Tennis Psychology

 Mastering the Art of the Reset in Tennis Introduction  Hook: While the action of a tennis point is fast and furious, the time between points—the crucial 25-second (or less) period—is where the mental battle is often won or lost. Thesis: True mental toughness isn't just about fighting during the point; it's about the discipline to "reset" your mind and body consistently between points, eliminating the last point's outcome from influencing the next. This article will break down the essential components of a winning Between-Point Routine (BPR).  The Problem: The Contamination Effect  Explain how letting an error (a double fault, a missed sitter) or even a great shot linger in the mind negatively impacts the next point (the "contamination effect"). Reference the "short-term memory" approach: The best players have an incredibly short memory for both mistakes and successes. Key Concept: The time between points is the transition from "Evaluation...

FOOTWORK, AND STROKES IN TENNIS  Footwork is weight control. It is correct body position for strokes, and out of it all strokes should grow. In explaining the various forms of stroke and footwork I am writing as a right-hand player. Left-handlers should simply reverse the feet.  Racket grip is a very essential part of stroke, because a faulty grip will ruin the finest serving. It is a natural grip for a top forehand drive. It is inherently weak for the backhand, as the only natural shot is a chop stroke.  To acquire the forehand grip, hold the racket with the edge of the frame towards the ground and the face perpendicular, the handle towards the body, and "shake hands" with it, just as if you were greeting a friend. The handle settled comfortably and naturally into the hand, the line of the arm, hand, and racket are one. The swing brings the racket head on a line with the arm, and the whole racket is merely an extension of it.  The backhand grip is a quarter circle t...

 THE FUNDAMENTALS OF TENNIS I trust this initial effort of mine in the world of letters will find a place among both novices and experts in the tennis world. I am striving to interest the student of the game by a somewhat prolonged discussion of match play, which I trust will shed a new light on the game.  May I turn to the novice at my opening and speak of certain matters which are second nature to the skilled player?  The best tennis equipment is not too good for the beginner who seeks really to succeed. It is a saving in the end, as good quality material so far outlasts poor.  Always dress in tennis clothes when engaging in tennis. The question of choosing a racket is a much more serious matter. I do not advocate forcing a certain racket upon any player. All the standard makes are excellent. It is in weight, balance, and size of handle that the real value of a racket frame depends, while good stringing is, essential to obtain the best results.  After you have...

GENERAL TENNIS PSYCHOLOGY Tennis psychology is nothing more than understanding the workings of your opponent's mind, and gauging the effect of your own game on his mental viewpoint, and understanding the mental effects resulting from the various external causes on your own mind. You cannot be a successful psychologist of others without first understanding your own mental processes, you must study the effect on yourself of the same happening under different circumstances. You react differently in different moods and under different conditions. You must realize the effect on your game of the resulting irritation, pleasure, confusion, or whatever form your reaction takes. Does it increase your efficiency? If so, strive for it, but never give it to your opponent.  Does it deprive you of concentration? If so, either remove the cause, or if that is not possible strive to ignore it.  Once you have judged accurately your own reaction to conditions, study your opponents, to dec...

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SINGLES AND DOUBLES IN TENNIS  Singles, the greatest strain in tennis, is the game for two players. It is in this phase of the game that the personal equation reaches its crest of importance. This is the game of individual effort, mental and physical. A hard 5-set singles match is the greatest strain on the body and nervous system of any form of sport. Singles is a game of daring,  dash, speed of foot and stroke. It is a game of chance far  more than doubles. Since you have no partner dependent upon you,  you can afford to risk error for the possibility of speedy victory. Much of what I wrote under match play is more for singles than doubles, yet let me call your attention to certain peculiarities of singles from the standpoint of the spectator. A gallery enjoys personalities far more than styles. Singles brings two people into close and active relations that show the idiosyncrasies of each player far more acutely than doubles. The spectato...

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MATCH PLAY IN TENNIS The first and most important point in match play is to know how to lose. Lose cheerfully, generously, and like a sportsman. This is the first great law of tennis, and the second is like unto it to win modestly, cheerfully, generously, and like a sportsman.  The object of match play is to win, but no credit goes to a man who does not win fairly and squarely. A victory is a defeat if it is other than fair. Yet again I say to win is the object, and to do so, one should play to the last ounce of his strength, the last gasp of his breath, and the last scrap of his nerve. If you do so and lose, the better man won. If you do not, you have robbed your opponent of his right of beating your best. Be fair to both him and yourself.  "The Play's the thing," and in match play a good defeat is far more creditable than a hollow victory. Play tennis for the game's sake. Play it for the men you meet, the friends you make, and the pleasure ...