Give Yourself a Mental Edge Over Your Opponents
Do you ever wonder why some tennis players tend to win close matches while other tennis players consistently blow a lead?
Are you looking to gain a competitive advantage so you can pull off victories in the final set of tough matches?
Many tennis players believe the edge comes down to working on a booming serve, developing a powerful backhand or improving the placement of your forehand returns.
Of course, your strokes are important, but success in tennis is more than just perfect strokes and strength. Mental strength is the difference-maker in tough matches.
If you want to give yourself an important edge over the competition, you need to “up” your mental strength.
How do you gain mental strength?
Building mental strength begins with preparation and focusing on doing the little things right, in practice and before matches, on a consistent basis.
When you are disciplined in doing the little things, you are better prepared to perform in the heat of battle, rise to play better under pressure and play with consistency no matter the circumstances.
What are the little things that give you a decisive mental edge over your opponents late in matches?
–Working on your mental game in practice
–Practicing how you want to play
–Giving full effort and focus in practice
–Going all out in your conditioning
–Utilizing a consistent prepoint routine
–Being consistent in your warm-up routine
–Resetting after points
–Objectively assessing your matches
–Paying attention to hydration, diet, sleep, stretching, rehab or strengthening exercises
You can’t do the little things right once in a while and expect to perform at your peak under pressure.
When you take personal responsibility for your preparation, you will gain the needed mental edge to play your best tennis when the pressure is on.
Rafael Nadal is known for his high-level preparation and attention to detail. Nadal showed exactly how preparation leads to success in his performance at the 2020 French Open. Nadal dominated the French Open, beating Novak Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 in the final, winning the tournament without dropping even a set.
NADAL: “The situation was very difficult due to the conditions of the court, the balls, the weather. Everything was against me. It is not usual at Roland Garros but I had a great attitude, determination and intensity to find solutions for my game. And I am very satisfied that I succeeded.”
What makes Rafael Nadal so mentally strong? Nadal’s mental edge comes from his attention to detail and focus on the little things to prepare to play BIG in big moments.
NADAL: “The daily effort. Forcing myself every day to do things well. Especially those that I don’t feel like doing. I’ve always done it since I was little. Self obligation to be better.”
You can’t argue with the success Nadal has had over the course of his career. Doing the little things, even when you don’t feel like doing them, builds mental strength and gives you a mental edge in matches.
How to Get a Mental Edge Over your Opponents:
Hold yourself accountable. Mental strength is a habit by choice. It’s a skill you can develop with effort.
What are 2-3 habits you can work towards this week that will help you bring your game to the next level?
Keep focused on doing the little things to the best of your ability and you will see a BIG difference in your play on the court.
Related Tennis Psychology Articles:
- How to Get the Mental Edge in Tennis
- Superstitions and Routines of Nadal
- Stay Mentally Tough During Matches
- Download our a FREE Tennis Psychology Report
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