Posts in Play! Smart
Why You Need Pre-Point And Post-Point Routines In Tennis

Tennis, often described as a "game of inches," is as much a mental sport as it is physical. From baseline rallies to intense volleys at the net, the game demands razor-sharp focus and unwavering mental resilience. Professional players consistently demonstrate their mental fortitude through structured pre-point and post-point routines that keep them at the top of their game.

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How Do You Mentally Prepare For A Tennis Tournament

Preparing mentally for a tennis tournament is as crucial as physical training, if not more. A player's ability to stay focused, manage stress, and maintain a positive attitude can significantly influence performance on the court. This introductory guide aims to provide strategies and insights to help tennis players mentally prepare for tournaments, ensuring they step onto the court with confidence, resilience, and a clear mindset.

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How To Hold Serve In Tennis

One of the essential skills a tennis player must learn is how to hold serve consistently. Holding serve is when a player wins the game they are serving, without being broken by their opponent. In this blog post, I'll go over the key elements to holding serve in tennis.

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Should You Hit The Tennis Ball Flatter Or With More Topspin?

When it comes to hitting a tennis ball, there are different schools of thought on whether to go flatter or spin it up with more topspin. While some players prioritise flatter shots to increase the ball's speed and power, others opt for topspin to create a higher bounce and better control. The choice ultimately depends on your playing style and strategy, as well as your opponent's weaknesses.

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Play! SmartDarren TeoComment
Use The Backhand Slice To Force Your Opponents Into Making Errors

Backhand slices are an underrated shot in tennis. They are not flashy like a forehand winner or a big serve, but they can be just as effective. Incorporating a backhand slice into your game can give you an edge over your opponents. This shot is useful in multiple scenarios and can give you the ability to control the pace of the game while simultaneously setting your opponents up for errors.

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Play! SmartDarren TeoComment
How To Stop Overthinking In Tennis

Are you your own worst enemy on the court by overthinking and second-guessing your every move? Overthinking can have detrimental effects on your performance in tennis. It can lead to hesitation, which can result in missed shots and lost points. It also takes away from being present in the moment, causing you to lose focus and miss opportunities to capitalise on your opponent's errors.

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Why Do Tennis Players Bounce The Ball Before Serving?

Have you ever noticed tennis players bouncing the ball several times before serving? It’s not just a quirk or a nervous habit. There’s a reason why players do this. It’s a widely used tactic in tennis that players use to get themselves in the zone and mentally prepare for their serve. In this blog, I'll take a closer look at why tennis players bounce the ball before serving.

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What Is Momentum In Tennis And How To Use It To Win

Momentum refers to the psychological advantage that one player gains over another by winning a few consecutive points or games. When a player wins a few points in a row, it can impact their opponent's confidence, leading to mistakes and missed opportunities. Gaining momentum in tennis is crucial because it gives the player a sense of control, and it puts pressure on the opponent to try and regain control.

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Play! SmartDarren TeoComment
Overcoming The Fear Of Hitting The Tennis Ball Out

One of the biggest fears that tennis players often grapple with is the fear of missing a shot and sending the ball flying out of bounds. This fear often results in players playing it safe and hitting weaker shots, which can ultimately impact their performance and confidence on the court. However, overcoming the fear of hitting the tennis ball out is not impossible.

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Play! SmartDarren TeoComment
11 Tennis Players You Will Meet

In the vibrant world of tennis, you'll encounter a diverse array of players, each with their unique style, strategies, and idiosyncrasies. From the relentless baseliner to the crafty serve-and-volleyer, from the calm and composed player to the fiery competitor, the tennis court is a stage where distinct characters come to life.

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