Mindset of an Underdog What do you focus on when you are not favored to win a match or are playing a higher-ranked opponent? When you play top tennis players, are you overcome by the fear of losing? Do you expect to lose the match? Do you play
What is the “I-Have-Nothing-to-Lose” Mindset? What is the upside of having that approach for competitive tennis matches? The “I-Have-Nothing-to-Lose” mindset refers to competing with a fear-free mental state. Playing with a nothing-to-lose mindset is liberating. The fear of failure or negative outcomes is no longer front and center
What are the Elements of an Elite Competitive Mindset? You may characterize an elite competitive mindset as having high expectations or demanding perfection. Many see these traits as essential for peak performance and success. However, those traits only lead to overwhelming pressure and high anxiety. Imagine this situation.
Getting in the Right Mindset for Competing What is the optimal mindset for competing against highly ranked opponents? The trap some tennis players fall into is altering their mental approach depending upon their opponent. When these players face lower-ranked opponents, they focus on their own strengths and game
How Do You Stay Confident When Losing If winning improves confidence, is it possible to maintain confidence when you are not winning Winning is viewed as the key to confidence by many tennis players. It’s common to hear professional players, in post-match interviews, remark, “After I won a
Can you be confident and nervous at the same time? Many tennis players misconstrue the meanings of confidence and nervousness. These players believe having confidence means you WILL win. On the flip side, they see nervousness as a lack of confidence, which leads to losing. Let’s examine confidence