How much is going through your head during matches?

[Chrono]

I have seen various topics on serve strategies, etc , but this is intended to be a bit more broad. I have been wondering just how much thinking done in a match is just built into your subconscious vs actively thinking before and/or during a point.

I know that many players like myself serve instinctively and then kind of know what to expect for a return based on past experiences over time. But, I also wonder how many people map out every single serve they have and the likely responses and think about this before every point until it is possibly subconscious. Or do you just think in general terms like - i serve long and top, expect long and top back so I needy get ready faster. That might depend on the amount of serves/variations one has. Will thinking too much before the point slow your responses down during a rally? I know that getting a good ready position during a serve is probably the most important thing to be ready for the return and get ready for the 3rd ball.

I also know that some people have set strategies they plan to implement throughout a point, and they might have to think somewhat actively during a point. For myself, I know that I tend to just play based on instinct and reading the opponent for the most part.

I also know from my experience, when I play against long pips, I usually have to think much more actively. This is usually less of a problem because the points are generally slower. But, I have noticed on some points I do become tentative and get stuck in between choosing to loop or not (possible overthinking).

And, at least is practice matches, you may also be thinking about a few changes you are going through in technique or strategy.

I also know that some players are able to think extensively about there opponent's strengths and weakness between games and points.

How does all of this differ between amateur and professional players as well?

 

[Takkyu_wa_inochi]

It's a good topic.
I think the answer is very personal for each player.

Personally, 3rd ball is probably my biggest weakness , due to poor recovery so I try to put extra focus and to be very aware. I have my set of serves, and know whats most likely to happen with receives so i prepare for it, and prepare for it, but try NOT to anticipate. During rally there is little time to think for me. Whatever time i have i try to focus on my balance and my grip.

What i've been working in recent weeks/months is to use my peripheral vision when i serve to keep an eye on my opponent and try to see ASAP his racket and what ball is coming back to me. Not doing that means losing 0.1s or 0.2s , or even not seeing the impact and not knowing what spin is coming back at me !

Against choppers, i know that i have to put an extra focus on keep on moving and keeping a good balance. When playing inverted rubbers, even with so so balance you can block a drive or loop. Against LP there are many float or underspin balls. An error in footwork is paid cash immediately.

 

[NextLevel]

I have seen various topics on serve strategies, etc , but this is intended to be a bit more broad. I have been wondering just how much thinking done in a match is just built into your subconscious vs actively thinking before and/or during a point.

I know that many players like myself serve instinctively and then kind of know what to expect for a return based on past experiences over time. But, I also wonder how many people map out every single serve they have and the likely responses and think about this before every point until it is possibly subconscious. Or do you just think in general terms like - i serve long and top, expect long and top back so I needy get ready faster. That might depend on the amount of serves/variations one has. Will thinking too much before the point slow your responses down during a rally? I know that getting a good ready position during a serve is probably the most important thing to be ready for the return and get ready for the 3rd ball.

I also know that some people have set strategies they plan to implement throughout a point, and they might have to think somewhat actively during a point. For myself, I know that I tend to just play based on instinct and reading the opponent for the most part.

I also know from my experience, when I play against long pips, I usually have to think much more actively. This is usually less of a problem because the points are generally slower. But, I have noticed on some points I do become tentative and get stuck in between choosing to loop or not (possible overthinking).

And, at least is practice matches, you may also be thinking about a few changes you are going through in technique or strategy.

I also know that some players are able to think extensively about there opponent's strengths and weakness between games and points.

How does all of this differ between amateur and professional players as well?

95% of this is related to the training hours. The more this features in your training hours, the more it becomes automatic. That is where the skills instincts and expectations are originally built.

 

[Jslick89]

I love this topic. I have a good friend who i believe over analyzes every single shot during a match and it becomes a detriment to his match play. When I give him tips. i try to remind him to focus on 1 or 2 simple things per point and to not dwell on previous mistakes.

Personally, one of my main thoughts its is to figure out the best way I can exploit my opponent using my own strengths. The matches I dominate are when I figure that out early into the match and my opponent is not able to adapt. The closer matches are the ones where my opponent is constantly adapting, and thus, i must also adapt my strategy to try and find a new pattern to exploit.


My helpful reminders to myself are always simple so that i do not fall into "paralysis by analysis". Things like - "stay low" "serve and get ready" "get the first spin" "move your feet" Most of the time, if my opponent is around the same level, the reason i am getting exploited is because i'm not doing all of those simple things lol.

of course, i'm not some ice cold mental killer. There are times when doubt and nervous energy creep into my body and negatively effects my performance. I try my best to squash those negative thoughts and feelings, but as Jesus says, the mind is willing but the flesh is week. Sometimes you cant help it and the loss occurs.

I agree with Nextlevel though...your mental and thought processes need to be practiced during training so that they become automatic during match play. the less you have to "actively" think and the more you can be instinctually effective, the better you will perform in a match.