How to Take Your Relaxed Practice Game to Matches
In “Sports Psychology Sessions with Doc,” Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from a competitive junior tennis player who wants to perform more freely in matches.
Visit Sports Psychology for Athletes at Peaksports.com and click on contact us to submit your mental game question for Dr. Cohn to answer in his mental game videocast or podcast.
Are you a young tennis player that tends to perform really well in practice bu then feels a little but more controlled and tight in matches?
Here’s the topic Dr. Patrick Cohn discusses this week:
What causes tennis players to not take their full game that they’re capable of to a match situation and what can you do about it.
Arry wrote in and said:
“I am a competitive junior tennis player. Recently, I’ve been having a lot of trouble bringing what I practice to tournaments. I’m playing a lot of tennis and my improvement shows in practice matches. Do you have any strategies that will help me perform more freely in tournaments?”
First you need to identify what’s changing for you from practice to tournaments.
Often, it is about fear of failure.
If you aren’t playing freely, you are playing tight and controlled.
How can you overcome fear of failure to play more freely?
Watch the video to see what mental game tips Dr. Cohn gives to tennis players to bring their practice game to matches and play more freely.

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What are other mental game coaches saying?
“She did really well with controlling her emotions during the matches today. We were very proud of her for not showing her frustrations during the match; I think that was a big accomplishment. She really looked in control of her emotions even when she double faulted or made mistakes. The changes we saw in her behavior in less than 24 hours were AWESOME! Thank you for your guidance!”
~Jennifer, Tennis Parent
“Since you last worked with AJ in early September, his National ranking has improved from 349 to 148. His tournament record at one point, since talking with you was 17-4, with 3 of the 4 being in third sets or tiebreakers and 2 of those matches being the same player, whom he has since beaten (you may recall he was on an 0-9 losing streak when we contacted you). His tie-breaker record is at least 90% through last weekend when he won the 18s District tournament with a semi and final match tiebreak win. Your help has definitely improved AJ’s results and his on-court demeanor has substantially improved.”
~Dawn Woodman, A.J.’s Mother
“I want to let you know that your “Tennis Confidence” CD program has been extremely helpful to me. I listen to the CDs in the car and the program is helping me overcome a lifetime of tournament performance Anxiety. Thank you!”*
~Wing Yu, Tennis Player
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What are our students saying?
“Dr. Cohn did a great job working with my son Joe on his mental skills for tennis. He taught him the mental skills and discipline necessary to move to the next level. Thanks Doc!”
~Mike Withers, Joe Withers Father
“Thank you for all the knowledge, tools, material, and guidance you have given me throughout the MGCP course. It was truly a great experience. I am looking forward to integrating your mental training system to students at the club, as well as to athletes that truly are committed, and strive towards reaching their peak performance.”
~Tim Whitehead, Tennis Coach
“On behalf of all of our coaches who attended the 2004 ITA Coaches Convention, I would like to thank you for serving as a featured clinician. I know that the coaches felt it was both enjoyable and informative. We greatly appreciate your taking the time to prepare and present such an outstanding clinic for the benefit of our coaches.”
~Nancy Breo, ITA Convention
“Maggie had such a great weekend. As always, after she works with you she just seems more grounded and focused. She’s less likely to look around and get distracted during her match. She’s more focused on one point at a time. Also, as a parent, I’ve learned to encourage her process goals and not outcomes. Consequently, she played well and won her first doubles match, upsetting a seeded team in a really really close match!”
~Katherine Johnson Cannata, Maggie’s mother
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