H101 Pressure Buster Worksheet
20 Quick Tips
1. Begin to play the match in the warm-up
It does not mean hitting winners but instead, start your “mental match” in the warm-up. Use this time to begin focusing on the ball. Do not let your mind wander.
2. Produce positive feedback
When you begin hitting shots in the warm-up or hitting practice serves aim higher than normal. By seeing the ball go over the net you receive positive feedback. This should help produce feelings that you are going to play good tennis.
3. Make your opponent hit tough shots
For example, in singles occasionally stand wide when serving into the ad court against a right-handed player. You will force them to try to hit a backhand down the line, a tough shot to hit.
4. Win easy points through surprise
For example, if you never come to the net try to serve and volley. Also, occasionally try a hard second serve or an easy first serve.
5. Big points
Certain points are crucial besides the actual game point. The biggest swing point is the 30-15 or the 15-30 point. Try to win these points.
6. Avoid the “snowball effect”
When you lose one or two points try to slow down. It’s very easy to let one bad shot or point affect the next points.
7. Play it again Sam
If your opponent misses a shot for example, an overhead give them another opportunity to miss that same shot.
8. Play crosscourt
Crosscourt shots have many advantages that can help you win. Your shot crosses the lowest part of the net, you have more court to hit to and in tense situations you can follow through more when hitting crosscourt.
9. Be prepared
Make sure you are prepared for your match. Check your equipment and supplies. Another consideration will be the elements, if it’s windy and cold prepare yourself for those conditions (mentally too).
10. Breathe to beat your opponent
To help you perform better in tight situations make sure you exhale as you make contact.
11. Relax
In tennis you can relax by putting your racket in your non-hitting hand between points and by slow, deep breathing.
12. Learn new shots
Try to learn some new shots or strategy to beat your opponent. It may be a spin serve or a serve and volley tactic.
13. Watch for body language
Your opponent’s body language may give you a clue. An open stretched-out stance on the forehand probably means the ball is going down the line.
14. Learn complimentary shots
Some shots go together and when you have both the sum is greater than the parts. This synergy of shots is a great advantage for example, a backhand slice with a backhand drop shot.
15. Learn to handle pressure
Different players react differently to pressure situations. People either play too fast or get that heavy, tired feeling. If you play too fast take 15-20 seconds between points. If you feel tired try running or jumping in place.
16. Momentum (against you)
When your opponent has the momentum remember to hang in there and make them win points rather than losing the points yourself. The more points you play the better chance you have for them to lose momentum.
17. Momentum (for you)
When you have momentum going for you try to finish the match. Don’t get too relaxed and lose your focus. Remember the momentum can switch quickly.
18. Mind over matter
How you feel affects how you play and sometimes you can affect your mental state by looking and acting confident, like a winner. Don’t walk with your head down and shoulders slouched. Look like a winner and you will play like a winner.
19. Beat the net
Your first and sometimes toughest opponent is the net. Think of two targets, how high the ball will travel over the net and where the ball will land. Take care of the first target and you will be more successful with the second.
20. Learn placement before power
It is more important and you will win more often by placing the ball rather than pacing it. So be consistent then add power.