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Tough to beat

The most successful athletes and teams have always started from the basis of being 'tough to beat'. How tough are you to beat and what are the things you can concentrate on to make you even tougher?

  1. Don't beat yourself

    Your opponent is doing all they can to beat you – you don't need to help them by getting down on yourself. Stay positive and optimistic.

    • Go to your strings after every point, and have a practiced between-point routine
    • Remember you have a choice in how you react to difficult situations on court – choose to respond like a fighter, be challenged by adversity
    • Be a good actor – even if you don't feel it, act it out and the right emotions will come.

  2. Show confidence in your ability to compete

    Confidence can be an elusive thing, so it's important to know how you can increase it.

    • Previous performance accomplishments – if you've done it before you can do it again!
    • Verbal persuasion – positive self-talk and the persuasion of a significant other person in your tennis life. 'You can do it, I know you can!'
    • Imagery – picture yourself before and during competition succeeding. Go to the movies in your mind and visualise success.
    • Vicarious experience – look around you. Who's doing well? If they can do it, why can't you!
    • Be prepared – sound goal setting, planning, preparation and training. Think of confidence as a bank account. Each time you put in a good session, eat well, achieve a technical goal, etc, you make a deposit into your bank. The reverse is also true.

  3. 'Make balls'

    There is no substitute for being tough to beat on the tennis court than making balls. It's so obvious, but I'll say it anyway – if you hit the ball in the net or out you lose the point!

    • Develop a 'stingey' attitude on court – don't give anything away. Each point you win builds your confidence and dents your opponent's just a little more.
    • Always chase a lost cause – even under heavy pressure, make that last ball. You'll be surprised how many 'sitters' are missed, even at the top levels. Hustle every ball down!
    • Improve your choice of shot by keeping your game simple. You may have heard of KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid! Keep the ball cross-court and hit to the spaces rather than aim for the lines. Don't change direction of the ball unless you're in perfect position to do so. Be workmanlike and solid in your shot selection – flashy shots might please a crowd but won't win you matches.
    • When under pressure give yourself time to get back into the point. Use the 'escape tunnel' – deep returns under pressure down the middle of the court reduce your opponent's attacking angles and allow you to stay in the point for another shot.

  4. Never withdraw effort

    Withdrawing effort, more commonly known as 'tanking', is about the worst sin you can commit on a tennis court. If you give up once you'll do it again and even worse you'll develop a reputation for it and give your opponent hope before you've even stepped on court.

    • No matter what the score or circumstances, give 100% on every point. That way you'll come off court with your pride intact and your opponent's respect!

  5. Pre-match be prepared

    Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

    • Equipment – strung rackets, water bottle, change of clothes
    • Hydration and food – drink and eat before, during and after
    • Warm-up – make sure you are ready physically for the challenge ahead
    • Game plans and match goals – be mentally prepared for the challenge ahead and have a clear idea of what you are going to try and do to make it difficult for your opponent

Here are a few ideas that will help you become 'tough to beat' and put you consistently in positions where success is possible.