Greetings from Matt

Tournament Level Tennis

Summer is here and those of you who are looking for new challenges should think about entering a USTA tournament. There are many different levels to start, so pick a category (singles or doubles) and division (NTRP ranking) that you feel comfortable with and jump right in. Many of us play tennis for different reasons, from the sheer form of exercise and fitness (which you can get from lessons, clinics, & playing matches, particularly singles), to the social side of being out and playing with friends, to wanting the challenge of competition. Competition also comes at different levels, from competing to win against friends, competing to get better, competing against other clubs, competing for rankings. Tournament level tennis is where everyone wants to win, there are match officials roaming around, matches have to start within 5 minutes of going on court, your actions will be monitored and penalties will be handed out for breaking rules. Everyone has different start times and there are people you don't know watching you play too. Players are on show to perform and to showcase their tennis abilities. Tournaments build in quality because they are set in a knock-out format where the players who progress move forward in the draw to play others who have done the same. The draws are established, much like in a professional tournament, including at least 4-8 seed players. Seedings are established based on your previous tournament performance.

Match play in a tournament, and even in league play, is very different than just going out and hitting tennis balls. When you play a match you are putting yourself out on the line and this can create internal challenges that affect your physical performance. Nervousness is usually a common feeling that every player has to contend with; it means that you care about the outcome. If you show no signs of any nerves before a match then you usually aren't completely into the match. The best competitors channel their nervous energy into producing their best performance. To be better prepared for a tournament you need to simulate what it could be like to play a certain type of player or a certain type of ball speed. This helps to build inner confidence when faced with the actual situation during a match. Learn to practice good rituals that you can rely on in a match situation.

Players who have specific routines usually can fair better in competition because they are able to stay more grounded even when they are in a pressure situation. When you feel your nerves or you feel under pressure rely on the routines that you develop in practice. This would include taking breaks (actually sit down) between games and sets, taking deep breaths, bouncing the ball a few times before your serve, slowing down being careful not to slow your feet (as most players tend to rush when they are nervous), trying to breathe out when you hit the ball, trying to stay focused on your own game instead of your opponent's game, staying focused on what you need to do to win each point, and remembering your positive self-talk. Always keep things in perspective, remembering not to letdown after winning the first set because you still need to stay mentally and emotionally strong to maintain a consistent performance and finish.

Some of the best players in the world have an ability to always find a way to win even when it looks like they are not playing their best. Serena Williams is probably the best female player at overturning a deficit. In the men's game Rafa Nadal has proven to be extremely difficult to beat because he competes for every point as if it was the first point. So the next time you are thinking of playing tennis, why don't you play a couple of sets and put a friendly wager on the match and have the loser buy lunch? This could be a fun way to help you to train for that big match or tournament play.

Come by and say hi!