Why You Play Badly In Tennis Matches
We've all been there. We show up to our tennis match full of energy and ready to take on our opponent. But for some reason, we just can't seem to get our game together. Our serves are off, our backhands are weak, and we can't seem to win a single point. Sound familiar? If you often find yourself playing badly in tennis matches, here are the possible reasons why.
You Haven't Played In A While
If you only play tennis a few times per year, it's no wonder that you might find yourself struggling when you're on the court. Just like with any skill, if you don't use it, you'll lose it. If you want to up your game, make sure to play regularly, even if it's just hitting balls against a wall by yourself. The more you play, the better muscle memory you'll develop and the better your game will be.
You’re Playing Someone You Perceive As Better Than Yourself
Sometimes, our opponents can get into our heads if we're playing someone who seems like they're "better" than us - maybe they have a higher tennis ranking, or they always seem to beat us in practice matches. This feeling of inferiority leads us to play more cautiously and tentatively, which only makes us play worse. Instead of letting yourself get bogged down by these thoughts, you should try to focus on your own strengths and playing to your potential.
You're Playing Against Better Opponents
No matter how good you are, you're just going to lose to someone who is better than you. If you find that this is frequently the case, try looking for players who are at a similar skill level as you are. That way, you'll have a better chance of winning and your games will be more fun since they'll be more competitive.
You're Trying Too Hard
Sometimes, when we really want to win a match, we try too hard. We start going for shots that we know we shouldn't go for, and our footwork and strokes start to suffer as a result. When you find yourself in this situation, it's important to take a step back and relax. Try to focus on making good contact with the ball and hitting your targets, rather than on winning the point. The points will take care of themselves if you can do that.
You're Overthinking Things
One of the biggest obstacles to playing your best tennis is overthinking things. When we start second-guessing ourselves, we tense up and lose our focus. This can lead to a whole host of problems, from double-faulting on easy serves to missing easy shots. Instead of overthinking your shots, trust your instincts and go for it!
You're Not Staying Present
It's easy to get caught up in your head during a match and start thinking about what happened in the last game or what might happen in the next one. But if you want to play your best, you need to stay present and focus on what's happening right now. One way to do this is to pick a word or phrase that you can repeat to yourself between points (e.g., "breathe," "relax," "stay calm").
You Don't Believe in Yourself
If you don't believe in yourself, then it's going to be very difficult to play well. Tennis is a mental game as much as it is a physical one. If you go into a match thinking that you're going to lose, then chances are that's exactly what's going to happen. But if you believe in yourself and think that you can win, then you'll be much more likely to actually pull off a victory.
You're Not Playing Your Game
This one is especially common in tennis matches. We see our opponent hitting a certain shot and think "I need to do that too." So we try to mimic their shot instead of sticking with the shots that we know work for us. As a result, our game falls apart and we end up losing the match. The next time you find yourself in this situation, stick with your game plan and don't try to change things just because your opponent is having success with a certain shot.
Your Equipment Is Sub-Par
If you're still using an old racket that has seen better days, it might be time for an upgrade. Newer rackets offer features that can help improve your game such as larger sweet spots and better control. If your budget allows, treat yourself to a new racket and see how it affects your performance on the court.
There are many reasons why you might play bad in tennis matches. The next time you find yourself wondering why you can't seem to get anything going on the court, ask yourself if any of these reasons apply to you. If they do, make the necessary adjustments and you'll be sure to see an improvement in your play.
"The Philosophical Tennis Player: Thinking Your Way To Winning" offers a unique perspective on the sport of tennis. This book provides guidance inspired by philosophy to help you rethink the game and reach your peak performance. The author breathes life into abstract philosophical concepts, transforming them into tangible strategies everyone can use to become a successful player. Readers will gain insight into the psychological aspects of tennis and recognise the timeless values that extend beyond the confines of the court.
About The Author
Darren Teo is the founder of Play! Tennis, the most Google reviewed tennis academy in Singapore. His passion for making tennis accessible to everyone regardless of their age, experience and ability continues to drive his work at the school. He is a thought leader in LinkedIn with 14,000 followers.