Feeling nervous during a match

Vishwa Kalra Asked 12 years ago

hey thanks for your last answer related to wet hands... and i hope it will work for me..

anyway.... my last and final question before my tournament which is on 7 august....actually i am playing for last 4 years.. and at some crucial times i plays so good and without any burden for pressure... but sometimes like in final or semi final.. i usually get burst with that amount of pressure and then i miss even the easiest of shots...

can you please tell me about what to think that time so that i could be able to get out of that pressurize situation..... what should i be doing or thinking that time before and during the matches?

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Vishwa,

When you start to feel nervous you can do something simple like take a deep breath and then focus on what you need to do in the next point.  If you are serving, think about where you are going to serve to and what type of serve you want to do.  If you are returning, think about the direction of your return and during the rally.  Then focus all of your attention on the ball.  Watch it as closely as you can.

Moreover, understand that you will feel like that at some time and your opponent is probably feeling similar at different times of the match.

Then take a look through the many answers we have on this topic in our Ask the Coach questions under the heading of Mental Preparation.  These will also help you and give you a few more ideas.