievable targets within the match. For Example:

“I will make two returns this game.”
“I am looking for one opportunity to get to the net in this game.”
“I will rally for six balls every point before taking a risk.”
“I will win one more game.”

By being motivated to win a small skirmish you may build momentum and win a battle and then the war. Only your imagination can limit your targets.

Picture your method of play and put your game on the court. There is no point in tactically playing in a way that you never practice. You become an expert by playing your game over and over again. See my “Locker Room Power” article for more depth on this subject.

Mentally tough is not trying harder. Mentally tough is a decision to constantly be constructive during the time one has to think. Mentally tough is accepting the possibility of losing and winning and focusing on an action that you will commit to fully. Any decision carried out with conviction is harder to beat than tentativeness, fearful play, or indecision.

Confidence comes and goes for everyone so place the largest chunk of your confidence into your attitude and training. Preparing for a match is so much easier if you know you always compete for small victories and none come smaller than each point. If you think you can’t win the match win a point. This way 0-5 is still interesting. Many a victory has been won by one point changing the momentum and confidence.

None of the above thinking happens without preparing for it. Specific matches can hold new challenges (wind, sun, speed of court, type of ball etc) The key is not to ignore them but to mentally decide how you will handle them before you enter the arena. If you have not prepared a response you may be surprised at your reaction under pressure.