I’m going to try these “pressure game” drills with my pro. Yes I think you’re right and the experience will carry over to
my matches.
My favorite point you made is that we have multiple chances to close someone out. Don’t flip if you don’t do it the first time. I just saw Shelby Rogers defeat Petra Kivitova in 3 sets. She pushed back multiple match points against herself which is an example of the inverse but equally important idea. You don’t have to lose on match point. On any point for that matter!
I am very new to you. Just saw you on a Peter Freeman Video. I really love your approach. Both video 1 and 2 were awesome. Simple and Powerful! I am one of those people that fold when the pressure comes so thank you for this information. It is extremely helpful to me.
This made me think a lot about the times I have not won because I put pressure on myself to finish in that one point. Now, as you said, I have multiple attempts to finish. I don’t like to give up on a match and this video will help me to use that mindset when I am trying to finish. It’s never over til it’s over.
I enjoy these videos so much. I find that I can’t wait to sit down and view the most recent one and think it through. On this one in closing out the set, I had a harder time to visualize myself in the pressure sets and what I’d do or say to myself. Is it just that I’d say, I have another chance, in order to change the pressure I feel? Did I miss the point of the practice strategy. The idea is to practice being under pressure and recognize it so you can put it in the back of the mind where it won’t dictate the play. I see how doing these pressure sets will give me a chance to do that. I can’t wait to try them. Thanks for being so insightful.
Very helpful as I’m always too hard on self when miss shot and get down mentally, then play suffers. Liked your comment on building to the point instead of rushing for a winner as when Carly tried to go down line from base line. Shot selection is big issue for me.
Good video; am enjoying this video series in conjunction with the written materials.
Particularly liked the “Pressure Set” and what I’m calling the “Crusher Set” that you demo’d with your wife & daughter. Anxious to get past our current shelter-in-place restrictions so I can actually try them on the court!
Thanks Jorge! The idea of pressure games and sets is perfect for my students!! i like the 30/30 start and even 4 all set score for starters too. Great stuff!
Great tips for practice. I have not been playing very much…just getting back into it…and I have played a few matches now where I just cannot close. Almost every game I get close and sometimes it goes back and forth many times and still no conversion. I think a big part of it will be putting myself in those situations enough times in practice so that game time I will be more confident.
I am a high school coach and we are right now in spring season with the girls.
I used to do the drill every game starts with 40:30 or 30:40 to practice coming from behind or leading in a game for the complete set.
However I particular like your idea to start with 15;15 and then losing your points when you can not finish the game point.
I am very much enjoying your emphasis on practical fundamentals – perhaps called the peripheral aspects that are not normally considered, but are really part of a what I might call an invisible net that overlays the mechanical apsects.
I am re submitting a previous comment. Thank you Coach for these videos. The mental game needs to be taught. I like how you define pressure. Thanks. Sorry for the errors.
Thank you. It helps to remain positive. So tough to lose in a tie breaker- I will remember this video when I am in a tie breaker. Keep positive and fresh.
I really use these videos on my tenis and it makes a big difference on my game
So thanks a lot for these types of videos and I wish it could be more than 4
Each one of these videos is the basic to be great at tenis, so thanks a lot
Hello sir. I am sanika and I have been playing for almost 3 years. I am really very grateful to you for posting such helpful videos.You have stated all the facts and thoughts which go through a player’s mind.These videos have helped me lot and I am really looking forward to seeing the new video. I really appreciate your efforts to help us. I also found the first video most helpful…
Excellent teaching tool to use in my college practices. This is spot on. I have players that have so much trouble “sealing the deal” in matches. So many times in practice, I try to create this very scenario. What I like about this drill, is that there is a consequence for not closing out the game. Thanks Jorge! Will definitely use this!
Jorge (and team),
The mental thoughts that a player has go a long ways toward developing a good attitude toward pressure in tennis. I did enjoy seeing the 2 different game situations to help get used to pressure.
I may have to try them, or I should say, I will use them.
I think it also helps in pressure situations that a player has good confidence in their stroke production (or find a way to use other strokes).
Hi Jorge, that was, indeed, nice way of creating pressure situation and see how the players respond. I really going to ask my son and his coach to apply it in their daily routine. Again, at the end of it all depends an individual player to react and be aware of the situation. Thanks Jorge, look forward to see many more of this kind of stuff in the coming days
Thanks Jorge! We will use your drills for sure in Hungary also with our Junior players! I love the way talk about positive attitude helps in mental strenght!!! That is a big and true fact!!!
