Wimbledon Final 2011--The Mental Side of the Tennis Game

When playing tennis, there is often an internal conversation going on - and this internal conversation can include thoughts based on fear and doubt. After Djokovic defeated Nadal on Sunday's quick Wimbledon final Nadal was quoted as saying:"When one player beat you five times, (it's) because today my game don't bother him a lot". It sounds like Nadal was thinking about his opponent too much during Sunday's final. Nadal was more worried about whether he could beat Djokovic than playing his best tennis - playing in his zone.

Far more valuable than hitting a good tennis ball is the importance of learning to focus and trust in yourself. Instead of a quiet mind, Nadal was worried about losing. At one point in the match Nadal punched his racket after missing a forehand in the last game - not exactly the action of a tennis player who is playing within himself and loves playing tennis.

So what did Nadal need to do (and what should we do when we are playing our own Djokovic nemesis?

1) Stay in the present - do not be distracted thinking about the outcome. Do not think about the score or the outcome of the match. Instead - quiet your mind - and focus on the ball. Become one with your body and function without interference from negative thoughts.

2) Establish your composure and focus - and have a clear image of where the ball is going to land or where the serve will land before you serve the ball.

3) Trust yourself & Don't try so hard - relax your grip, your arm and your body and your feelings! Trust your swing! Only use positive self-talk - words you would say to your best friend. Manage your strong feelings (anger, excitement, frustration) and swing easily with no tension in your body. Do not self-sabotage yourself with negativity.

Remember; Plan with your head ... Play with your heart!