Right mentality when playing matches

Jorgen Olsson Asked 2 months ago

I often feel that my training evenings are not as effective as they could be. Like, I am afraid of developing..  Do you have any tips on this? I love your podcast. It's very fruitful.

Alois Rosario Answered 2 months ago

Hi Jörgen,

Thanks for your kind words about the podcast! I'm glad you're finding it useful. 

Regarding your question about the right mentality for practice and matches, it's fantastic that you're thinking about this aspect of your game. Mental approach is just as important as physical skills in table tennis.

Firstly, it's quite normal to feel a bit wary about the outcomes of training—it shows that you care about your progress and are conscious of your development. However, it's important to channel this concern constructively.

1. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: Try to focus on the process of learning and improving each skill rather than just worrying about whether you're winning or losing. Each practice session should have clear objectives. For instance, you might focus on improving your backhand loop or your footwork in one session. This approach helps you see tangible improvements in specific areas, which can be very motivating. 

2. Embrace Mistakes: View mistakes as learning opportunities. The fear of making mistakes can hinder your development, so try to adopt a mindset where each error teaches you something new. This can be particularly hard during matches, but remind yourself that even the top players make mistakes and learn from them.  Take a look at our Blog on Challenging your training.

4. Stay Positive and Patient: Improvement in table tennis, like any sport, requires time and patience. Some days you might feel like you aren’t making progress, but it's important to stay positive. Positive reinforcement can come from self-talk, feedback from a coach, or even just acknowledging your effort rather than just results.

5. Mental Flexibility: Be prepared to adapt your strategy both in training and matches. This flexibility can help you overcome different styles of play and unexpected situations, enhancing your overall game resilience.

6. Relaxation and Focus Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, visualisation, or even listening to music before games can help manage nerves and improve focus.

Remember, the right mentality is not something you achieve overnight but something you develop over time through consistent practice and reflection. Keep enjoying the game and pushing your limits, and the results will follow. Best of luck with your training.