A 2013 Wall Street Journal Article titled ‘How Much Tennis Is Played During a Match?’ found that on average only 17.5% of a tennis match actually consists of points being played. The remaining 82.5% amounts to time spent in-between points, changeovers between games, and set breaks. Coaches are inclined to spend most of their time on the practice court helping players improve on their strokes (technical side) and the strategy that underlies successful tennis (tactical side). Instead, more time should be spent helping players maximize their time in- between points and games/sets in order to help them get into an “ideal performance state” and give them the best possible chance of success in each point that they play.
In-Between Points
One of the main ways to determine if players are demonstrating mental toughness while they are competing is by watching how they spend time in-between points. Rather than spending 20-25 seconds in-between points pouting about the previous point or verbally announcing that they “can’t make a backhand,” there are proven and productive ways to get into the best possible mindset before starting the next point. Over 30 years ago, Dr. Jim Loehr established and popularized the “16 Second Cure,” which can be used to help tennis players utilize the time in-between points in a more effective way.
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Positive Physical Response: After the point ends, the player turns and transfers the racquet to their non-dominant hand. Regardless of the result of the previous point, the player demonstrates positive body language by walking with their head up and shoulders back. This can also include a positive gesture/phrase like a fist pump or “come on” after a point won, or complimenting the other player’s shot after a lost point.
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Relaxation: The player continues to walk back to their baseline and starts to rest the focus of their eyes on their strings, which helps the player relax. During this time the player should utilize a breathing routine and may utilize a “reset” technique to clear the previous point if necessary. The player also wants to stay loose and can shake out their arms and hands to release tension.
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Preparation: At this stage players start to look up at their opponents on the other side of the court and demonstrate strong body language. During this stage the player should have a clear intention and plan for what they intend to do during the next point (where to serve/return, favorite pattern of play, etc.) and may incorporate visualization for how they intend to start the point.
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Rituals: Rituals for first serves, second serves, and serve returns should be established and trained on the practice court so that they have been “programmed” before competition begins. Utilizing specific self-talk and cues to stay loose or go for their serve/return, and visualizing their serve/return can also be helpful during this stage.
Changeovers
The 90 seconds that players are allotted for changeovers are rarely maximized in a way that sets players up for success. Players can use this time to calm down and reset, catch up on nourishment and hydration, and figure out what sort of game plan they intend to implement going forward. Depending on the circumstances of the match, this time should be utilized recapping what is going on in the match, or as Brad Gilbert puts it in Winning Ugly “who’s doing what to whom.” Once it is clear what is happening in the match and why the score is the way it is, it is often easier for players to decide to stick with their current game plan or make an adjustment.
Set Breaks
These breaks are slightly longer than changeovers and provide players with the chance to regroup after a lost set. At times it can be a good idea for a player to leave the court and use the bathroom or change their clothes to help signal to themselves that the next set is a “fresh start.” During this time a player should also utilize their breathing techniques, regroup about their game plan going into the next set, and incorporate visualization of themselves playing the style of tennis they intend to play. Rather than thinking about the set as a whole, players should focus their attention on the first game of the set and let that game set the tone for the remainder of the set.
Conclusion
In order for players to implement these skills during competition, it is critical that players first learn and develop these skills on the practice court. As coaches, we should devote a portion of practice time to developing these skills and encourage players to utilize them in practice and especially during practice matches. Players should have autonomy to design their own in-between point, changeover, and set break routines with these guidelines in mind. Having an intentional and practiced approach during the majority of time (82.5%) when players aren’t playing points will lead players to greater success during competition.
Just like these routines, your gear should support calm, focus, and readiness (not add stress). Our premium tennis bags are built for organized, intentional athletes who value preparation as much as performance. With smart storage for essentials and fast access between points and changeovers, Geau helps players stay dialed-in on what matters most: the next point.
About the Author
Josh Burger M.S. is the founder and sport psychology coach of Tiebreaker Psych. He helps athletes of all sports, ages, and levels build mental tools and skills that help them perform better, enjoy their sport more, and take pressure off of themselves.