Mind
Training for Tennis - Tennis Tip
11
http://www.tennispsychology.com
Why
You Should Never Be Intimidated By Your Opponent's Talent
One
of the toughest things to deal with mentally can be when you are hitting up with
your opponent before a match, and they are showing you an absolutely awesomely
wide repertoire or arsenal of shots that they possess!
Some
opponents during
the hitup - rather than hitting their groundstrokes
within your general range when you are at the net - will prefer to display to
you their acutely angles passing shots, topspin lobs or flat-out blasts
of power - purely as an intimidation tactic!
When
this happens however (and it will happen), never, ever
be worried about this - this does not mean you are going
to lose the match.
The
flair and talent your opponent displays in this very low-pressure
environment of the hitup will count for absolutely nothing
- once they are forced to try and hit these shots under the true
pressure of a match.
Tennis
history is scattered with countless sad stories of incredibly talented
and hugely gifted players who never managed to take full advantage
of this enormous talent - often because they relied too much
on their talent and simply did not work as hard, or become
as mentally tough, as the less-talented players.
Talent
alone these days simply doesn't cut it anymore - they have to
put in the work as well (physically and mentally). So if
you've put in the work, you have nothing to worry about.
And
so even if you feel that your opponent has more shots, flair and touch than you
do, don't worry - there are still many ways for you to win. If you're fit enough,
you can always outlast them, and if you're mentally tough enough, you will
relentlessly wear them down. Talent alone is not enough - always remember
this.
Sure
- these ultra-talents often begin their matches with a flurry of huge winners
and aces - but it's not a case of what your opponent can do in the match,
it's a case of "how long can they continue to do it?".
Often
the answer is: not long enough! The longer you stay in the match, and the
more you can continue to (at least) remain even with them score-wise at
the beginning of the first set (and withstand the initial onslaught) - the better
your chances of running out a routine 6-4 6-1 win.
The
key is - never to begin the match feeling intimidated by their sheer
talent, power, speed, spin, or whatever - the truly
important thing will be what they can bring out when under
pressure.
This
is so very, very important to never forget:
*
Talent (alone) is not enough!
*
Talent + Hard work + Mental strength
= Ultimate Success!
OK
- now there is no longer any reason why you cannot succeed - so go out
there and show them how it's done.
