Do you struggle to overcome nerves on the tennis court? Are you a great practice and clinic player, but struggle to reproduce the shots during matches? Well first, you are not alone. Everyone struggles with being nervous during their matches. It is the player who can channel that tension into a positive outcome who will succeed. Here are a few tips to get over the jitters:

1. Don't go into a match with the first thought being, "I've got to win this match." 
2. 'Stay in the now' and develop a plan on the match. This starts in the warm-up. Evaluate your opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Do they have a great forehand? Do they volley well? How is their movement?
3. Most players have a strong shot whether it be a great forehand or terrific serve. Work to get that shot. When the shot is there, go for it. It doesn't mean try to hit the line every time, but look to take control of the point.
4. Place index cards in your bag with little reminders to yourself about how you want to play. Read these during changeovers.
5. And finally, in practice, put a little something on the line to inject some tension into your practice matches.