Hello Nick: I’m sure you have come across this question a few times. I can generally hit OK and consistently in practice, but in matches I can really fall apart. I have taken lessons recently and coaches stressed my racquet take back (to make it earlier) and my follow-through (to speed it up and finish it all the way through). Perhaps it’s all in my head but it makes playing tennis less fun. I’m told my technique is very good and this shouldn’t happen. Can you help?
—Elias Devries, London, England
Hi Elias: My first reaction is very simple for you to understand. You think too much and the lesson I will give you is simple: Improve your attitude. Elias, stop making excuses before the match even begins. Go out and fight, and let your opponent know that he or she has to beat you! You are the one who is making your tennis less fun. Start right now and focus on playing just one point at a time and tell yourself that you love playing tennis.
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