How To Stay Calm

Hey Alois, 

When I am playing Table Tennis I am often winning to begin with. But then I find myself giving away continuous points when the score was 11-3 now the game is 15-11 and I'm loosing. I get frustrated and serve the ball illigally and start trying to smash everything but I just chuck it into the net. I take a deep breath before I do my serve if I'm in that situation but most people I play against don't give me a chance. They get the ball and serve it right away coming full speed ahead while I'm wiping off my hand. Any tips on how to stay calm and go on and win the game? Thank you, you and Jeff are outstanding coaches! Keep on doing what you're doing! Because you made me the table tennis player I am today and I greatly appreciate it.

Hi Brady,

Firstly thanks for the kind words.  It is nice to hear we are helping.

When your opponent is serving allow yourself a little more time by just putting your hand up as you are getting ready.  This is an indication to your opponent that you are not quite ready to receive.  It is important mot to take too long but when you need a few extra seconds to get yourself composed this is probably the best way.

To stay calm, the breathing is  good idea.  Keep practicing this and it will become more efficient.  Take a look at our section on Sports Psychology for some useful tips that will also help you to stay calm in those critical times of the game.

Also, as a side note, it is interesting to note that you are playing up to 21 points.