Preparing for school tournament

Kristian Stoyanov Asked 9 years ago

I've been training for about a year and a half now. I am pretty proud of my progress I have topspin from both forehand and backhand. I have the flip attacks again from both sides. I have an okay push, sometimes goes a bit higher than I would like but nevertheless I feel it is good enough for my level. I have the pendulum and reverse pendulum serve and can place it almost anywhere on the table. Have 1 fast serve from the backhand and one backspin serve from the backhand. That is pretty much my skillset. So this Wednesday I am going to a local school tournament. I have knowledge of other players that I will be playing against: they don't have topspin and aren't training as seriously as I am(I train 5 days a week for about 2 hours each). What I am trying to get through with this description of my skills isn't just to brag. It's that I feel like I should be able to beat my opponents. However, when the nerves get to me I play really bad. Return really high balls, my topspin goes a bit over the table, etc. What would you suggest for me to do?

Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago

Hi Kristian,

Well done on your progress.  It is great to hear what you have been able to achieve.

At the tournament use it as a way to test your skills.  See how well you can implement the skills you have learned so far.  If you focus on playing well rather than the results you will start to develop your game further.

Good luck with the tournament and let us know how you get on.