Preparing for inter-school matches

Training and Drills

Wayne Sy
Wayne Sy Asked 11 years ago

Hi there coach, I just wanted to ask if how will I prepare for our upcoming inter-school athletic meet next week. The competition would be from november 7 to 9 if I'm not mistaken. I would like to ask if how would I prepare my mind and my body to be in my best shape during the competition, what are the do's and don't's I should remember?  And how will I boost my mental toughness and my confidence? what are the things I need to think of? thanks in advance :)


Alois Rosario
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Wayne,

The main thing is to focus on playing your best at the tournament.

In the time before the tournament the main things to focus on in training is your serve, return of serve and third ball drills.  This is the area of the game that you use the most in matches.

You can also do a lot of practice matches against a wide variety of players.

Good luck and let us know how you do.


Thoughts on this question


Wayne Sy

Wayne Sy Posted 11 years ago

thanks a lot coach :), I'll be sure to apply the things you said and hopefully have a good effect on me :)


Xariuz Cruz

Xariuz Cruz Posted 11 years ago

Hi Wayne! An hour before the tournament is best to hear some music which is DAMN HOT to boost your confidence. I've tried it before :D


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

You have to think about what works for each individual.  Some players like calming music or just to sit by themselves, while others like to be more motivated before a match.


Wayne Sy

Wayne Sy Posted 11 years ago

Hi coach, first of all, I want to thank you for giving me such useful advice because it helped me a lot. My current record is 2-0 and I need to win 2 more games to be able to qualify for the regional meet. I would just like to ask something about 3rd ball attack. Throughout this tournament, I realized that 3rd ball attack is very essential, but my problem is I often get distracted to attack since I am afraid to make mistakes. How can I overcome the fear of 3rd ball attacking and be able to dominate matches by my 3rd ball set ups?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

Hi Wayne,

You have now realised how important it is to make the 3rd ball attack.  Understand that it is the way that you will get better.  So don't be too concerned if you are making mistakes along the way.  This is all part of improving.


Wayne Sy

Wayne Sy Posted 11 years ago

thanks coach, surely i'll be trying to work on my 3rd ball attack and hopefully, use it as my asset for this tournament :)


Wayne Sy

Wayne Sy Posted 11 years ago

Coach, thank you so much for the advice you've given me, because of that, I was able to qualify for the regional meet. It is indeed true that 3rd ball attack is very essential. Thank you so much coach :) 


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

Great to hear Wayne.  Well done.


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