My school tournament update

Jasper Low Asked 3 years ago

Basically this is my first experience playing an ittf standard tournament. When I was warming up, I felt very normal and with decent confidence. When I started the match, I couldn't get my attacks in at all, so was my opponent. My coach had to waste a time out just to get me to win a set. I lost the match 1-3 in the end. The coach told me to push but it just did not feel right that way. The worst part is that I know that I should be winning against him... My question is do you have any tips on how to stay conscious of what you are doing and what your opponent is doing? And how do you stay calm? (I tried the pre point routine and breathing exercises but both didn't work out in the match) 

Alois Rosario Answered 3 years ago

Hi Jasper,

Firstly well done on playing the event.  This is a good learning experience for you.

The things that you have tried are good ideas.  The main thing though is that these techniques need to be practiced for a long time like all of your other skills.  Start by practising these in training situations and then move on to trying them in competitions.

As you get better at controlling your emotions you will be able to then think more clearly during your match and also play your strokes more naturally.  This is a big part of being able to compete at your best in tournaments.