Help w/ my game...

[NickHammy]

I've been playing tennis since I was 5 years old. This year, I made the varsity team at my high school and I was playing well. Ever since our season finished, I've been in a huge slump. I've been making many errors and I am losing matches I should definetly win. I have no idea what I am doing wrong and my instructor just says "Just keep playing more tennis". I have lost confidence in my game which is only making it worse...what should I do???

[tennis4you]

As bad as this sounds, go find some players you know you can beat and just beat the crap out of them, that will build confidence, lol...

In all honesty, your instructor is right, just keep playing. Tennis is mostly mental. TennisWarrior is a good place to start for the answers you are looking for. Tom V. is the webmaster and instructor, he will have a good way for you to break a slump mentally, try giving him an e-mail, he is a great guy, tell him I sent ya!

[Marc]

I agree.

Take Scott's suggestions, play some easy people and beat the crap out of them (where's myself when you him? :lol: ).

Just keeping playing - you'll eventually play through it. Remember, what doesn't kill, you makes you stronger. The ability to play through slumps makes you a stronger player.

[Clay]

I agree. Look up on the internet to see if you can get some tips on how to improve technique. I am only a casual player, but find that when I'm in a slump, it's usually due to losing concentration. Try to take a little of the pace off your shots and focus on your form. You can hit more angles to compensate for a little slower pace. Also, be sure to keep your eye on the ball the entire time--until it hits the racket. I always notice that that is the first thing to go when I start playing poorly. It sounds trite, but stick to the fundamentals. And keep playing.

[FutureAggie04]

Don't worry about being in a slump...look at the bright side its during the offseason so it's really not a huge deal, right? I do know that slumps are frustrating, I'm currently in one myself. The other night I lost to someone that i've beaten 2 times a week for the past 2 years...but I went and played somebody new and beat them so my confidence is back and I plan to whoop up on him tonight. Everyone is right, slumps are mental, its not your game at all...if you think you're playing bad then you are going to play bad. They say that its 10% physical and 90% mental. Good luck and keep hitting!

[Goolagong]

It would behoove us both if you could explain to me what style of tennis it is that you play, whose game does yours resemble? then I can respond to your question in a matter most helpful to you. :)

[NickHammy]

Well actually it's been settled. I took the entire month of August off, then went back and I've been playing great since. Thanks for the advice.

[tennis4you]

Glad to hear your game is back Nick. Sometimes it just takes some time. In your case it sounds like it was time off.