How to Slow the Match Down When It’s Not Going Your Way

When we’re losing, we rush. We rush to finish points. We rush between points. We rush to the baseline just to serve and get it over with. The score starts slipping away, and before you know it, it’s 0–4, and the match feels like it’s flying by.

That is exactly when you need to do the opposite.

When nothing is working, and games are going quickly, you have to interrupt the momentum. Walk to the fence. Take a deep breath. Look at your strings. Create a small pause between what just happened and what’s about to happen next.

Instead of thinking about the score, set one simple intention for the next point. Something clear and controllable. Maybe it’s “no unforced errors this point.” Maybe it’s “I will hit ten balls in the court.” Maybe it’s “high and deep crosscourt.” Keep it simple and commit to it, no matter what your opponent does.

The worst thing you can do when you’re losing is rush into the next point. Slowing yourself down gives you a chance to reset your mind and regain control.

Tips to slow the game down when it’s not going your way:

• Take a deep breath and decide exactly what you will do on the next point

• Walk toward the fence and look at your strings

• Tie your shoes, even if they don’t need it

• Bounce the ball at least four times before your serve

• Look at your opponent and identify one weakness to target