The following post is an excerpt from Match Day Preparation NOW available through most on-line retailers! Click Here to Order 
There is often a very fine line between competitive success and failure. A poor start, an initial lack of focus, or a bout of wavering confidence can cause a seemingly winnable match to quickly slip away. The will to properly prepare for competition usually makes the difference. For players to achieve consistent positive match results, their preparation must include ritualistic, inflexible routines.
A player who is ready to compete creates an impenetrable wall that keeps the human elements of fear at bay. Remember, for a tennis player, FEAR stands for “False Expectations Appearing Real.” Players who disregard pre-match rituals often unknowingly start a downward spiral that inevitably results in a loss. Their lack of self-discipline leads to self-doubt, a condition that fuels nervousness and then causes a lack of confidence and low self-esteem. These negative forces have a way of fostering a lack of self-control on match day.
“Spectacular Performances are preceded by Spectacular Preparation.”
How does your player grade their match day preparation?
MATCH DAY PREPARATION
- Equipment Preparation: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
- Pre Match Visualization (Quiet Mind): 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
- Pre Match Stretching (Dynamic): 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
- Pre Match Warm Up Routines (Fundamental & Secondary shots): 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
- Pre Match Run: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
- Pre Match Nutrition/Hydration: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
- Post-Match Stretching (Static): 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
- Post-Match Nutrition/Hydration: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
- Post-Match: Match Logs: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
- Scouting of Opponent:
10.1) Style of Play: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
10.2) Stroke Strengths and Weaknesses: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
10.3) Favorite Patterns: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
10.4) Movement Strengths and Weaknesses: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
10.5) Frustration Tolerance Level: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
List your Top 3 Match Day Preparation areas to focus on this year:
1.
2.
3.
Write your Personal Action Plan:
Contact: Frank Giampaolo
FGSA@earthlink.net
