Cockiness

Ji-Soo Woo Asked 14 years ago

Hi Alois

a little bit of a silly question but interested in your views.

All things being equal, is it better to approach a match with cockiness or humility? Is it better to expect to win, or expect to lose?

At one stage I thought cockiness was the way to go, but now I've gone the other extreme and play with the utmost humility.

I know there are a million factors involved (for example, if you are Ma Long, you probably have the right to some cockiness!) but all things being equal, between two evenly matched players, which is the better attitude?

Cheers

Ji-Soo

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi Ji-Soo,

The best is to have a belief that you can win the match but there also must be reality. If I went out to play Waldner I would not really be focused on winning.

Before a match you should focus on what your tactics are going to be rather than the result. If you complete the process, you will achieve what you have set out to do. We can never be in control of how good the other person is feeling on the day or what they can do. We need to focus on what you can influence.

To answer your question now, I think it is better to have over belief in your ability than under if you are looking to win a match.

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gian crispino Posted 14 years ago

When i go out and play aanyone i just think of having fun first b4 winning. theres no sense in winning if u dont have fun

Jackson Meyn Posted 14 years ago

Controlling your psych-up level is important too I think. Many times when I play someone who is better than me I get nervous and lose more points than I probably deserve to. Lately I've been controlling my nervousness through deep breathing and thinking positively during matches and my results have been better. The key is to not be too nervous so you try to be too perfect and also not too relaxed that you get distracted by things that are unimportant to the match. Also try not to think about your technique during a match, only strategy. Technique should be focused on whilst training. When you get to a game you can only do the best with the technique you already have so forget about it. I would never be cocky in a game but always think positively about myself and I seem to do better.

Kim James Posted 14 years ago

Agree (with many years experience) the worst thing you can have is expectation of a result rather than your own performance point to point.rnHave many times (for large part of two decades) lost countless matches by focusing only on the end result and losing after being well ahead against higher ranked players. As well, choking sensationally/freezing up if a much 'lesser" player wins a few points. Once you pass the Juniors level everything becomes more difficult as there is a tendency to give into fear more frequently - as well as a long history of bad memories to muck up your match and forge expectations! Professional/top players work hard on their game at a psychological level for good reason.

Arthur Lui Posted 14 years ago

Actually I find I play best when I'm the underdog and truly believe I will lose. Then I lose all the pressure and play at my peak. It worked very well for me at the US Open in Vegas a year ago where I won U-1900 and got to the semi-finals of the U-2050.

But we're complex beings. To each his own.

I blogged about it:

http://www.tabletennisdb.com/blog/whats-your-ideal-mental-state/

Arthur

Kris Zahn Posted 14 years ago

As Alois points out you should approach each game with a goal, and if you achieve that goal whilst still enjoying the game then it doesn't matter if you win or lose. I lost countless games at training and club level because my goal wasn't to win but to improve my skills. I guarantee that it works, if you're willing to swallow your pride and lose a few games to people you may normally beat.

So my answer to the question would be to take a positive attitude about playing well, regardless of the score/result.

Going into a match with the mindset that you're the underdog (which allows you to relax and make those higher risk shots) is a great technique. Until you find yourself winning the match and then your world comes crashing down as the realisation hits you that you might actually win the match and everything tightens up and you start to hesitate and miss those critical shots. This is more typical of junior players or those with weak mental games.

My final comment would be that regardless of how you approach the game. Positive, cocky or underdog the most important attitude is that which you have after the game is finished.

michael richardson Posted 14 years ago

Over the years my technique has improved considerably and I regard myself as a technically sound player. I am an attacking all-rounder and most of my opponents, in practice and match play, enjoy playing me as I'm told I have a good, open game. However I feel I'm a good example of having more style than substance as I seem to have an inability to beat higher rated players. I've been stuck on the same level for a few years now, even though my ability has improved considerably. I don't seem to be able to break my mindset that I will always be a gallant, entertaining loser. Against the better player I rarely close out the game when on the verge of winning and don't seem able to make up the deficit if losing. How can I lose this mindset?