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THE SCIENCE OF MATCH DAY PREPARATION
The expression, “success is found when proper preparation meets opportunity” would seem to have been written for tennis players. Sadly, most unsuccessful junior competitors are ill-prepared to compete, yet blame their poor results on bad luck. Truth be told, growth and success on court, is a result of months of deliberate customized training and systematic game day routines and rituals. Success on and off the court doesn’t happen by chance…it happens by choice.
There is often a very fine line between competitive success and failure. A poor start, an initial lack of focus or a bout of wavering confidence can cause a seemingly winnable match to quickly slip away. The will to properly prepare for competition usually makes the difference. For players to achieve consistent positive match results, their preparation must include ritualistic, inflexible routines. A player who is ready to compete creates an impenetrable wall that keeps the human elements of fear at bay.
“Spectacular achievements are preceded by spectacular preparation.”
Players who disregard pre-match rituals often unknowingly start a downward spiral that inevitably results in a loss. Their lack of self-discipline leads to self-doubt, a condition that fuels nervousness and then causes a lack of confidence and low self-esteem. These negative forces have a way of fostering a lack of self-control on match day.
“Although not preparing properly for competition may provide short-term fun, it comes with long-term consequences.”
Getting geared up for a match involves a type of self-hypnosis. Top players use a series of internal processes to spur a metamorphosis in preparation for competition. This involves putting on their “game face” as they prepare their physical, mental, and emotional components for competition. Confidence is high and all energy is devoted to the task at hand. This section of the book contains information to help players of all levels find the state of readiness that enables players to transform from a normal person into a tennis warrior.
Morphing into a warrior isn’t reserved for athletes. Game day transformation is done by every world-class performer. Preparing physically, mentally and emotionally for their role is a mandatory learned behavior. To demonstrate this point, let’s look at an elite professional Broadway actor’s pre-show preparation.
Broadway Actor’s Pre-Show Preparation:
On a nightly basis, the actors transition through a metamorphosis. They go from being a normal person with their own issues, emotions and agendas to morphing into the characters they play on Broadway. Real life issues (car problems, relationship issues, dog ran away…) must be dismissed and their mindset must shift into character they play on stage. The actual metamorphism is specific to each actor, but generally the actors will review their lines, quietly mediate, rehearse their movements, etc. Once on stage, the curtain rises and great actors transform into their character- making the audience believe.
Socializing prior to matches often pulls competitors away from their pre-match routines and rituals. Remember, a transformation should take place before each match. Your athlete simply cannot transform from a normal person into a warrior if they are hanging out with friends or bantering with friends over texts.
“Physical, mental and emotional readiness is a skill set your athlete must master.”
EQUIPMENT PREPARATION
The day before the match, review their Match Day Equipment Essentials List with your athlete. In case you need to run to the store to pick up an essential item or if their lucky shorts aren’t washed. Remind them that they may also want to pack their perishable Match Day Essentials the night before and keep them refrigerated and/or frozen and ready to go- ice, food, drinks etc.
“Waiting until the last minute is a common blunder and adds un-needed stress that can steal everyone’s emotional energy before even getting to the tournament.”
Match Day Equipment Essentials: (For Competitive Athletes)
1) Three- four rackets freshly strung and re-gripped.
2) Extra sets of strings (your brand and gauge) and extra vibration dampeners.
3)A first aid kit composed of Band-Aids, athletic tape, elastic bandages, appropriate pain reliever, plastic bags for ice, sun screen, liquid Band-Aid, hair ties etc.
4) Extra shoelaces, socks, shirts and a fresh towel(s). (You may need an extra towel to soak in ice water to cool you down in very hot temperatures.)
5) Water, sports drinks, electrolyte powders, easily digested fruit (banana), and energy bars/gels to be used as quick energy and/or to bridge between meals.
6) Performance goals and match notes. (Reminders) Examples include how to beat moon-ball/pushers, opponent notes, match performance goals, etc.