How do you get rid of fear and become confident.

Mental Preparation

Justin O'Toole
Justin O'Toole Asked 11 years ago

Hi Alois and Jeff how do you become more mentally stronger than the other players losing your fear of certain shots, tight situations in a match and certain players. Also how do you put fear into your opponents mentally and physically so they fear you and you don't fear them.

Any tips thanks guys for your time see you later.


Alois Rosario
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Justin,

This comes with time and success and a bit of immunity to the task.

The importance of the match or that game or even the next point is totally in your mind.  For one player, winning a match in the National championships may be the biggest thing they could ever do.  However to another player that has won a lot of match at that level, it may even become boring.  It is the same match, just the situation is created in our minds.  Until we have been through something several times we will find it difficult to feel relaxed doing it.

By being in the situation over and over, we become desensitised to it.  So put yourself in different situations as often as possible.  Play lots of matches and eventually you will feel comfortable in that situation.


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Justin O'Toole

Justin O'Toole Posted 11 years ago

Hey Alois great answer.!!!! When i was playing golf the same thing accured i.e. playing in front of lots of people having to birdie a hole or make a put it was not easy. But after having this happen seceral times i became very comfortable with the crowds and the situation.

Thus the results started to go my way most of the time about 80%. Still lost some but that is normal as i am human and we all make mistakes at some stage. As for table tennis i have no fear playing in front of loads of people, wheather its a grand final, tournament, country week or what ever the situation is.

I guess playing golf with loads of people watching me helped in this area. Now i enjoy playing in front of people at table tennis matches.  So your answer is apsolutely correct Alois as i found that out for myself.


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