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The two most important points in tennis match play psychology is to learn how to win and lose cheerfully, generously, and like a sportsman at all times. In match play a good defeat is far more credible than a hollow victory. Play tennis for the love of the sport. Take time to enjoy the players you compete against, the prople you meet, and the friends you make along the way.
The object of match play is of course to win, but no glory goes to the player who does not win within the rules. A victory earned by playing outside the rules is a defeat in and of itself. Winning is the ultimate goal and to do so, a player should play to the last ounce of his strength, the last gasp of his breath, and the last scrap of his nerve. If you do so and lose, the better man won. If you do not, you have robbed your opponent of his right to beat your best effort.
A lot of competitive tennis players feel they owe the public nothing other than the act of showing up at the match. However, when the public honors a player(s) by attending matches the player(s) has a responsibility to give of his best effort, freely, willingly, and with an upbeat attitude. The tennis stars of today owe their public as much as the actor owes the audience, and only by meeting their responsibilities to both themslves and their fans will tennis continue to be hugely popular game around the world.
The other factor that is even stronger than a players responsibility to the game is the competitive spirit found in every true sportsman. This spirit will always produce fine tennis in championship events. Competitive athhletes look at things two ways, the joy of proving to himself that he can beat the best of the other player has to offer and the real regret that comes when he wins, and feels the loser was not at his best.
The first thing to always remember when playing a match is to never allow your opponent to play a shot he is comfortable with. Study your opponent both on and off the court look for weaknesses you can take advantage of. Once a weakness has been identified pound it without mercy until your opponent proves they can handle your attack. You will certainly enter a match with a particular mode of attack planned but ultimately it will be decided for you by the weakness of your opponent. If he is not comfortable with you at the net make sure to go there often. If he wants you at the net, stay back and force him to come in. If he attacks aggressively meet his attack with an equally strong offensive.
Alays remember that the best defence is a never relenting offense. If your opponent is constantly occupied in meeting your attack he will have less time to formulate his own offensive strategy. On the other hand you must also be willing to change a losing strategy. If you feel you are playing well but have lost the first set 3-6 or 4-6 and only lost one service you should not change strategy. If you have dropped the first set in a 2 out of 3 match and only won one or two games it is most likely time to try something different.
Take risks when you are behind in a match might just swing the momentum while taking them when you are ahead borders on foolishness. Risks are only worth it when you have everything to win and nothing to lose. Losing your nerve or confidence in a match is a sure pre-curser to defeat and is almost impossible to recover from.
An important part of tennis matchplay psychology is to never show your opponent fear, concern, fatigue or pain because it will surely give him confidence. Remember that your opponent is most likely feeling just as bad as you and any sign of weakening on your part encourages him further. |
