Integrating the Technical and the Mental Games

How do we bridge the divide and apply technical change in competition? In tennis coaching, there is a divide between technique and the mind. There is technical development. And then there is the mental game. We assume that both aspects are critical, but that they must be developed separately. But what is the actual relationship between technique and the mind? Specifically, how do you implement technical change under mental pressure? This question is rarely explored. But this process is a crtical key for you to grow as a player and tap into your best tennis. In this article I will explain how we can create a synthesis between technical adjustments and the mental processes toexecute them, drawing from research-based principles in the field of sport psychology. I proved how important and powerful this process can be to myself recently (and not for the first time) when, only three days before playing the National 40's Hardcourts, I decided to make several technical adjustments to my service motion. According to conventional wisdom that decision could have been lethal. But the actual outcome turned out to be very positive. I was able to win the event, and the improvements in my serve played...