All the Best, Miklos.
Good stuff Jorge. I used this scoring years ago. It makes things work if your score goes back to 15. Then the points start in the correct court(add deuce etc).
Dean
Some great drills. I’ve never really thought about the “pressure” of the scoring system but realise that I’ve definitely suffered from this pressure closing out sets, or worse my lead collapses. I look forward to doing these drills and getting more comfortable with the pressure.
Hi Jorge,
Enjoyed the video very much.
I think second scoring option (wiped to zero if game point not converted) is a great tool.
I will definitely use it in my lessons.
Thank you!
Hello Jorge,
I love the personal promise exercise. I used it during a doubles league match yesterday…I promised to split step and follow through on all service returns… an area where I struggle when im tight or anxious about the score. I hit only 3 or 4 service returns in the net or out for the entire match! Im definitely sharing this with others! Thanks!
Excellent drill to practice how to cope with pressure…
Considering that the emphasis was on “closing out”, maybe an “add on” would be for the player trying to “close out” to identify a “pattern” or shot combination to try to win that point. For instance, serving to the opponent’s body and atacking a short ball with a forehand (if, as in this case, the idea was to be more aggessive with the forehand).
But that is just a suggestion. I find your cool and patience absolutely admirable…that is also another exemplary way to “deal with pressure”.
Thank you for the videos and also the e-book. I am trying to improve the mental aspects of my game and these are great resources! I seem to get into a lot of deuce – ad back and forth situations against certain opponents and need to figure out how close out those games. Do you recommend being more offensive when the ad is your favor?
Great exercise for handling pressure situations!
Getting a practice partner will be the most difficult for me to achieve.
Love and honor the knowledge given.
Thank you very much!
George
I can totally see how some players will not like playing pressure points in practice but they are the very ones who need to practice this strategy. Great idea to practice it before they experience it in matches.
Thank you!
I thought both videos were quite good, thank you! I’m wondering: wouldn’t it also be useful to somehow practice playing better during the first points, so you don’t have to deal with that pressure so much in the end of the game or set? And how would you get this mindset or strategy to score more points from the start? Maybe by starting with more focus, ot maybe some other important factor I’m not aware of. Thanks again.
I love the drills, and think they will be very useful. As a very senior player, (sadly in years, and definitely not ability), I play mainly doubles, and so I plan to modify the drills, playing the points out cross court in the doubles halves of the court.
Thanks again for sharing.
I really liked this video from the aspect of practicing playing pressure points. I can see that this will aid in managing these situations in a match enviorment. Thanks for the tips
I like the comment that “Pressure Is My Friend” & the reminder that we do have Multiple Choices and then practicing pressure by tweaking the scoring during practice .. Thank You!
Great instruction! Tennis is such a mental game! It’s so easy to become negative when you miss the first opportunity to close out. I love your positive approach to mental toughness. Thank you for posting your videos.
Jorge,
Love the way you put pressure on the players at all times. I think this is important in the junior ranks today, keeping pressure on in every situation.
Good stuff Jorge. We play a game called baseball wich is similar and i love it. Server must get to 5 points to win game before returner gets two in a row. Returner only gets game if he wins first two points, otherwise its a draw… “Full count” is a 4-1….
Thanks, Jorge. I have enjoyed viewing both videos so far. This one provides just what I have been looking for to help one of my students handle pressure more effectively. Your modified scoring system provides a practice framework for players to get used to performing under pressure.
Yes it does count for MA points. That was a part of the email that the PTR blasted out. I am not sure how many points so I would check with the PTR about how to get credit. Thanks..
This is a great video for me and helps me improve my teaching work with my students here in Romania. You’re doing a great job for the tennis community. Thank you very much.
I loved what you said about multiple chances– it is very common for players to get down on them self if they loose an opportunity to close out — the key is, as you stated to STAY positive.
You made an excellent comment about players having multiple chances to close out either the game, set or match. I also use a game when my players I coach only have one serve….down 2-4 in a set…and down 15-30 in a game. They have worked wonders as well with high school teams!
