Dr. Larry Lauer, Mental Performance Specialist for USTA Player Development, offers tips, including visualization, engaging in normal routines and more, to help players when dealing with uncomfortable situations.
Whether you are a junior player starting your tennis career, a dedicated tournament player, a casual League player or a top professional, there are seven core values you should have to make sure success applies off the court as well as on it.
During the summer hard court season the heat and humidity often create extreme conditions. It can zap the legs and the mind of the fittest player. If you are going to not only survive, but thrive, in these extreme conditions you must prepare for them.
Too often we perceive threat in a variety of performance situations such as closing out a set when in fact we are in a good position. As the fear takes over and the fight or flight response continues we struggle to think clearly and focus. The best remedy is not to wait for the moment and try to deal with it. Instead, prepare a new way of responding by engaging in the following actions
It is important to clarify the difference between expectations and goals because how we think about these concepts dramatically affects mindset and tennis performance. And, all of us must become comfortable with those expectations and goals that are challenging us to be our best.
Utilize visualization techniques to help ensure success when you play. Mentally rehearse what you want to do on the court by recreating in your mind things you want to do on the court, like shots you want to execute and how you want to compete.
To make the most of visualization techniques, have a definitive plan for what you’re visualizing. Find a quiet place free from distractions and focus on your breathing. Sight, feel, taste, smell and touch enhance your visualiztion
The purpose of the green light routine is to be able to let go of the last point and focus on the current point. Ready with full focus, energy and belief
This principle of optimal readiness applies to pre-match as well as before each point. This check-up document lists a series of questions to help you review your between points routine.
Many top professionals use a sport psychology professional/mental coach to help them achieve their goals. Mental training will help you use your brain to perform better and be happier competing.
Use this document to rate yourself on your mental performance in areas of emotional control, vision of the game, vision of yourself, confidence, resilience, passion and more.
Find the target where resilient, confident competitors flourish.
Organize effective performance and outcome goals using this table and key principles.
One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of coaching is being able to work with players during their transition from childhood through adolescence and into young adulthood.
