How to stay CALM at tennis?

Question

I only get mad at tennis when i make a mistake, not if my opponent hits a winner, for example.

Sometimes when I make a bad mistake, I shout out something, sometimes really loud. Or i'll throw my racquet, kick the tennis ball. I really can't help myself sometimes and I MUST do it... I know its pathetic.

If I play a few games without being angry, usually it builds up into a huge outburst, like I did today. I'll probably swear or throw my racket as hard as I can into the fence.

I'm confused at why this happens, because apart from tennis, I'm actually very calm and rarely do I get angry at people or anything. But on the tennis court, its completly different!?

Is there anyway I can stay calm? its embarrasing when I make loads of noise, and it definatly doesn't help my game.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Unfortunately we aren't as skilled as John McEnroe.   I suffered in the same manner.  I didn't get over until college.  I smashed a number of racquets.  It got expensive.  When i had to replace racquets because i had none left i turned a corner.  I realized that i played not only to be competitive and get some exercise, but because i enjoyed it.  I enjoyed it less when i was angry or regretting my outbursts.  Bob Marley's "Simmer Down" kept me in check when i would start to lose it.  You have made a positive first step in realizing now you just have to correct.  Remember its a GAME.  We PLAY to ENJOY ourselves.

Answer 2

Read the book "The Inner Game of Tennis" by Tim Gallwey.  It'll give you some good insight, and hopefully give you some tips on how to play more calmly.

Answer 3

try focusing on good points and what i do in tournaments is b4 every point and hop around and "shake it off" and relax myself so i can 4get about the point b4 me

p.s. think one point at a time not like"ohhh man gotta win this next game or i suck" or whatever

Answer 4

Yea it's hard to stay calm in tennis after several mistakes. Take a deep breath and relax. Play as if every ball is a new game.

Answer 5

think of your opponent is draws

Answer 6

I don't stay calm, but I try to think about how I could have made the point different and how to improve.

I also take deep breaths.

Your opponent will see you as weak if you cause a big rukus and get overly mad.

If you do get mad, which is easy to do, just don't show it too much.

Answer 7

I get pissed off in games too but I've been working on it and it seems to be working. I just stop caring if I make a bad shot and let it go. When i first started doing this it didn't really work but shortly afterward it started working. I just figured I should worry about what I was doing wrong rather than getting pissed off (it's hard to do especially if you make another mistake after you get mad but you just gotta control yourself). I also read in a magazine that if you get angry in a game you should use your anger to be "feisty, not furious" or something like that. I tried it, it didn't work for me but it might for you. Well yeah I hoped this helps.

Also, the reason you're confused at why you get mad is probably because you're wondering why you're hitting bad. If you're like me, you know you can hit great shots and completely dominate the opponent. But when it comes time to play an actual match you mess up and you might feel like someone else is playing in your body. I felt like that and I still do now. When I rally I can play great but when I play a match I play like how I did when I started playing tennis. I just say whatever and forget that I'm playing a match and I just treat it like I'm rallying. Seems to work for me.

Answer 8

I know it's hard, but you just gotta focus and concentrate on what you did wrong, don't get mad at yourself. After a match, reflect on what made you angry, like a bad shot. Work on perfecting those and take deep breaths. Tennis is fun, Just remind yourself that it's just a game and play for fun.

Answer 9

I feel your pain it used to happen to me too.  I would try to keep your head and racket up.  Looking down never helps.  Also always forget the last shot.  Move on to the next point.  Start planning how you are going to play the next point.

You might try reading books about controlling your anger. There are a lot of good books out there.

Try not to shout or throw your racket that just makes it worse.

Hope I can help :)

Answer 10

Work on your focus and take deep breaths

Answer 11

I would try to do morning exercices like yoga that makes you relaxed the whole day I've actually tried and it does help!!!