Can't put my skills into a match

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Can't put my skills into a match

I am 14 years old and I play ok tennis.

When I play against my father or anybody else just for fun, I am able to create very good shots that with them I would be much better than many players I lose to.

The problem is that in front of my coach in practices and especially in matches, I can't perform those shots.

They go into the net or out, and after losing a game or two I have no choice but to go defensive and not to try making winners and then I lose the match.

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Can't put my skills into a match

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Aug 17, 2008
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You need "match toughness"
by: Joe

This is a very common problem among fairly new players. Indeed, probably one of the most common. I struggled with it myself when I first started playing seriously. Here's what helped me.

1) You need to play as many matches as possible. Doing so will help to minimize "match tightness", as playing under "pressure" becomes more and more familiar, and less of a "big deal".

2) Tell yourself that your "job" is NOT to win, because it's not. YOUR JOB IS TO PLAY GOOD TENNIS. If you get hung up on winning or the score, your tennis is bound to deteriorate, as you get upset when you lose points. Concentrate only on the ball and hitting good, correct shots. If you lose then, it's only because your opponent is better.

3) Relax and have fun! You cannot play your best tennis if you're not relaxed (yet focused). And really, it's not like you're going to die if you lose. It's just a fun sport. That's why you play better during practice, because it's more about having fun, and less about worrying about the score and winning. Take that same mindset into your matches, and you should enjoy the same results! It is a process, though, so be patient.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Aug 17, 2008
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thanks Joe
by: Anonymous

Thanks Joe, I'll try going to more tournaments, because right now I'm going to tournaments only about once a month at the most, so I'll try to sign up for some more tournaments.

Your right if I will go to more tournaments and be more relaxed I might bring on the good tennis I have.

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Can't put my skills into a match

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Can't put my skills into a match