Playing a match is a tough energy-robbing process. Not only physically wise but also mentally wise. The mental preparation for a match starts a long time before the match. To be able to have a challenging and positive mindset one has to secure that positive energy sources are available and that negative vibes are as best as possible avoided. Here is what you have to be aware of in the pre-match phase:

Make sure that you have done the best to recover from the last match or practice session (Physiotherapy, good sleep, restoring important nutrients, water balance etc.).
Shield yourself from too much information over social media channels to avoid distractions or doubts.
Surrounding yourself with people who support you and are fully committed to your development as an athlete and human being.

Being aware of these important points and fulfilling them will make you able to restore the necessary energy you need to radiate a powerful aura for the upcoming match.

Shortly before the match make sure that you:

Did your warm-up procedure (general and specific)
Talked to your team or coach about the game plan and possible challenges your opponent might confront you with.
Prepared your bag with all the necessary items you need for the match.
Put your match clothes on with the imagination that it is an armor to protect you and to radiate power and strength.
Do the routines that make you feel secure and ready to fight

All these pre-match preparations will nourish the energy you need to go through a whole match without losing radius of your radiating „momentum energy“.

Doubt, negative emotion and mental challenges will appear. You must be aware that you have both inside you, the positive as the negative habits. The challenge will be to accept that negative habits that will be tempting you. When you start focusing on them, this energy can turn your „momentum radius“ down.

When your momentum radius is turned down, your opponent is able to get into your head, bad calls from referee or line judges will get into your head and the crowds can turn against you.

REFEREE AND LINE JUDGES CAN MAKE MISTAKES

Let me show you more precise what I mean. Imagine your „momentum energy“ as a big bubble surrounding you. Your negative energy is a small bubble inside of you getting influenced by your thoughts and how you deal with problems during the match.

Your energy management is always connected to all present energies in the stadium. Whether it is your box, your opponent, the referee and line judges or even the crowds. Is your energy bubble positive „vibed“ you have a tremendous shield around you and the other parties energies can not reach you? Be good to yourself in your inner self-talk, especially when things turn or do not go your way. The negative bubble inside of you (red) can become bigger anytime if you let it. Your shield can get low on energy and the opponent can get into your head.

On the court you must stick to these important points:

Stay positive in your self-talk
If negativity appears you can channel it through ONE outrage but then get back to positive
Keep contact to your box
Do your between points rituals
Move more when getting kind of lethargic and breath deeper when being too pumped up
Block negative thoughts away

One last tip is to see the changeovers as some kind of a „healing tank“. Every time you sit on the bench it is your „home“ in this match to give you strength, clearness, and confidence. Close the door until the referee says „time“, then open it again and go out and take what is yours.

I hope to have shown to you a different approach to mental strength in a match.

Enjoy using this info and good luck with the transfer into the match.

All the best COACH DIMI