How to Play Opponents That Get Into Your Head

In this week's tennis psychology podcast, mental game of tennis expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from Megan who struggles to beat a few specific opponents.

Here's what Megan had to say about her game:

"My problem is that I have too much pressure on me when I play 3 or 4 specific players because I've lost to them constantly since the past 8 years and it's actually all mental because I've been told that I'm better tan them, quickest than them, fitter than them, stronger than them... Other's don't understand why i lose to them every time. I get too nervous or anxious or just mentally breakdown in the match against them. I care a lot about beating these players and I really need your help."

COHN: Thanks for the questions... I think this is very common for players to get certain individuals into their head, certain opponents in their head where they feel like they can't perform their best against these opponents.

COHN: Now, I will say, sometimes you aren't going to match up well against specific players. For examples, if you play a baseliner that gets everything back and that's just not your game or you struggle with that type of player.

COHN: That can happen in tennis where you just simply don't match-up well. Your style of tennis doesn't match up well with your opponents...

COHN: With that said, let's talk about the mental factors that go into this...

Other Resources for Tennis Players and Coaches

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• Get expert mental coaching for tennis.
• Read articles at sports psychology for tennis.

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