Your Inner Scoreboard

What three questions do you ask yourself before a tennis match? What are your private, self-explorative thoughts that can improve your mental state and physical game?

I will share my innermost questions. I keep it simple and ask only three. The questions vary, dependent on a social or competitive match, but they follow a similar theme.

How can I treat my partner like my best friend?

When playing doubles, I aspire to build a rapport with my partner. For two hours, I want them to know that they are the most important person on court. I have their back. If they are forced off court by a wicked angled shot, I swoop toward the middle to cover their side of the court and mine. If they lunge for a poach, I prepare for a return by crafty opponents…just in case. I wink and say positive team-building comments throughout the match. 

What am I going to work on this game?

I am always in pursuit of a better weapon to launch against opponents, and a strategy for more consistent play. I will attempt more swinging volleys and take response time away from opponents. Or perhaps I will hit a higher percentage of first serves into the box. What the heck, I’ll do both.

What is the most important thing that I want at the end?

I want to be drenched in sweat with a big smile on my face. I want all players to have enjoyed long thrilling rallies.   

How did I do? I communicated with my partner. I waited patiently for the right ball to use the swinging volley stroke. At the end of the match, I exited the court with a smile on my face and a joy of physical exertion.  On my inner scoreboard, I gave myself a seven out of ten. I crave for more first serves to land in and more accuracy on my volleys.    

Did you notice? I never asked, “What do I need to win?” If I treat my partner like my best friend, implement a new weapon to confound the opponents plus my game remains consistent, and I never give up, what do you think will be the final match score?

Wink, Wink. Smile.