Great video and drills – I really really like “pressure is a privilege” and plan to add that to my mental thought process while playing tennis (and in day to day life too). Thanks!
loved this video. always looking for different ways to practice and this is definitely one we will do. In fact, on our way to the courts now to try it out. Thanks so much, diane
Thanks for the great drills and outlook. I’ve been struggling with ways to model competitive pressure in practice so there isn’t such a leap at tournament time. Great stuff!
I’m already feeling less stressful, even before I get out on the court. Great “information” and presentation. I can relate to everything you say. I had a recent experience where I was getting ahead 40-0 or 0-40 in quite a few games. I didn’t believe I was playing well enough to win those games. I played the points like I was behind 40-0 and since my opponent was playing “her best”, I played unrealistically, made a poor choice of shots, and lost my concentration. I wasn’t particularly stressed. Just tried to do better. Maybe that’s a third category: “Real Life”, IPS, and “Delusional”.
Hi Jorge,
I have been trying for so long to get players to ‘practice’ pressure. There is so much resistance to even hitting crosscourt FH for 10 in a row. Most miss at 9. I love these types of games and the opportunity to even teach the self talk necessary for the sport. Hopefully many people will take this up and make it even possible to combine it with teaching technique.
Thanks for the Course.
Mary
Another outstanding lesson, love those practice sessions. During first week of high school tennis session, when trying to build unity, I also would sneak in pressure by placing different types on each court and as a player moved forward, or backwards, the player played with the balls on the court they just moved to
Yes, I like the idea of the 30-30 games! I will incorporate that into our practices and drills. Keep the videos coming! I get so much out of them! BTW, I’m from Michigan – Okemos and now live in southern CA. Go SPARTANS!!!
Hi Jorge,
Chas here from London.
Thanks for the video, some new and interesting ideas.
My only question is regarding shot selection during the business end of a tight game/set. Me and other players I talk to raise the issue of being indecisive. Maybe it’s covered in you other videos or the ebook, which I’ve only just started reading.
However, any tips from you or others?
Thanks again…. great laid back, positive style and well explained.
Hi Chas, I find that the longer the players practice their shot selection decisions, the more automatic they become and thus hopefully cause less stress.
I love the idea of short 30-30 games. Lots of pressure, but like you said, pressure is our friend. Can’t wait to try it with my junior players! Thanks.
I was in the audience at the W&S Open Education Extravaganza, Jorge, and love your easy going positive style. I’ve just moved to a much smaller tennis community from Columbus Ohio and met a wonderful group of senior ladies who are playing a USTA Combo team for the first time. We’re planning to try your “Practice Pressure” games at our Friday practice. Go Rockettes!
The all or nothing close out drill is a very good way to remind players to maintain concentration to win a game or they
forfeit that chance and have to go back to zero.
Coach,
What a wonderful way to bring pressure into a friendly game situation! I play with men in their 50’s and 60’s for the most part. Sometimes the mind wanders, you know? Starting games at 30 all will really ramp up the attention span. Can’t wait to try this with the Saturday morning group tomorrow. And we can even brag about playing 5-setters instead of three. Thanks for the help.
Great drill to use with my players. This will really help them to focus and quiet those negative thoughts when they come to deuce. So many times they have been at a close out point only to lose it as they choke. I will incorporate these two drills at my next practice. Thanks!
I found this really helpful. To find some change-up shots (drop-shots, slice, lob, placed serve etc is really helpful when things are tuff. It gives me things to think about rarher than keeping on with the same routine. I’ll watch these videos multiple times.
I have thoroughly enjoyed these two works for Mental Toughness. I read the book LRP Locker Room Power David Sammel and loved his ideas on developing your WEAPONS and working on your weaknesses that do not allow you to use your weapons. Knowing how those SOLDIERS can help you with Confidence when you need them most. I am also a USPTA Pro and Coach and just LOVE the game.
Thank you so much for the first two videos. I was the assistant coach for St. Mary’s for 4 years with Dale Campbell. I have forwarded your videos to him. I have also seen you a few times up in Troy Michigan for the Coaches Clinic. You do a fine job!
I love the game of both starting at 15 all. Pressure on the court, players need to experience it. I now live in Savannah Ga and I am going to suggest the game to my USTA Captain, getting our team use to the pressure.
