Serving for Success: The Mind Game

Winning the mind game in a tennis match is as important as scoring points when it comes to the cauldron of competition on court. Success in tennis is not only about physical strength; it is about mental mettle too.

I fell in love with tennis in the 1970s, not only watching competitions on TV but also playing the sport.  It was never so serious of an interest, though, that I would try out for the high school team.  Instead it was more of a hobby sport, knowing I could study up on it, practice it regularly, and come up with a decent ground, service and volley game.  I was a smart, diligent young man, and stumbling on the Inner Game of Tennis (1972) by Timothy Gallwey was an added boon to my self-initiated training.

"The most important thing in this life - in all things, not just tennis - is to have the ability to learn and this is what I think Rafael has," [says Toni Nadal, who has coached his nephew Rafael to 14 grand slam titles].

A willingness to learn about the mental and intellectual demands of the game is being impressed on the rising stars of British tennis.

Reference: Serving for Success: The Mind Game.

From knowing and learning, to perceiving and processing, to concentrating and believing, nailing the mind game down is de rigueur in competitive sports.