Serving rituals and experience

mat huang Asked 11 years ago

Hi Alois

I have recently versed a junior- 10 years old approx. from Victoria. I eventually won but I find 2 things he did very well.

Firstly, when ever he lost a easy point, he nevered shouted, cursed or show any signs of misbehaviour.  It also didn't effect his game.  People say this is experience and the more you play you get used to it. But on the other hand, this guy was only 10 and probably played only 1-2 years of competition and he had better psychology than people playing for years. 

Secondly, he always does this "ritual" when he is serving or receiving. He says "CHO CHO" and bounces the ball on the table or bounce on his legs when receiving.

My questions are

1)Is psychology experience, or because of other matter?

2) Are these"rituals" actually help you and which ones do you prefer doing and recommend

THANKS

Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Mat,

Firstly it sounds like he has an old head on young shoulders.

Being able to play the next point well and consistently is something that a lot of players do take a long time to develop.  The ritual is certainly something that I recommend.  What the ritual is, doesn't really matter too much but it is about getting the body to feel comfortable and familiar with what it is doing even in a stressful situation.

I like the ritual of: a breath, focus on tactics, focus on the ball and then play the point.