Really liked a lot of your ideas in this video, and the live demonstrations were also useful. Dealing with pressure with modified scoring seems like a really great idea and quick way to get to those pressure packed points. The gamesmanship topic was also enlightening. Thanks for these instructive mental videos. I’m sure I’m not alone in appreciating the many good items covered so far, and look forward to what’s next!
Hi Jorge,
Loved this video. I watch my son play against opponents who are more match savvy juniors. He has trouble closing out games when playing them. The games get to deuce many times (they have sudden death deuces in their tournament matches) or the game score will get to at least to 30-40, 40-30. He will invariably lose the match, sometimes without a winning a game, despite having competitive rallies. Will definitely try to implement the pressure filled games you demonstrated in the video. Really appreciate the videos in the series. Thanks!
You’re right on with your comments and ideas. Being mentally tough isn’t easy, and only can be learned through experiences. I think these videos should be required reading for all competitive juniors.
Jorge, I liked the alternate scoring system to practice closing out matches. I can see how that would be an excellent way to practice playing an important point well! Wendy
Great video , like the 30. 30 games, and loosing all your
Points for not closing at 40 30. I think it’s a great way to learn
To play under pressure and closing.
I like the point every player should have more than 1 shot they
Do well. Specially today’s young people, in my opinion, just baseline
Bashers
I think his video is superb. I attended the PTR symposium in 2011 and saw Jorge teach the drill series. I learned more from Jorge about the social and coach ability aspect than anything else. His drills and ideas are excellent. I am extremely thankful that these are available to me. I live in a small town in NY and I am trying to grow tennis in my area. This is extremely helpful to me
I’m going to try these “pressure game” drills with my pro. Yes I think you’re right and the experience will carry over to
my matches.
My favorite point you made is that we have multiple chances to close someone out. Don’t flip if you don’t do it the first time. I just saw Shelby Rogers defeat Petra Kivitova in 3 sets. She pushed back multiple match points against herself which is an example of the inverse but equally important idea. You don’t have to lose on match point. On any point for that matter!
Exactly
I am very new to you. Just saw you on a Peter Freeman Video. I really love your approach. Both video 1 and 2 were awesome. Simple and Powerful! I am one of those people that fold when the pressure comes so thank you for this information. It is extremely helpful to me.
Thank You Karen
Your advise are very practical and easy. Thank you for breaking it down to this level and providing tools to overcome it. Very helpfull!!
You’re welcome
Jorge;
This made me think a lot about the times I have not won because I put pressure on myself to finish in that one point. Now, as you said, I have multiple attempts to finish. I don’t like to give up on a match and this video will help me to use that mindset when I am trying to finish. It’s never over til it’s over.
That’s right Sharon
I enjoy these videos so much. I find that I can’t wait to sit down and view the most recent one and think it through. On this one in closing out the set, I had a harder time to visualize myself in the pressure sets and what I’d do or say to myself. Is it just that I’d say, I have another chance, in order to change the pressure I feel? Did I miss the point of the practice strategy. The idea is to practice being under pressure and recognize it so you can put it in the back of the mind where it won’t dictate the play. I see how doing these pressure sets will give me a chance to do that. I can’t wait to try them. Thanks for being so insightful.
Awesome Marilla, I hope they help when you get a chance to try them out.
Very helpful as I’m always too hard on self when miss shot and get down mentally, then play suffers. Liked your comment on building to the point instead of rushing for a winner as when Carly tried to go down line from base line. Shot selection is big issue for me.
Good video; am enjoying this video series in conjunction with the written materials.
Particularly liked the “Pressure Set” and what I’m calling the “Crusher Set” that you demo’d with your wife & daughter. Anxious to get past our current shelter-in-place restrictions so I can actually try them on the court!
Glad you’re enjoying it..
Very well explain : simple and with practice drills to work the problem
Love it . Gracias
You’re welcome Jorge
Thanks Jorge! The idea of pressure games and sets is perfect for my students!! i like the 30/30 start and even 4 all set score for starters too. Great stuff!
Pressure sets work really well.. thanks
Love this video – what a great thing to teach! Can’t wait to use these two games with my high school girls team!
Thanks Beverly… see you soon in Indian Wells!
Great stuff! I will use this with my students!
Thanks Chip!
Great tips for practice. I have not been playing very much…just getting back into it…and I have played a few matches now where I just cannot close. Almost every game I get close and sometimes it goes back and forth many times and still no conversion. I think a big part of it will be putting myself in those situations enough times in practice so that game time I will be more confident.
