I panic and lose

Hi Alois,

first of all your backhand loop video is great and has really help me.

Mate, during the match how do you stay relaxed and not panic.

What is happening is even when I am winning or losing I panic, and then all of a sudden I tense up and then spin disappears and i start to lose. How do you remind yourself not to panic?

Hi Mamoon,

This is a great question and one that every player contemplates at some stage.  Which is good, because you have to also realise that the person at the other end of the table is probably going through the same issues.

Firstly try to think about enjoying what you are doing and learning from the match and your opponent. Also understand that it is completely normal to become anxious when you are in different situations.  

You are already recognising when you are panicking which is a good step forward.  The earlier you can recognise those feelings the easier it will become to do something about it.  

The next thing is to find some ways to control that anxiety.  You can do it with a variety of techniques including some deep breathing and relaxation techniques.

Take a look through our Sports Psychology section of the site and you will find some interesting information and ideas in there to start you off.