Improving Concentration Skills
Although outside distractions can be a problem, most concentration problems develop from within. We let our thoughts drift. We think about our families, jobs, or studies. We worry about people seeing us make a bad shot. And we think about a thousand other things. Start to improve your concentration skills by reducing as many extraneous thoughts not related to the game as possible, and then work on ways to further sharpen your focus. It is impossible to cut out all nontennis thoughts, but at least try to eliminate the most obvious ones.
Many factors demand your attention during a match. The score in the game or set, the weather, your physical condition, your opponent’s condition, and your game plan are all important things to think about. But the time to do that thinking is between points and games, not while the ball is in play.
Your actual play is the most challenging aspect of mental tennis. When the ball is in play, you should focus on two priorities: the ball and the opponent.
Tennis: Steps to Success Jim Brown,Camille Soulier