How to overcome nervousness while playing in a tournament

Mental Preparation

Abhishek Abhishek Goverdhan
Abhishek Abhishek Goverdhan Asked 6 years ago

Yesterday I had a state tournament which I lost because I got nervous and kept pushing. Even though I could easily defeat the player when we met at a club for practice one day before the tournament And just because of the fear of losing points or messing services up I kept playing counter and pushing even though I am an attacking player,and my topspin is the best my club.

 

 


Alois Rosario
Member Badge Alois Rosario Answered 6 years ago

Hi Abhishek,

This is a normal feeling in a match.

The main thing is firstly to recognise those feelings and then find ways to deal with them. I find a simple deep breath can help to calm yourself in those situations.

The main thing though is to allow yourself to enjoy the match and the playing and the challenge of it all.  It is when you start to worry about the results of the match that you get tied up and nervous.

We have a section on our site on Sports Psychology which you should explore to get some ideas as well.


Recommended Video

Train While You Play Socially

Want to improve your table tennis game while having fun? In this video, we’ll show you how to turn social games into valuable practice sessions! Whether you're playing with friends or lower-standard opponents, these tips will help you sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and make every match count. Here’s what you’ll learn:

  1. How to use casual games to experiment with techniques and strategies. 
  2. Tips for focusing on fundamentals like footwork and grip during social play. 
  3. Fun ways to create a positive and motivating atmosphere for everyone. 
  4. How to set goals and reflect on your performance to track your progress. 

By the end of this video, you’ll have actionable strategies to transform every friendly match into an opportunity for growth. Let’s make every rally a step toward greatness!

Watch Now

Thoughts on this question


Abhishek Abhishek Goverdhan

Abhishek Abhishek Goverdhan Posted 6 years ago

Thanks I will surely check out the sports psychology section. thanks once more for answering my question so quickly.


Become a free member to post a comment about this question.