Playing at my Best

George Unknown Asked 16 years ago

ihave a problem! im one of the best if not the best player in my school. But when i play i have a problem. when i play calmly with the 50% of myself i play without any mistakes. But when i play 100% of myself i lose points! actually i think its because im getting angry to win the opponent! When i play at about 70% and not rushing just staying concentrated... its ok (i may win or lose)

another thing is that when i try the most attacking strokes half of them are out or the opponent has no  problem whith it!      But when i play more defence (lobs, chops,pushes) and stay at least 2 metres from the table i make the opponent throw the ball on the net (backspin) or in lobs -when they are succesful- throw the ball out!

i dont know how to play! i like to attack but i need to take the points as well! any advice or a tactic 

Alois Rosario Answered 16 years ago

Hi George,

Maybe your 50% is 100%.  By that I mean that when you are feeling like you are playing at 50% that is actiually when you are playng your best.

Trying hard is overrated.  We are always told we have to try hard, but this can be bad for us, because when we try too hard we start to tighten up and our muscles don't work properly.  We actually play much better in a rexaled state rather than when we are too worked up.

Think about when you are getting your best results and what your body feels like.  This is how you should be when you play.  Don't ever think that you need to try harder in a big match.  The motivation you have to win the match is enough to get you to try.  If you try to make yourself try harder you will more times than not send yourself over the top and start to play badly.