Thanks Khalid… I think the info will be very helpful for you to try on the court
30/30 is a great drill! gonna make my kid do that. he’s been choking lately…
Cool Rick.. it works really well with my own players.
I am a high school coach and we are right now in spring season with the girls.
I used to do the drill every game starts with 40:30 or 30:40 to practice coming from behind or leading in a game for the complete set.
However I particular like your idea to start with 15;15 and then losing your points when you can not finish the game point.
I am very much enjoying your emphasis on practical fundamentals – perhaps called the peripheral aspects that are not normally considered, but are really part of a what I might call an invisible net that overlays the mechanical apsects.
Thanks Bob!
Hi Jorge,
Am excited to try this game. Would it also work well for doubles?
Hi!
Great tips I love it. Could you give me few examples of tennis mantra.
Looking forward to the third video.
Thank you!
Marise
Ontario, Canada
Great drill. Plan to start using this technique. Thanks. Katie
Awesome Katie, let us know how it works for you.
I am re submitting a previous comment. Thank you Coach for these videos. The mental game needs to be taught. I like how you define pressure. Thanks. Sorry for the errors.
Thanks coach!
Thank you Coach. I am tennis pro in SC. The mental needs to be taught. I really like the way you defined pressure in this video.
Thank you. It helps to remain positive. So tough to lose in a tie breaker- I will remember this video when I am in a tie breaker. Keep positive and fresh.
I really use these videos on my tenis and it makes a big difference on my game
So thanks a lot for these types of videos and I wish it could be more than 4
Each one of these videos is the basic to be great at tenis, so thanks a lot
Thanks
Ronald
Thanks a lot Ronald!
Hello sir. I am sanika and I have been playing for almost 3 years. I am really very grateful to you for posting such helpful videos.You have stated all the facts and thoughts which go through a player’s mind.These videos have helped me lot and I am really looking forward to seeing the new video. I really appreciate your efforts to help us. I also found the first video most helpful…
Thanks Sanika
Like the idea of a pressure game.
Excellent teaching tool to use in my college practices. This is spot on. I have players that have so much trouble “sealing the deal” in matches. So many times in practice, I try to create this very scenario. What I like about this drill, is that there is a consequence for not closing out the game. Thanks Jorge! Will definitely use this!
Tan Angel and good luck with your team.
I liked the first video on fear of losing. Some useful pointers that apply in real time. Thanks
Jorge (and team),
The mental thoughts that a player has go a long ways toward developing a good attitude toward pressure in tennis. I did enjoy seeing the 2 different game situations to help get used to pressure.
I may have to try them, or I should say, I will use them.
I think it also helps in pressure situations that a player has good confidence in their stroke production (or find a way to use other strokes).
It does feel good to do well under pressure.
Thanks Glenn
Thanks
Jorge,Thank you for the great Mental Toughness Training it is very usfull for my sun
You are welcome Sunil…
Thanks Jorge, that would be very useful for my 11yo doughter, she has huge problem with closing games.
Good one!!! Way to go Jorge. Keep on filming!
Hi Jorge, that was, indeed, nice way of creating pressure situation and see how the players respond. I really going to ask my son and his coach to apply it in their daily routine. Again, at the end of it all depends an individual player to react and be aware of the situation. Thanks Jorge, look forward to see many more of this kind of stuff in the coming days
Thanks very much. Great ideas for the training matches. I might end up looking forward to that pressure!
Thanks Jorge,
Great idea on how to practice on closing the game..
Thanks
I love it
Thanks Jorge! We will use your drills for sure in Hungary also with our Junior players! I love the way talk about positive attitude helps in mental strenght!!! That is a big and true fact!!!
All the Best, Miklos.
Thanks Miklos
Good stuff Jorge. I used this scoring years ago. It makes things work if your score goes back to 15. Then the points start in the correct court(add deuce etc).
Dean
Very good exercises: I will take both to present them in my own team – let’s see what my old fellows will tell me!
Pressure is a bit difficult for some of them but the effect on concentration is very high! Thanks a lot.
Looking forward to trying 30-30 with my tennis gang. Its going to be fun.
thanks
Great video and lesson
Some great drills. I’ve never really thought about the “pressure” of the scoring system but realise that I’ve definitely suffered from this pressure closing out sets, or worse my lead collapses. I look forward to doing these drills and getting more comfortable with the pressure.
