Really nervous about tennis tournament?

Question

I have a tennis tournament today and Im really nervous. How do I stay calm throughout the match?

Answer 1

I would avoid the gum. You probably already finished your game by now (it's 1:30am est), but nerves are fine. It wakes you up and makes your senses sharper. Just look at that ball, and don't look at anything else. You'll be fine.

Answer 2

Before starting the point, bend your legs or bounce on your feet.

if your nervous and rlli stiff, breath as if you've got asthma, trust me it works!!!.

if its your first time, dont expect to win, i first won a game 3 years after starting to play tournaments, then a match a years later.

Answer 3

Just breathe deeply during the whole match. And always remember you have 30 seconds between each point, take your time on your serve. Yes, you are allowed to eat inbetween each game and set, you are also allowed to chew gum, even during the whole match. Don't ever think that it is impossible to beat 'this person.' Even if they are the number one seed. Always stay positive and never get down on your self. If they hit a good shot, don't get mad at yourself for not getting to it, instead, in your head, congratulate them for hitting a good shot. It is also nice to say good shot every once and a while. Just don't be too nice! And if you are up, never think that you have the rest of the match in your hands, always keep fighting till the match is over. Even if you lose, don't go into the next match thinking that you played terrible. [: Hope this helps!

Answer 4

How'd you do? I think you were fine.

Answer 5

I've played in many tournaments.

and always get nervous so in between points I play with the strings on my racket. But I wouldn't suggest chewing gum during a match.

Answer 6

Is it a USTA tournament? You are allowed to chew gum but be careful you don't wanna choke on it :P.  It also helps to have a routine.  Bring a towel and whenever you need some time wipe yourself off whether you need it or not.

It also helps when to do the same thing before every point.  For example when I'm serving i always bounce the ball 4 times and briefly look up before tossing the ball.  When returning I pick my strings and I blow on my fingers.  Most of these things will do nothing for your tennis game but they help you remain calm and stay focused, which will benefit your success enormously.

Answer 7

Dylan, I have played in many tournaments and leagues over the last 15 years and the best answer I can give you is something I learned last year. Forget about the person you are playing and focus on the ball. The ball is your real opponent. The ball is your enemy and it is your job to get the ball back over the net and into play. The ball cannot hurt you, the ball cannot talk to you or laugh at you. The ball cannot feel your anger when you fail. The ball cannot feel your nervousness. Usually after a game or two your nerves will relax and you will be swinging freely. You may tighten up at the end of each set or at the end of the match and you will have to focus on the ball again.

Good luck in your tournament....and conquer the ball!!!

Answer 8

Having a anxious anticipation before a major event is not uncommon (even the pros feel it). Dwelling too much on it becomes a problem. Try lowering the significance of what you are about to do. Think: this is just one tournament of many that I will play in my liftetime.

If you think this way when things get overwhelming the less pressure you will feel.

I wouldn't recommend chewing gum. The last thing you want to do is develop a nervous habbit that others can pick up on. Take deep breaths and clear your mind when you start to feel overwhelmed. Find the serenity in your head and the courage in your heart and you'll do just fine. Good luck out there.