Transcript
Tomorrow, I will get the opportunity to play in a tournament and the chance to practice competing under pressure and work on keeping positive body language.
I have an obligation to my parents and coaches to carry myself in a respectful manner by using my coaching voice to tell myself that I don't need to be nervous as nothing bad will happen if I lose. I will be disappointed and upset, but I will play another tournament in two weeks. I will also focus on stepping in on my backhand as that is what I have been working on all week.
I will warm up at 7:00 AM, so I will get there around 6:30 to stretch. I will take note of how focused I will feel. I might feel tired since my match is early, so I will take a hot shower in the morning to wake up. I will make sure to keep positive body language in the warmup, because I know that that attitude will carry over to my match.
During the match I will make a fist-pump when I win a good point and I will keep positive body language regardless of the score. I may be nervous in the first few games, but I will remind myself that I am a fighter and that nerves are normal since I haven't been playing tournaments. I will use my towel in between points if I feel like I am losing focus of my goals. I will read this paper on changeovers.
My coaching voice will remind me that enjoyment is what makes playing well possible for me. I don't focus on winning, I focus on the things over which I have control. One thing that I can control is how I feel. I will not be at the mercy of my emotions.
If I succeed in carrying myself well, stepping in on my backhand, keeping my head up on my serve, and not reverting to pushing when under pressure, I will have a successful match. Win or lose, I will be proud of my effort.