Win a Tennis Tournament

Many junior tennis players have trouble with success during tournaments. No matter what your age or ability is, this article has advice on playing matches and making the transition from practice courts to winning trophies. Tennis is also considered as the game of minds. To win a tournament you need the mentality as well as the physicality.

Steps

Know your playing style

  1. Discover or define your personal playing style. This is extremely important to know because it will allow you to take a clear approach to matches. Are you in the category of a retriever (you don't have tons of power to hit winners but your foot speed and defense let you get many balls back)? Or are you an aggressive player (you're not the most consistent but you can dictate points with your power)?
  2. Once you know your own style, start watching some professional tennis on TV or in person. This is not necessary but it can be a very helpful step. Look at where the pros hit and the tactics they use. Obviously you won't be able to use the same plays to perfection but it can put some ideas in your head.

Entering a tournament

  1. Sign up for a tournament. Be sure to practice every day leading up to it, possibly at the same courts that the tournament will be played on.

Preparing for the tournament

  1. The night before, go to sleep earlier than you usually do. You might have an early morning match or an afternoon match so set your alarm clock to the appropriate time.
  2. In the morning when you get up, have a good breakfast, such as eggs and Post Raisin Bran, or oatmeal pancakes. This will give you energy for a good part of the day.
  3. Get ready for your match. Dress in your most comfortable tennis outfit, and tennis shoes. Apply a lot of sunscreen if it is sunny out and you are playing outside.
  4. Before you go out to play, have a banana about thirty minutes before you play, so you can have a lot of energy for the match.

At the tournament

  1. Follow all necessary procedures. At the match, sign in, get the balls, and head to the court you were assigned for the warm-up.
  2. In the warm-up, feel your opponent out. Try to see what shots he or she is good and bad at, which shot he or she favors the most, etc. Most players tend to go for the forehand and don't have as good a backhand, so try to hit to the backhand as much as possible.
    • Test all of the opponent's strokes (forehand, backhand, volleys). Hit some balls up the middle and see which stroke they choose to hit. This can tell you what their favorite shot is, so keep in mind that it is probably their strength.
  3. If you win the toss, choose to serve first, it is easier to hold your serve than it is to break it. Unless you believe theirs is very bad, you can let them serve to gain confidence and get the early lead. On the other hand, if you choose to receive first, this will give you a chance to play some points without the added pressure of trying to hold serve.
  4. Show confidence to your opponent. Never show worried facial expressions or noises when things don't go your way or else this will make the other player's confidence go up making him play very well. When you are confident, no matter what type of player, you will play very well. So this will make you lose the match. Keep your racket up, and be aggressive toward your opponent.
  5. Be consistent. Even if your style is an aggressor, don't go for a knockout winner on every shot. You can easily donate the match to your opponent before you know it. Use topspin to hit deep and set up points, always directing balls to your opponent's weakness if possible. Chances are they will miss if you get enough balls back so don't always try to be like Andy Roddick.
  6. If you're down in the score, try some new things. Use your head at all times!!! Start using some low slices, try to approach the net, hit serves wider, etc. Add variety and never stick with a strategy that has you losing.

Tips

  • Never give up. This sounds basic, but in reality many people fail in this aspect, & it can separate the winner of a tournament from the rest. It doesn't matter whether you're down a break, a set, or even match point. Try your best to put balls into play and change things up, and you may be rewarded very often.
  • Make them run. If they tire out easily it will be a better advantage towards you, but also keep in mind that they might make you run
  • In addition to all that, eating a balanced meal the week before and specifically the day before picks up your games aggressiveness and allows you to hit better shots!
  • Put the work in off the court. This means running frequently to increase your endurance (try a treadmill or choose a route outside). Its easy to drill balls during practice, but when you're in a tournament with an opponent hitting side to side, you will tire quickly if unprepared. Make a habit out of running because tennis matches demand high stamina.
  • Also, try running more sprint based exercises in addition to a treadmill. You need to be agile on the court.
  • Have an entourage. Not everybody likes their family to watch them play, but if you do it can actually be a huge advantage. Have your friends and family applaud when you win points, and it can make your opponent uneasy mentally. If you have a crowd supporting you it can also give you an aura of being an important, high-ranked player whether or not you are that great.
  • If you find you have an internal voice that seems to constantly criticize you with negative self talk? It is important to realise that you will not win until you are in charge of your own 'Mental Game'. So when you play tennis make sure to talk to yourself in a positive and constructive fashion, in that way you will help to reduce your anxiety, keep your confidence up, aid your concentration and even increase your enjoyment of the game.
  • Try to ignore your opponent. If they are a friend or you know them, you might sub-consciously start feeling bad for them if you are winning and that can cost you the match.
  • Always keep your eye on the ball, if you don't then most of your shots will be of bad quality or will go out giving the opponent easy points.
  • Keep bouncing on your feet at all times. This makes you be much more ready for the ball and can put pressure on your opponent.

Warnings

  • If you're playing outdoor summer tournaments, be prepared for the weather! Never underestimate heat because it can easily cost you a match. Fight the heat by drinking at every changeover and when you're at home before and after a match. Use sunscreen as well.

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