How can I keep my confidence level up when I am playing in a really hard tennis match?

Question

Also, how do i keep consistent when I am really tired and I get frustrated? I am playing a really hard tennis match this week and I need to know so I can improve.

Answer 1

During any sport it is really hard to concentrate when stressed about losing/confidence, etc.  However, you need to be able to, after losing a point, take a deep breath, and say to yourself, I got this.  Think about how hard you're going to hit the ball, how fast you'll be able to catch up to your opponent.  If you can do this, your confidence and overall gameplay will definately increase for the better.

Answer 2

Tell yourself u can do it, and never give up. Keep ur head up high after every point regardless if u won the point or not. When your frustrated just tell yourself that your not going down without a fight and do your best. Take a few breaths after every point to calm yourself down and relax.

Answer 3

Hi: There are things you can do in a short term, physically and more importantly mentally.  However, you must also think long term in order to improve yourself.

For short-term preparation (before this weekend), I would prepare yourself physically by stretching everyday (yoga, if possible) and doing one or two light cardio sessions.  These will help you maintain your endurance and prevent injuries--there's no time to improve on anything at the moment.  

As for the mental preparation, if you can get out once or twice this week and do a light drill on your 'bread-and-butter' shots (reliable shots) and your 'killer shots', follow by a simulated matchpoint drill where you are mentally setting yourself up for pressure situation--remember to keep it light.  This combination will help you gain or maintain your confidence in your reliable shots, which you will focus on during difficult moments in the match.  It will also help to accustomed your mind to handle the pressure.

Other than that, just make sure you stay hydrated during the match (assuming that it's also summer where you are playing).  Bring cooler, towel, and a foldable chair.  A few touring pros also keep a notebook with 'reminders' for themselves and pull this out during crucial moments of the match--these reminders are of course very specific to the player.

If you don't mind, I would like to defer my answer about the long-term preparation for another time, in order to keep the answer from being too lengthy....possibly boring you and other readers.  Please let me know if you rather me include this in this answer as well.

best of luck