Hi Jorge,
Enjoyed the video very much.
I think second scoring option (wiped to zero if game point not converted) is a great tool.
I will definitely use it in my lessons.
Thank you!
Great and helpful tips. The specific mental exercises are great.
Hello Jorge,
I love the personal promise exercise. I used it during a doubles league match yesterday…I promised to split step and follow through on all service returns… an area where I struggle when im tight or anxious about the score. I hit only 3 or 4 service returns in the net or out for the entire match! Im definitely sharing this with others! Thanks!
Awesome. I’m glad that helped.
Hola “Jordi”!!! Greetings from Catalonia!
Excellent drill to practice how to cope with pressure…
Considering that the emphasis was on “closing out”, maybe an “add on” would be for the player trying to “close out” to identify a “pattern” or shot combination to try to win that point. For instance, serving to the opponent’s body and atacking a short ball with a forehand (if, as in this case, the idea was to be more aggessive with the forehand).
But that is just a suggestion. I find your cool and patience absolutely admirable…that is also another exemplary way to “deal with pressure”.
Thanks again for the series.
Xavier Campos
Thanks Xavier
Thank you for the videos and also the e-book. I am trying to improve the mental aspects of my game and these are great resources! I seem to get into a lot of deuce – ad back and forth situations against certain opponents and need to figure out how close out those games. Do you recommend being more offensive when the ad is your favor?
It depends on the situation and the score. I like being aggressive when I have the ad.
Great exercise for handling pressure situations!
Getting a practice partner will be the most difficult for me to achieve.
Love and honor the knowledge given.
Thank you very much!
George
Very clever, using a new type of scoring system to put pressure on the player who’s about to win a game! Cool.
really great stuff!
I can totally see how some players will not like playing pressure points in practice but they are the very ones who need to practice this strategy. Great idea to practice it before they experience it in matches.
Thank you!
Enjoyed the video Playing pressure points in practice helps greatly
Thanks Dan. I use that a lot with my players and it really helps them a lot.
Good advice–we often have a chance to live again but sometimes we do need to close.
Hi Jorge,
I thought both videos were quite good, thank you! I’m wondering: wouldn’t it also be useful to somehow practice playing better during the first points, so you don’t have to deal with that pressure so much in the end of the game or set? And how would you get this mindset or strategy to score more points from the start? Maybe by starting with more focus, ot maybe some other important factor I’m not aware of. Thanks again.
I love the drills, and think they will be very useful. As a very senior player, (sadly in years, and definitely not ability), I play mainly doubles, and so I plan to modify the drills, playing the points out cross court in the doubles halves of the court.
Thanks again for sharing.
Great idea John…
Great Video Jorge, I will definitely use these drills. They are great.
Can’t wait to try this out.
Thanks Will…. Good luck
I really liked this video from the aspect of practicing playing pressure points. I can see that this will aid in managing these situations in a match enviorment. Thanks for the tips
Thanks Andy…
I like the comment that “Pressure Is My Friend” & the reminder that we do have Multiple Choices and then practicing pressure by tweaking the scoring during practice .. Thank You!
Thanks Ida
Great instruction! Tennis is such a mental game! It’s so easy to become negative when you miss the first opportunity to close out. I love your positive approach to mental toughness. Thank you for posting your videos.
Thanks Annettte
Jorge,
Love the way you put pressure on the players at all times. I think this is important in the junior ranks today, keeping pressure on in every situation.
Thanks,
Jeff
Good stuff Jorge. We play a game called baseball wich is similar and i love it. Server must get to 5 points to win game before returner gets two in a row. Returner only gets game if he wins first two points, otherwise its a draw… “Full count” is a 4-1….
Thanks
Great instructions & demonstration on how to stay positive under pressure. Love the 30-30 drill. Thanks, George
You’re doing a great job for the tennis community. Thank you very much.
Uesley
Hi Jorge,
I teach my players to play game or set with different scoring system.
your game closing scoring will be of great help for players.
Thanks, Jorge. I have enjoyed viewing both videos so far. This one provides just what I have been looking for to help one of my students handle pressure more effectively. Your modified scoring system provides a practice framework for players to get used to performing under pressure.
