Expectations
There is a certain expectation that if I am winning a set 5-2 that some how I ‘should’ win that set.
Even now, away from the adrenalin rush of competition, do you agree with that statement?
And therein lies the problem. How about when you are up 40-15 on your serve or you have a few break points, what is your expectation then?
If we can truly understand that these situations are a simple reflection of what has passed, but have no bearing on what is to come, we can become better competitors.
The expectations usually have consequences. When we are up, we tend to play more tentatively and some how feel entitled to the victory. When we are down, we get desperate and play more freely and go for our shots.
Many sports psychologists like the latter, but don’t want the former, not realizing, it is simply impossible to have the one, without the other slipping in through the back door.
To play freely out of desperation, is different from playing freely through fear, doubt and uncertainty.
One of the difficulties is that this voice within us, which expects to win in certain situations is very low and it is not always easy to detect it. But, it is there and whenever it is heard, it must be silenced.
Be silent and listen for it and the many other asinine things it says and we buy into!
happy hitting…………..