It has been said that those whom the Gods wish to destroy, they first make angry. What is anger, how does it impact tennis performance, and what can be done to keep it in check and actually turn it to your advantage during competition.

What is Anger?

• A strong feeling of displeasure and aggressive hostility aroused by real or suspected wrong.

• A response to the frustration of an unresolved problem.

• An emotional reaction created by combining high psychic energy with high stress.

• A sudden violent displeasure accompanied by an impulse to retaliate.

It is important to distinguish between the normal anger which often occurs during competition, and much more serious forms of anger which may extend beyond sport and lead to serious physical and emotional harm. Before anger reaches these levels, it is strongly advised to seek counseling.

Anger in Tennis

Expressions of anger are witnessed at all levels of the game in screaming, temper tantrums, cursing, racket throwing, linesperson and umpire abuse, and self-condemnation. Anger which is contained within can be equally distasteful when the player is consumed by negative thoughts and images.

Uncontrolled anger almost always impairs tennis performance. One explanation is that arousal levels rise dangerously high. Recall that tennis requires optimal levels of relatively low arousal compared with most other sports (see September 1995 article).

Taking Control

Getting mad at yourself after unforced errors might sometimes be useful, because it shows that you value consistency. But remember to stay in control and move mentally to the next point or you may find yourself distracted and unable to perform your best.

Here are some further ways to control anger:

1. Use your anger to focus intensely on what you will do next rather than on the mistake you just made.

2. Negative self-talk is a killer. Learn to recognize when it happens and get angry that you are thinking negatively. Use this anger to transform negative thoughts into positive ones.

3. When anger is overwhelming you, do anything to break the pattern. Tie your shoelaces, count to 10, breathe deeply and slowly, write a letter to your grandmother, and get in the mindset of playing each point one at a time.

4. Use imagery to practice dealing with situations that have caused anger in the past. Imagine yourself handling these situations successfully.