Nervousness
Table Tennis Mental Preparation
Last updated 4 years ago
Shoubhit Garg Asked 4 years ago
How do I stop from getting nervous before and during a match? Due to nervousness I make silly mistakes and almost forget everything I know. And this results in me losing simple matches. So please help.
Alois Rosario Answered 4 years ago
Hi Shoubhit,
This is something that effects most players to different degrees.
Take a look through our section on Sports Psychology to start with. This will give you some really helpful ideas to play with.
The main thing is to be able to get the game into perspective and understand that the consequences of losing aren't that bad after all.
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Nigel C Posted 4 years ago
Shoubhit,
I suffer from nerves too. The best advice i have been given is to make a mental plan. Write out in a positive way your strengths what your aims for table tennis are and how you will achieve them. Find some quiet time on a daily basis say this plan to yourself.
Before matches a very simple thing is a deep breath in through your nose hold for a two or three seconds then release slowly through your mouth while counting to five.
It is a fact the extra oxygen you absorb helps with concentration and will help calm you.
I do this before warming up with an opponent and just before the match actually starts.
Lastly smile it should be enjoyable win or lose have fun.