Why do they work against inexperienced competitors? The answer lies in a neuroscience term called channel capacity. The human brain can't solve two complicated tasks simultaneously. That's why you shouldn't text and drive.
On court, the unknowing victim is pulled into the dramas of the gamesmanship. His thoughts are now firmly fixated on the opponent's theatrics and no longer on executing his best game strategy. His mind is now racing through ..." I'm gonna kill this jerk" or 'He cheated!" or "He's saying I cheated him%@##@&^%!!!" Now the victim, who was once so focused, can't even remember his name.
The Solution
The solution begins with understanding channel capacity and the protocols used to leave that "drama" side of your brain and re-enter the performance side. Meaning, continuing to apply the X's and O's of strategy.
More: 4-Step Plan to Stay Calm on the Court
In match play, the first step is to acknowledge that a new strategy is being employed against you and to simply focus on the actual script of patterns that earned you the terrific lead in the first place. The second step is to call for a linesman if gamesmanship is working against you. With a linesman present, the opponent will have a more difficult time applying the above top 10 tactics.
On the practice court, go through the various gamesmanship tactics to come up with your own ways of handling it in real match situations.
Should You Use Gamesmanship Tactics?
Yes, but only use legal gamesmanship tactics. Remember, tennis is a mental and emotional sport. Winners in all sports routinely apply physical, mental and emotional tactics. It's your job as a competitor to profile the opponent and spot and attack their vulnerabilities.
Forms of Legal Gamesmanship
Here are six legal forms of gamesmanship that you should consider using in your next match:
- Intimidation through confidence
- Intimidation through playing a style of play your opponent hates
- Going to the towel (time management) before each mega point, after you have committed two unforced errors in row, after a long winded point and to cool off an opponent who is on fire
- Applying your between point and change over rituals to control the speed and tempo of the match
- Legal bathroom breaks to change the energy of the match
- Legal trainer breaks to attend to aliments so you can return to playing at your peak performance
More: 4 Game-Changing Defensive Tips
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