Starting each game at 30-30 or 15-15 is very unique and adds an immediate degree of pressure
LOVED the drills! I crack under pressure all the time so I’m looking forward to drilling and correcting my pressure cooker breakdowns! 🙂
The way to success!I love your teaching! Do any of these count for Maps for PTR?
Yes it does count for MA points. That was a part of the email that the PTR blasted out. I am not sure how many points so I would check with the PTR about how to get credit. Thanks..
This is a great video for me and helps me improve my teaching work with my students here in Romania. You’re doing a great job for the tennis community. Thank you very much.
Thanks Sorin
I loved what you said about multiple chances– it is very common for players to get down on them self if they loose an opportunity to close out — the key is, as you stated to STAY positive.
Jorge,
You made an excellent comment about players having multiple chances to close out either the game, set or match. I also use a game when my players I coach only have one serve….down 2-4 in a set…and down 15-30 in a game. They have worked wonders as well with high school teams!
—DSabedra
Awesome information! It has really helped my game. I am looking forward to sharing this with my girls.
Thank you so much for creating this series!
Great video and drills – I really really like “pressure is a privilege” and plan to add that to my mental thought process while playing tennis (and in day to day life too). Thanks!
great video, I will use these pressure close out techniques with my son
thanks
Gary
loved this video. always looking for different ways to practice and this is definitely one we will do. In fact, on our way to the courts now to try it out. Thanks so much, diane
Many years ago teaching pros shared ideas. Today, voluntary sharing does not happen that often. Thank you for sharing…
Thanks for the great drills and outlook. I’ve been struggling with ways to model competitive pressure in practice so there isn’t such a leap at tournament time. Great stuff!
I’m already feeling less stressful, even before I get out on the court. Great “information” and presentation. I can relate to everything you say. I had a recent experience where I was getting ahead 40-0 or 0-40 in quite a few games. I didn’t believe I was playing well enough to win those games. I played the points like I was behind 40-0 and since my opponent was playing “her best”, I played unrealistically, made a poor choice of shots, and lost my concentration. I wasn’t particularly stressed. Just tried to do better. Maybe that’s a third category: “Real Life”, IPS, and “Delusional”.
Hi Jorge,
I have been trying for so long to get players to ‘practice’ pressure. There is so much resistance to even hitting crosscourt FH for 10 in a row. Most miss at 9. I love these types of games and the opportunity to even teach the self talk necessary for the sport. Hopefully many people will take this up and make it even possible to combine it with teaching technique.
Thanks for the Course.
Mary
Thanks Mary
I watched both videos and your teaching is awesome very informable and impacting. Thank you for taking the time to put this on video.
Another outstanding lesson, love those practice sessions. During first week of high school tennis session, when trying to build unity, I also would sneak in pressure by placing different types on each court and as a player moved forward, or backwards, the player played with the balls on the court they just moved to
Thanks John, I hope they work with your team.
I really like the pressure games 30 all. It really makes you concentrate on each point and be patient. Thanks for your input.
Hi Jorge,
Great 30-30 game situation. Building the pressure and stressing the importance of playing each point at the time
staying in the here and now, helping the player to manage their stress under pressure. Good job.
Dan
Yes, I like the idea of the 30-30 games! I will incorporate that into our practices and drills. Keep the videos coming! I get so much out of them! BTW, I’m from Michigan – Okemos and now live in southern CA. Go SPARTANS!!!
Thanks Mercedes. Go GREEN!
Hi Jorge,
Chas here from London.
Thanks for the video, some new and interesting ideas.
My only question is regarding shot selection during the business end of a tight game/set. Me and other players I talk to raise the issue of being indecisive. Maybe it’s covered in you other videos or the ebook, which I’ve only just started reading.
However, any tips from you or others?
Thanks again…. great laid back, positive style and well explained.
Hi Chas, I find that the longer the players practice their shot selection decisions, the more automatic they become and thus hopefully cause less stress.
I love the idea of short 30-30 games. Lots of pressure, but like you said, pressure is our friend. Can’t wait to try it with my junior players! Thanks.
I was in the audience at the W&S Open Education Extravaganza, Jorge, and love your easy going positive style. I’ve just moved to a much smaller tennis community from Columbus Ohio and met a wonderful group of senior ladies who are playing a USTA Combo team for the first time. We’re planning to try your “Practice Pressure” games at our Friday practice. Go Rockettes!
thanks Shelby. Have fun with your new tennis friends.
