Tip of the Day: When hitting a low point during a match, changing focus can support a momentum shift

We see it all the time: Player A is down a set and a break, and comes back to win the match; Player B goes from unforced errors to finding their rhythm; Player C is coasting through a match, just to fumble it away.

Why does this happen and how can we use it to our advantage?

Momentum shifts are inevitable in tennis, as the biggest part of the sport has nothing to do with the action on the court: It’s all mental.

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It doesn’t matter which scenario you find yourself in, chances are the momentum will shift both for and against you. Obviously momentum working for you is preferred, but learning to persevere when it isn’t separates good from great players.

The quickest way to change momentum is to change focus. Like we’ve said, it’s all mental on the tennis court.

Whether you’re going from picking targets to thinking about footwork, or going from pumping yourself up to keeping yourself composed, the slightest shift in focus goes a long way in supporting (and hurting) your game.

Think about another scenario, where the first few games of the match you’re having a hard time finding your rhythm. Everything is going out, and as a result, you’re tightening up.

What do you do in this situation? You switch focus from playing aggressive points to hitting bigger targets, playing more patient, and challenging your opponent to put one more ball in the court.

More often than not, this supports finding your game and gets you back on track to the confident player you came into the match hoping to be.

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The same goes for any point during a match. Think outside the box, take the time to try new things, and most importantly, never give in.

The best part about tennis is no two points are alike, let alone matches. So having a resilient mindset and working through adversity is the most effective way to remain competitive.

When the match is going in your favor, it’s even more imperative to hone in and maintain momentum for as long as possible and keep your opponent in the outs.