How can i reduce my butterflies in my stomach wen i have a tennis tournament?

Question

for every tournament i have i get butterflies it affects my game alot. can anybody tell me how they reduce their stress in tennis tournaments

Answer 1

ok this has happened to me throughout my entire tennis career... from juniors right on through college and some futures tournaments.  It wasn't until this past year in college (my junior year) that i realized that no one will ever remember you unless you're number 1 in the nation.  I guarantee there isn't anyone that could name the person who is number 38 in NCAA division 1 except for maybe the person who is number 38 and his teammates.  

Once I realized this i began to play tennis b/c i loved it.  As long as I play my game i know that there are very few people out there that can beat me, and the ones that can are d**n good.  If you get on a court and you're out matched and you've tried everything you can, you just have to enjoy the level of tennis you're playing and shake the guys hand across the net at the end and say good match.

so don't worry about who you're playing or about winning and losing... worry about you and the ball, and enjoy hitting the ball and hitting it well.  as long as you hit the ball the way you want and stay positive the results will take care of themselves no matter what... and if you're having an off day, just keep making minor adjustments until you start to feel the ball.  I won two big matches down a set and a break this past year just because i kept fighting and making adjustments.

so play tennis b/c it's fun and don't get wrapped up in the results... b/c everyone loses and everyone wins.

Answer 2

take deep breaths and start moving your feet. Also before a match, go out and hit a little so you can get warmed up and feel better about your strokes

Answer 3

While you are standing in the tennis court.....see at the other tennis player and imagine he/she is naked....then you will laugh and will play as never before.....

Answer 4

have confidence, listen to music before your matches. relaxing music that is.

Answer 5

Just think positive, and remember to breath during the game. Stay calm, and play like you have been taught to-that's why there are coaches :) GET AN MP3 PLAYER! Listen to some of your favorite music before to help you get loose. Also listen after your games to help you unwind and get ready for the next.

Answer 6

I just pretend i'm in practice. I just try to focus on my strokes and try to read my opponent's strokes. once you know their strokes from warm-ups, you will be more confident hitting their shots in the match. also, don't focus on winning. i know its cliche, but just have fun, and dont be too hard on yourself, which can get you down, and make your play even worse :]