“How can I lose such an important point?!” , “My forehand really suck, my whole game suck, I suck!” , “My opponent is sooooo lucky, the ball ended on the line again!” , “He/she plays so well, nothing I can do today!” , “What is wrong with me today?! I play soooo bad!” . Some of those comments probably sound familiar. Those are examples of inefficient usage of short time players have between points. Everyone can learn a decent serve, backhand or forehand, but really small percentage of players learn to efficiently use the break between the points.
This skill is directly related to mental toughness. For every player in the world it takes years to master it. Most of them never do. It is so hard to stop negative emotions after losing the point and to get back on track with the right thoughts within seconds knowing that in most of the matches almost every point counts. No one likes losing, especially not after making mistakes, everyone has a challenge to cope with it.
I focus a lot on this problem with my players. If I have to give a simple advice, and simple advices are the one that usually bring best results, it would be: “Right after you lose the point, try to find a root cause!” Even if a player doesn’t find the main cause, structural thinking will diminish anger and negative vibes. If you would list, there will be not more than 10 culprits that are being repeated most of the time, such as: balance, contact point, spin, shot selection, placement selection, focus, footwork, stiffness, risk.
Almost everything has transformed in tennis through years, clothes, equipment, tactics, technique, movement, but behavior between the points among the best stayed the same. Take one minute and compare following two videos with the first one of Roger (around 40 years difference in between them):
Can you notice any similarities? Walking away from negative thoughts just after the lost point, turning around, control of the breath and the emotions without bad body language, adjusting strings as a tool for refocusing and concentration, getting ready for next point on time. In those videos we cannot hear the thoughts the players have. No matter how experienced they are, they all have a negative thought right after lost point (everyone wants to make the shot in, not so pleasant feeling after an opponent hits a winner). However, in all three videos it didn’t last long. It is not noticeable! All of them put effort toward best possible preparation for the next point and also they are aware that sending a signal of weakness to the opponent might become their disadvantage.
So, players, whenever you catch yourself screaming, whining or complaining next time after you lose points, try to remember my advice. Just come up with some brief analysis. It will definitely calm you down and help you to regain focus. If your opponent hits a good shot, clap for him/her. It can bring the tension down on both sides (pumped up opponent actually wants to see you devastated, not being in the mood for clapping), and put you instantly in the state of being ready to move on. Coaches, don’t take for granted that your player will learn to deal with emotions after mistakes and opponent’s winners. It took me years until I started handling my negative thoughts effectively in the match and I still have big challenges sometimes!
Vlad Paunic Tennis Blog 