The best players in the world are great competitors. Specifically, they are very determined to compete and play their best game on every point. Determined players push through adversity and struggle and continue to strive for success in a positive, productive manner.

Determined players embody the following:

“Champions train, losers complain”

“If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough”

“The difference between the possible and the impossible lies in a person’s determination.” – Tommy Lasorda

“Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits.”

TO PLAY WITH DETERMINATION IS TO:

• Be willing to do what it takes to succeed (in an appropriate way) and do not let obstacles keep you from achieving your goal.
• See obstacles as challenges to move through and around.
• Be willing to fight and compete, especially when you are frustrated and angry.
• Very rarely become disappointed while you play. But if you do, you do not lower your commitment or energy and do not give in to doubt.
• Maintain high levels of energy and intensity even when you are losing and/or performing poorly. Keep fighting and trying to find a way to succeed.
• Understand that determination may just be more important than confidence. It is unrealistic to believe you will always feel confident. But if you have a plan and you are determined to follow it, you may surprise yourself with just how well you play.
• Put yourself in difficult training or match situations, have a plan for getting through it and stick with it. Determination only comes from exhibiting determination.

DO YOU REMEMBER THIS GREAT EXAMPLE OF DETERMINATION?

John Isner defeated Nicolas Mahut in the longest match in tennis history, both in terms of duration and games played. The encounter lasted more than 11 hours and, due to its length, was played over three days. Neither player was willing to give in, even as the fifth set went to 10-10, 30-30 and eventually 68-68. But in the end, Isner’s will to win prevailed, with the exhausted American finally earning the elusive break – and the victory, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 70-68 – on a down-the-line backhand passing shot.