The Mentally Tough Tennis Player: Why Do I Choke in Big Moments?
The Mentally Tough Tennis Player: Why Do I Choke in Big Moments?
Written by Matt Simons, Head Coach and Director of Tennis, The University of Puget Sound
In the challenging world of competitive tennis, many players find themselves grappling with the question, "Why do I choke in big moments?" This phenomenon is not merely a reflection of performance anxiety; it often stems from a deeper disconnect between one's self-worth and their aspirations. You may genuinely want to win, but when the pressure peaks, you might find yourself feeling tight, nervous, or sluggish. This transformation can leave you playing like a different athlete altogether, with shallow breathing, hesitant movements, and a lack of trust in your own shots. The choking behavior you experience often arises when your self-worth does not align with your goals. If you don't believe you are deserving of success, it becomes increasingly likely that you will falter at critical moments.
Your self-worth is a complex system of beliefs shaped by every thought, emotion, and experience in your life, and it acts like a mirror on the tennis court. If you struggle with self-confidence, that struggle will inevitably be reflected in your performance. On the flip side, if you have an unshakeable belief in your abilities—if you view yourself as unstoppable—that mindset will also manifest in your game. Therefore, it's essential to take a step back and examine the moments when you don't get the results you expect . Instead of fearing these occurrences, embrace them as valuable learning opportunities that can provide insights into what is holding you back. By taking control of the fear associated with failure, you can begin to uncover the root causes of your choking and work toward overcoming them.
Tennis is 99% Mental
While opinions may vary, most agree that tennis is at least 70-90% mental…Yet, how much time do you dedicate to strengthening that crucial aspect of your game? If you're like most players, the answer is likely "not enough." Many athletes struggle to develop their mental toughness because they simply don't know how to approach it. They focus primarily on physical training and technical skills, overlooking the pivotal role that the mind plays in achieving success. Recognizing the significance of mental toughness is just the first step; the real challenge lies in implementing effective mental training strategies. Just as you dedicate hours to perfecting your serve or groundstrokes, you must also invest time in your mental game. Techniques like visualization, mindfulness, positive self-talk, and emotional regulation should become integral parts of your routine. By committing to this process, you can unlock your true potential and consistently perform at your best, even in the face of adversity.The Path to Mental Toughness
The Journey of Mental Toughness
Mental toughness is not merely a concept reserved for athletes; it is a mindset applicable to all aspects of life. It defines how we recover from setbacks, confront challenges, and maintain our composure under pressure. Every successful athlete has faced moments of self-doubt, discouragement, and stress. The key differentiator lies in how some individuals confront these adversities, persevering one step at a time, while others succumb to overwhelming feelings. Building mental toughness is not just about resilience; it's about developing the grit to rise after being knocked down, to maintain positivity when negativity seems more convenient, and to refuse to let difficult situations define us.
In this context, it's crucial to recognize that mental toughness requires consistent sharpening, much like a pencil needs to be sharpened to function effectively. Too often, players approach mental toughness only when problems arise, but true mental fortitude is developed through deliberate effort, especially in high-pressure situations. The real work begins when stress levels rise, when mistakes occur, and during crucial moments in matches. It's essential to uncover the patterns that emerge during these times, allowing you to reclaim your personal power and focus on what truly matters.
As you embark on this journey of mental toughness, recognize that you are far more powerful than you may realize. The moment you allow external factors to dictate your mental state, you drain your potential for greatness. Becoming a mentally tough player is about taking back that power on the court and refusing to surrender to the chaos around you or within your own mind. The first steps may be challenging, but as you focus on enhancing your mental game, it will gradually transform from a burden into a superpower. The results you achieve on the court will reflect not just your skills but also your belief in your worthiness and capability. Remember, every opponent you face is skilled and often at a similar level; the true differentiator will often come down to your mental toughness.
Stay tuned for additional blog posts that will dive deeper into the BALANCE mental toughness framework with future options to create your own personal mental toughness plan.
Join us this summer at Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps, and together, let's unlock your true potential!
