Slow starter in matches

Nathan Wu Asked 9 months ago

Hi Pingskills,

I started to play some local league matches and I have realised it takes me a long time to play my best or get warmed up into an attentive and strong player. I found when I trained longer I play super good but when I don't I play bad. Any tips? I have tried stretches and running but no result.

Alois Rosario Answered 8 months ago

Hi Nathan,

It’s great to hear that you’re getting stuck into some local league matches. Finding your rhythm can be a bit tricky, especially in a competitive environment. Here are a few tips that might help you warm up more effectively and hit your stride quicker in matches:

1. Pre-Match Practice: Try to arrive at the venue early enough to have a thorough hit before the match starts. Focus on playing some practice games with different players to get used to varying styles and speeds. This will not only warm up your strokes but also your tactical thinking.
2. Mental Preparation: Sometimes, it's not just the physical side but also the mental readiness that can affect your start in matches. Engage in some mental preparation techniques like visualisation or breathing exercises to calm your nerves and focus your mind on the task ahead.

The key is consistency and purpose in your preparation. Every player has a unique way of entering their best mental and physical state for competition, so keep experimenting with different approaches until you find what works best for you. Stick with it and I’m sure you’ll start to see improvements in how quickly you can hit your top form during matches.