Over the last couple of decades, tennis has developed tremendously in many ways. Just look on YouTube and compare the matches of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal vs John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg.
The level on the Junior and Pro Tour is higher than ever before and it continues to get better. Players are hitting the ball harder because of the material and their technique that allows them to accelerate more.
Physically, tennis players are also fitter, more flexible, and healthier than ever before which contributes to their game and longevity. There are more 30-year-old players in the top100 than ever before.
Tactically, players are using apps, recordings, and data to analyze their matches to improve their decision making and apply the right strategy to win more.
So what will be the next development that allows players to differentiate themselves from the rest in the (near) future?
Mindset!
I am not clairvoyant but it’s a matter of time before mental training will become more normal. If you look at golf, it is almost weird not to work with a mental coach or do mental training. Tennis is heading that way as well with players like Barty who became the number #1 in the world while working with a mental-performance coach.
Sports psychology itself is also going through changes since some traditional sports psychology tools are becoming outdated. I talk with top players on a daily basis about their challenges. Most of them don’t do daily mental training but the ones who do gain small or inconsistent results by using things like breathing tools, focus exercises, rituals, and visualization. In order to make lasting transformations, you must go deeper and rewire your subconscious mind.
So if you’re a competitive tennis player or supporting one as a coach or parent, you might be wondering how you can take advantage of this? Mental training doesn’t only help players play better, it allows them to develop faster and feel better on the court. Also, studies confirm that stress increases athletic injury risk!
After reading mindset books, working with other mental coaches (for myself as a tennis player), and helping players others as a mental-performance coach, here is what I would suggest. First, do not try to figure it out on your own. It took me about 8 years to finally understand how the mind really works and how to rewire it in order to be successful.
I’d suggest working with a mental coach who has results for themselves, with other tennis players/athletes, and cares about you. If you check those things, then you’ll safe yourself as a lot of time, struggle, and money in the long run.
I hope this article was helpful and if you have any questions, just comment below or reach out to me at nathandeveer@gmail.com. If you know someone who struggles and benefits from this, then feel free to share this so we can help more players enjoy the sport more, achieve their potential, and be successful on and off the court!
If you’d like to work together to accelerate your tennis and mindset, then schedule a 45-min strategy session with me HERE to discuss your situation and how I can help you in the best possible way.