I have nerve problems and its really hurting my game. Help?

Question

I play tennis, which takes a lot of concentration and my nerve issues are killing me. Problem is, whenever I am really pressured, I can't play. I either hit it out or in the net or I can't serve. It is THE WORST whenever I play against my friends competitively. I always feel bad when I win even a point (which rarely happens due to my nerves).

Worst part happened today. I was playing against a really good friend of mine. I'm a lot better than him, but the coach was watching so I completely BOMBED the game. He won 6-0 the first set and I ended up forfeiting the second after I THREW UP ALL OVER THE COURT! This has never happened before and I felt ok once I stopped playing. I think my nerve problems are getting worse. Please help. :(

Answer 1

try to relax and not worry too much

Answer 2

I, like you, hate playing against my friends. I'm not a sports phycologist or anything, but something that always helps me is taking deep breaths. Don't get mad at yourself. Don't shout out "YES!" when you hit a winner. Don't dwell on the shots that you don't hit well, but focus on the good shots in your rally. Also, don't go for too risky of shots. Give yourself a lot of net clearance and don't go for the lines. Granted, don't hit dinky shots, either. Give them some "umph" but don't hit them too hard. That always helps me during a match and I hope it helps you too!

Answer 3

You are not alone.  Most normal people get nervous under pressure.  The more you play, and the better you get (mentally as well as physically), the less you will "choke" under pressure.  Think of pressure as an opportunity to grow and improve.  Focus on the point, and have fun.  Remember that this is a game, relax, and do your best.  Even the pros make easy mistakes.  Let go and move on.  Its okay to BOMB, to have a bad day, and to be extra nervous against some people.  Face your fears, invite the pressure, and do your best.  You will be FINE.  Love the game, count your blessings, and forget about the score.

Answer 4

Lily I'd like to say first off that every player, to some degree, has their problems with anxiety and stress on the court so you're not alone. You must feel a lot of pressure to do well and that is completely natural. In truth it just means you're passionate about what you're doing, which is great!

But obviously you have to learn to control your anxiety levels (nerves as you're saying). I think your first approach should be to put the situation in perspective. Even if your coach is stern remember that he/she is there to help you, not judge. We *All* make bad shots, it's a part of learning and it's nothing to be ashamed of.

So relax. Whether you are practicing, playing matches or playing in a tournament remember you are still playing the sport you love and that each point is a new opportunity to do well (so corny but it’s true). One time in a regional tournament I was really nervous and flew a kick serve off my frame, three courts down and over the fence. Everyone stopped and just cracked up and so did I. You can't take yourself or your game too seriously.

You should really just take some deep breaths, relax and focus on the next shot. Focus on the mechanics and making a good stroke. Don’t worry about the score, winning or losing, don’t think about the other player or the coach.. just focus on making each shot the best you can. Eventually you’ll find that overall you’ve done considerably better. And that is one way you make your game stronger mentally by reducing the importance of the overall situation and focusing on the immediate task..

So relax. Make bad shots and learn from them. Don’t worry about what others will think and don’t worry about the score. Just play your game and make every shot count.

(Pardon the wall of text)