Control Factors in Tennis

When on the tennis court, it is possible for you to get upset over things happening during the match. It is important when you are playing to concentrate on the items you can control and let go of the things you cannot.  Below is a short list of what we can control and what we cannot.  Review and remember.

Factors in tennis which are not under your control:

• Accidents or luck
• The court conditions, playing surface
• The weather, sun, wind, temperature, etc
• The opponent, their performance on any given day
• The officiating, bad calls, etc
• The crowd and your opponents' supporters
• Types of tennis balls used
• The time of day you play your match
• The visual background
• Winning or losing: The outcome of the match

Factors in tennis which are under your control:

• Your energy and enthusiasm
• Your attitude
• Your breathing
• Your degree of muscle tension
• Your strokes
• Your thinking, therefore your feelings and emotions
• Your imagery
• Your preparation for playing including your physical condition
• You choice of equipment
• Your bodily movement
• Your effort
• The match tempo
• Your demeanor, the way you walk, talk, look, and act
• YOU!!!

Focus on the items you can control and don't sweat the things you can't control.  We are a product of our thoughts so keep them positive.