The Jensen Zone: Practicing Under Pressure … the Key to Match Relaxation

November 18, 2014 | By Luke Jensen
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I see so many talented players play like pros on the practice courts and fall apart during matches. It doesn't matter what level of play, I find the transition from practice to match player sometimes is the toughest hurdle to overcome.

For example, a player once had a double fault and a toss issue. So, we went to the practice court and started to unwind the mental knots the player had with their second serve and erratic toss.

A simple pressure exercise is to put 25 in a row in the box at game speed. No Sloppy Joe's (an underhand serve). This is not easy at first. The player would reach the high teens and into the 20s, and really start to feel the pressure. After a miss, a negative emotion would show as if they failed to accomplish their goal. I simply pointed out that the 19 or 23 serves we did hit into the box is a high first serve percentage, and nearly a full set without hitting a double fault.

I have found that, time after time, working with players where if the goal of 25 was not achieved, they would go into “I FAILED MODE.” What I explained was that 25 in a row is pretty hard if you are going at game speed. I also explained that these pressure drills are not about failing, but about taking the tiny steps towards a mental place where you become less nervous and anxious.

Showing that through pressure-based practices, you can become a clutch player when under pressure. Simulating the impact and importance in drills and practice match play will translate directly into better pressure play in real match situations. 

My coaches had me play practice sets over and over with players I HATED with a passion. I played a ton of sets through my tennis life with my younger brother Murphy. He cheated me in every situation imaginable—even when he didn't have to cheat to win—he still did to get under my skin. It was the thousands of practice sets in those situations that helped me play great under pressure. Practice had so much riding on it, just like a tournament match. I handled pushers and cheaters better and better as I gained more experienced playing in those match ups.

My advice is to make practice tougher than any match you may play and your game will shine when the pressure is on! By the way, that double faulter I mentioned earlier eventually earned a WTA singles and doubles ranking. Hard work and smart work … well, WORKS!


Luke Jensen
Director of Tennis, Sea Island Tennis Center

Raised in Ludington, Mich., Luke Jensen’s resume includes 10 ATP Tour doubles titles. He was also a member of the U.S. Davis Cup teams that reached the finals in 1991 and won in 1992. His ambidextrous play, including his ability to serve the ball with either hand at 130 mph, earned him the nickname “Dual Hand Luke.” Luke is currently director of racket sports at West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, N.Y. He may be reached by phone at (315) 403-0752 or e-mail LukeJensen84@yahoo.com.

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