Tennis parents have a big impact on their young tennis players mental health. A healthy and successful experience in tournament tennis depends on tennis parents' ability to instill confidence and positive mental game skills in young athletes. In this article, I discuss 8 tips for tennis parents to make tennis a successful and fun experience for … [Read more...] about 8 Sports Psychology Tips for Tennis Parents
Tennis Psychology
Tennis Juniors’ Mind Over-Control
Do “get in your own way” when playing in tennis tournaments? Does your mind game sabotage your tennis game during matches? If so, you may need to learn how to “get out of your own way.” You might be thinking: What does it mean to get out of my own way? When a tennis junior is unable to get out of his own way, the mind is interfering with his … [Read more...] about Tennis Juniors’ Mind Over-Control
Berdych’s Mental Game Helps Earn Title
Tomas Berdych defeated Juan Martin Del Potro 6-1, 6-4 to win the Japan Open and capture his first title this year. Berdych had a tough road to the final, with surprising wins over Andy Roddick and Fernando Gonzalez. After the tennis match, Berdych discussed the importance for focus on the court and said: "In this condition and at this level … [Read more...] about Berdych’s Mental Game Helps Earn Title
Your Concentration and Pressure Tennis
How well do you focus when feeling under pressure from tennis tournaments or matches? Does your focus wander or do you worry about results of the match such as what if… “I choke the lead away and embarrass myself?” In my work as a tennis psychology expert, many of my mental game students get caught in the trap of thinking too much about … [Read more...] about Your Concentration and Pressure Tennis
Does Perfectionism Cause You to Choke?
Many tennis players who are perfectionistic about their approach to tennis choke under tournament pressure. Perfectionism can hold them back from reaching their potential because they become tight, anxious, and over-control their performance. Don’t get me wrong. There are some advantages of perfectionism such as having a strong work ethic, … [Read more...] about Does Perfectionism Cause You to Choke?
Na’s Mental Strength Beats Tennis Nerves
Serena Williams suffered a tough loss against Li Na at the Porsche Grand Prix tournament this week. Williams had a convincing first set lead, 6-0, but Li Na's mental strength helped her battle back to take the next two sets 6-1, 6-4. Serena’s loss caused her ranking to slip to number 2. Li Na, ranked 30, has never made the finals of a Grand Slam … [Read more...] about Na’s Mental Strength Beats Tennis Nerves
Federer: Mental Toughness of a Champion
Roger Federer won five consecutive Wimbledon titles in his career. You must be a mentally tough player to win five in a row! This year, Rafael Nadal put an end to Federer’s winning streak. Nadal defeated Federer in a tough five setter in the Wimbledon final. Federer also lost his number one ranking in August of this year. For many years, Federer … [Read more...] about Federer: Mental Toughness of a Champion
Tennis Psychology: Safina Down, Not Out
Tennis psychology and lack of motivation and fun may have caused Safina to end her career in tennis. Dinara Safina was on the verge of quitting tennis earlier this year. A few bad losses got her thinking about her game. Safina reflected on her tough start this year: "Really, at the beginning of this year I was so deep in the hole I didn’t know … [Read more...] about Tennis Psychology: Safina Down, Not Out
Pro Tennis Psychology: Do You Believe?
Your mind game or positive tennis psychology is critical for success in tennis. The most common issue I encounter as a mental game coach and tennis psychology expert is the tennis player who lacks confidence. I'm not talking about the arrogant player that uses intimidation to scare off competition, shouts at officials, or gets into fights with … [Read more...] about Pro Tennis Psychology: Do You Believe?
Mental Imagery Styles in Your Tennis Game
Traditionally, mental imagery has been used by athletes to mentally practice motor skills outside of regular practice. It can also enhance your ability to perform motor skills in competition by improving focus; helping you make plans and develop strategies; and programming your body to execute tennis shots. Mental imagery and its components … [Read more...] about Mental Imagery Styles in Your Tennis Game