The number one question I receive from players: How can they
play so well in practice, yet in important matches they become
anxious and tentative and play poorly? What can they do about
it? To answer this question you must first understand that you
are empowered to make decisions. You have choices. YOU must
make a decision to 'let go' and "go for your shots" (play
without cautiousness) in your match play. Often it takes
months to teach a player how to make this crucial decision.
There is NO magic. YOU must make this decision every time you
step on a tennis court, whether it is practice or match play.
To help you 'let go' in your match play, it is necessary to
understand two principles. First, you must use repetition to
bring your practice play up to an extremely high level of
instinctive play. Then, your match play will function more
automatically. Second, when you make a mistake in match play,
that mistake will carry much more of a mental blow to your
confidence than it would in practice. You must be prepared
for this mental blow and reduce the impact it has on your
overall mental attitude. Learn to shrug off mistakes the same
way you would in practice. Again, and I cannot emphasize this
enough: YOU are responsible to make this decision and stick
with it! Remember, "the next shot is more important than the
last mistake."
Now, do not over-think this whole situation. This dilemma is
NOT unique to you. Playing better in practice and worse in
match play happens to everyone. At this time I am working with
a pro to improve his game. Guess what? You guessed it! He has
the same problem. So you see, you are in good company. You too
must learn to make the correct decisions relentlessly and
master this universal malady!
