Good in practice but not in matches? How to handle pressure and read the game during a match

Many people practise well, but when they play a real match they cannot play the way they do in practice, even though their skills have not changed. So what makes your form change in competition, and how should you handle the pressure and read the game during a match? In this article THE SET. looks for the answers with you.

Key takeaways

• Playing well in practice but not in matches usually comes from pressure: the score, winning or losing, and the fear of making mistakes.
• A real match keeps changing, so it takes both skill and the ability to adapt.
• Focus on the point in front of you, rather than on winning or losing the whole match.
• If you make a mistake, regain your composure quickly and start again on the next point.
• Practising with real scoring helps you get used to pressure.
• Practising the big points, such as deuce or match point, helps you handle the real situations better.
• Changing practice partners helps you get used to a wider range of playing styles.
• In-Match Assessment means assessing yourself, your opponent and the pattern of the game during a match.
• Notice what is causing the points you lose, and which way of playing is working.
• Practising reading the game and changing your plan during a match helps you play closer to how you practise.

Why you play well in practice but not in a real match

In practice you may play well and with confidence, but when you play a real match you cannot play the way you usually do, because a match brings things ordinary practice cannot: the score, expectations, and the fear of making mistakes.

When pressure comes in, some players start overthinking, rush and lose their rhythm, or become so careful that they do not dare hit the way they like to. The form they had disappears for a while, even though their ability is still there. They simply need to practise drawing on their skills and confidence under real match conditions.

How to handle pressure in a match

You cannot avoid all the pressure in a real match: as soon as there is a score, an opponent and a result, it feels different from practice. So what matters is not making yourself feel no nerves at all, but getting used to these situations until you can control the rhythm, make decisions and play your own game, even under pressure. You can start training for this in practice.

How to practise so you are ready for real match pressure

Practising to hit well may not be enough for a real match, because once there is a score, a result and expectations, the way the court feels changes at once. If you want to play closer to how you practise, get used to pressured situations before you play a real match. You can do it like this:

• Practise with real scoring. It helps you get used to how it feels when winning and losing are involved.
• Practise the big points often, such as deuce or match point.
• Set yourself challenges in practice, such as having to close out a game, or not losing two points in a row.
• Change practice partners sometimes, to get used to different playing styles.
• Practise pausing to compose yourself before each new point, for example taking a deep breath before you play.
• After practice, look at why you lost points, so you know what to fix next time.

Focus on the point in front of you, and do not think too much about winning or losing

In a real match, many people catch themselves thinking ahead: will I win, or what happens if I lose this point? The more you think, the more pressure you put on yourself. Try bringing your attention back to the point you are playing, thinking only about where to serve, how to return, or which shot to choose; it helps you play more naturally.

If you make a mistake, regain your composure quickly and start again on the next point

Missing a shot or losing a point happens throughout a match. What matters is not letting the mistake from the last point stay in your head too long. After the point, take a moment, breathe deeply, review what happened, and let it go, so you can start again on the next point as quickly as possible.

How to assess the situation during a match (In-Match Assessment)

Assessing the situation during a match, or In-Match Assessment, means observing what happens during the match: your own form, your opponent's strengths and weaknesses, and the patterns of play that keep repeating. You then use this to adjust your plan to the situation at the time, and to improve your chances of changing the game in time when the situation changes. Things to watch during a match:

• See what you lose points to most often, such as your own errors, rushing to finish points, or choosing shots that are too risky.
• Notice where your opponent is uncomfortable, such as a weak backhand, slow movement, or trouble with high-bouncing balls.
• See which way of playing is working. If hitting to a certain spot or playing a certain pattern often wins you points, keep using it.
• Check your own body and concentration. If you are getting tired, rushing or losing focus, adjust your pace accordingly.
• Look at the trend of the game, not at a single point, because losing one point may not be a problem. See whether the same pattern keeps repeating before you decide to change your plan.

In short

Practising well is an important foundation, but playing to your full ability on match day also takes handling pressure, staying composed and reading the situation during the match, all together. The more you get used to real scoring, big points and a variety of opponents, the better you adapt and make decisions on court. If you want to take what you practise into real matches, open up your competitive experience and develop your game with THE SET.'s community: sign up for THE SET.