The all or nothing close out drill is a very good way to remind players to maintain concentration to win a game or they
forfeit that chance and have to go back to zero.
I really like tweaking the scores to put you closer to a close out. I would like to get our pros to do the 30-30 at the end of our drills.
Thanks Jo… Yes that really works well.
Coach,
What a wonderful way to bring pressure into a friendly game situation! I play with men in their 50’s and 60’s for the most part. Sometimes the mind wanders, you know? Starting games at 30 all will really ramp up the attention span. Can’t wait to try this with the Saturday morning group tomorrow. And we can even brag about playing 5-setters instead of three. Thanks for the help.
Great drill to use with my players. This will really help them to focus and quiet those negative thoughts when they come to deuce. So many times they have been at a close out point only to lose it as they choke. I will incorporate these two drills at my next practice. Thanks!
Awesome.. good luck to them
I found this really helpful. To find some change-up shots (drop-shots, slice, lob, placed serve etc is really helpful when things are tuff. It gives me things to think about rarher than keeping on with the same routine. I’ll watch these videos multiple times.
Great way to take an inventory of my strength and weakness and also students.
Really enjoyed the video.The usable shots chart was brilliant. It will really help my players.
I have thoroughly enjoyed these two works for Mental Toughness. I read the book LRP Locker Room Power David Sammel and loved his ideas on developing your WEAPONS and working on your weaknesses that do not allow you to use your weapons. Knowing how those SOLDIERS can help you with Confidence when you need them most. I am also a USPTA Pro and Coach and just LOVE the game.
Thanks Tom. I appreciate your feedback.
Say Jorge,
Thank you so much for the first two videos. I was the assistant coach for St. Mary’s for 4 years with Dale Campbell. I have forwarded your videos to him. I have also seen you a few times up in Troy Michigan for the Coaches Clinic. You do a fine job!
I love the game of both starting at 15 all. Pressure on the court, players need to experience it. I now live in Savannah Ga and I am going to suggest the game to my USTA Captain, getting our team use to the pressure.
Thanks Jorge,
Scott
Thanks for the feedback Scott
Hi Jorge,
Really liked a lot of your ideas in this video, and the live demonstrations were also useful. Dealing with pressure with modified scoring seems like a really great idea and quick way to get to those pressure packed points. The gamesmanship topic was also enlightening. Thanks for these instructive mental videos. I’m sure I’m not alone in appreciating the many good items covered so far, and look forward to what’s next!
Hi Jorge,
Loved this video. I watch my son play against opponents who are more match savvy juniors. He has trouble closing out games when playing them. The games get to deuce many times (they have sudden death deuces in their tournament matches) or the game score will get to at least to 30-40, 40-30. He will invariably lose the match, sometimes without a winning a game, despite having competitive rallies. Will definitely try to implement the pressure filled games you demonstrated in the video. Really appreciate the videos in the series. Thanks!
Thanks and good luck to your son
Jorge,
You’re right on with your comments and ideas. Being mentally tough isn’t easy, and only can be learned through experiences. I think these videos should be required reading for all competitive juniors.
Thanks Peter, it is definitely an area that a lot of players struggle with.
Jorge, I liked the alternate scoring system to practice closing out matches. I can see how that would be an excellent way to practice playing an important point well! Wendy
Thank you for the great Mental Toughness Training and the eBook! I’ve added it to my website, playtennisalaska.com.
I have not received the final video though, Choking. Hope to receive it soon!
Thank you for all you do!
Darla Brooks
Liked pressure filled games to help players deal with closing out matches.
Also like evaluating what strokes you have to use to finish out games.
Great video , like the 30. 30 games, and loosing all your
Points for not closing at 40 30. I think it’s a great way to learn
To play under pressure and closing.
I like the point every player should have more than 1 shot they
Do well. Specially today’s young people, in my opinion, just baseline
Bashers
I think his video is superb. I attended the PTR symposium in 2011 and saw Jorge teach the drill series. I learned more from Jorge about the social and coach ability aspect than anything else. His drills and ideas are excellent. I am extremely thankful that these are available to me. I live in a small town in NY and I am trying to grow tennis in my area. This is extremely helpful to me
Thanks Jane, make sure you say HI to me if you see me present again.