Allen Fox, Ph.D., is a former NCAA champion, Wimbledon quarterfinalist and a three-time member of the U.S. Davis Cup team. Dr. Fox also coached the Pepperdine tennis team to two NCAA finals. He currently lectures on sports psychology and is the author of several books on the mental side of competition.
Tennis: Winning the Mental Match
Learn how to overcome your emotions, fears and nerves and build confidence for success in life and on the courts.
The Golden Rule of Tennis
It's easy to get caught up in the emotions of a match and forget your main objective--to win. Keep in mind this one simple rule for staying on track through match point.
Closing the Gap on Your Opponent's Serve
Nobody likes to get caught reaching when returning serve. Here are tips on how to anticipate your opponent and take away the on-serve advantage.
Accelerate Your Efforts After Winning a Close First Set
One sure-fire way to lose the match is to ease off of the gas after you've won the first set. Here are tips for keeping the pressure on your opponent.
The Winner's Mind - A Psychology of Competition
A thoughtful competitor's guide to sports and business success, by Allen Fox.
Tennis Parenting: The Good and the Bad
It's okay to be a frustrated, anxious tennis parent, as long as you remain a good one. With self-control, the two can co-exist.
The Tennis Scoring System: All or Nothing at All
The unique scoring system in tennis makes it a game fraught with emotion, pressure, and choking. Here are tips from Dr. Allen Fox on treating each point as if they were the same.
How Champions React to Failure
In the face of defeat, champions become more determined and intense, and silently vow to work harder and increase their preparations so that they can win next time.
How to Overcome the Hit-and-Hope Mentality
In the face of defeat, learn how to rely on your self-confidence to guide you to match point.
Working Smart: The Secret to Tennis Success
To be successful you must work towards your goals with your eyes wide open. Hard work is helpful, but not enough. In a word, you have to work "smart."
How to Overcome the Catch-22 of Self-Confidence
It is possible to win without believing in yourself, though its easier if you do. Learn how to improve your chances of winning even if you think you've already lost the match.
How to Avoid the Trap of Making Excuses
After anger, excuse-making is probably the most widespread method of escape from the stress and uncertainty of competition.
Control Your Excitation Level for Better Match Play
All of us play best somewhere between the extremes. The trick is to figure out what level you need to attain to win the next point.
3 Ways to Reverse Your Opponent's Momentum
Allowing your opponent to get "hot" opens you up to losing a lot of games in a hurry. Here are three tactics you can use to turn the tide in your favor.
3 Ways to Mentally Dominate Your Opponent
Learn the simple techniques used by the pros to not just overpower their opponents physically—but dominate them mentally.
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