Fitness, Tennis

Jump-Start Your Slow-Start Matches

Fighting back after a slow-start is never where you want to find yourself in a match. A new client recently expressed this very concern: “I never start my matches in a groove. I’m slow on my feet, missing my first serves, hitting my groundstrokes long and my overheads into the net. It’s only once I’m down a few games that my groove kicks in, and I try to fight my way back, but by then it’s sometimes too late, or I exhaust myself in the process.”

Few can shrug off a slow-start like Federer did against Falla earlier this year. More often than not, a low energy start will lead to a low energy finish. The more you jump-start your slow-start matches through mental and physical preparation, the better chance you have to play at your peak level. Win or lose, that’s all you can hope for. Every match is an opportunity for you to play better than you have ever played before, starting with the very first point. …

Let’s face it: How are you going to play the best match of your life without being prepared?

How to prepare yourself…

-Get enough rest (See my article “Sleep More, Do More”)

-Eat a proper pre-match meal (See my article “Give Your Body What It Wants: Competition Nutrition”)

-Make sure your equipment is in order

-Arrive early

-Warm up (ideally with enough time to cool-down before the match)

-If you have time, change into fresh attire for the match

-Mental match preparating (focus on the positive feeling of knowing you are going to play your best, starting with the first point, because you know you have prepared … you should feel refreshed, energized, and light on your feet before walking onto the court and meeting your opponent …)

-Study your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and develop a game plan

-Be conscious of repeating your most common unforced errors

-Remember to stay light on your feet (See my article “Top Priority Footwork”)

-Remember the goal is to play at your peak level, if not exceed it (every point should be fought for, every hit should be deliberate and focused… In short, be true to your game, your limitations, do what you know works, and start every match with confidence. With a bit of luck, the scoreboard will start to reflect all your hard work …)