Focus and Concentration in the Mental Game of Tennis

Focus and concentration are two terms that are often used interchangeably when talking about the mental game of tennis. Developing your ability to focus requires great self-discipline, which is evident in one’s general approach to the game. From discipline, a player cultivates awareness about what’s important and what’s not.

Before a match, a player should be aware of a lot of things including first and foremost, himself. This self-awareness is based upon the knowledge of his or her ability and skill level, strengths and weaknesses, physical condition and how he or she is feeling at that point in time. Specific things like little injuries, fatigue and illnesses are taken into account and assessed properly.

Mental Game of Tennis Starting With The Off Court Preparation

Obviously, one should not even go out and play if these are too bad or can potentially worsen. If you are able to play despite feeling a little less than 100%, then you should assess what steps you can take in order to increase your chance of winning. For example, if you are feeling a little fatigued then you should pay more attention to what you eat before playing, making sure that you consume the right energy-providing food. Then, once you get to the court, you should warm up properly so you can get into more of a groove when the actual match starts.

Mental Game of Tennis: The Planning Element

You can also plan to play more aggressively in order to keep the points shorter. You should also be prepared with what you bring on court. If you have blisters on your hands, bring band aids. If you are feeling a little sore here and there, bring the appropriate support strap. The food and drinks you bring should also be of the right kind. If the weather is really hot, for instance, bring more water and sports drinks than usual. You should have also hydrated yourself properly before the match.

The mental game of tennis is also evident when you consider your pre-match planning and strategizing. Within this, you take stock of your strokes and compare it to your opponent’s. You shouldfigure out what you do well and what you don’t side by side with those of your opponent’s.
When you have considered this, you should try to devise a strategy to maximize your strengths and minimize exposure of your weaknesses while trying to do the opposite with your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.

Work Cited from : www.optimumtennis.net/mental-game-of-tennis.htm.