You know the feeling. You step out there to warm up and immediately you're impressed. then DEpressed.
"She's really good. I'm in trouble now."
You can say that—and you may be right—but you still have to play the match and try to win. Here are some suggestions as to how:
- Be prepared, physically and mentally. No excuses—excuses are just another way of giving yourself permission to lose.
- Know your own strengths: you do have some. And your opponent has weaknesses. Find them and exploit them. It's what she's doing to you.
- Don’t overthink it. You can only play what’s in front of you. Your opponent may be fatigued, sore, ill. You're playing her, not her position or ranking.
- Keep an open mind. Don't be intimidated. If you figure you'll have to play defense all afternoon, you will...and it won't end well.
- Don't feel your way into the match. Start strong and fast—let your opponent know you've come to play. Attack her second serve, try some sharp angles, approach the net on a good deep ball, drop in a slice. Mix it up.
- Nobody likes a drama queen (or king.) Shut up and play. Don't show your disgust over missed easy shots. That disgust often turns negativity which then permeates the entire match.
- And if you don’t win? At least you were ready and played smart as opposed to hanging onto the caboose of some runaway train. You'll be better next time.