STEP IV: STICK WITH YOUR CHOSEN SERVE.

Once you have decided on your serve, do not change your mind mid-toss. Changing your mind can result in a fault or possibly a double-fault, losing you the point and potentially the match.

STEP V: GET PHYSICALLY FITTER AND STRONGER.

Do exercises that strengthen your arms, legs, and focus on strengthening your core muscles.  It is also beneficial to do exercises that keep you flexible, such as Pilates and Yoga.

STEP VI: GET MENTALLY STRONGER.

Like the other aspects of the game, you can practice and train your mind to become stronger. Mental strength may be the edge that wins you the match when things look grim. There are multiple techniques you can utilize to help you with anger, anxiety, loss of focus, low self-confidence, lack of motivation, to name a few of the issues that a player may have to resolve, if they want to maximize their on-court performance.

 Techniques that are available, include but are not limited to….

Visualization of your desired goals.

Relaxation techniques: breathing, reciting a favorite poem or quote, playing a game, etc.

Positive self-talk.

Developing mental routines that you can employ before you step on court and/or when there is intense stress during the match.

Learn how to let go of your mistakes.

Staying focused in the moment, you cannot change the past, but you can however, work to improve the future.