How many times have you taken the lead in a match only to find yourself thinking about the score, feeling the pressure to win, and then seeing your opponent even things up? It’s happened to all of us. One trick that works for me when I get a lead is to pretend that the score is reversed and that I’m the one who’s behind. I tell myself that if I win just a few more points I’ll catch up. This prevents me from worrying about maintaining my lead and letting up. Often, this mind game is just the thing to keep me focused enough to leave the court with the match in hand.

Dr. Louie Cap, PTR Master Pro, Van Der Meer Tennis Center, Hilton Head Island, S.C.