In every tennis match there is a force which commonly goes un-noticed. Momentum.

Sport psychologists will point out to you that each point should be independent of the previous point. However, this theory breaks down when the human brain is turned on. Momentum in a match can be built up between points, between games and between sets.

The momentum can be your friend or it can be your enemy. We will talk about both. However, let’s first talk about how to identify momentum.

Lets define momentum by winning back to back points, back-to-back games all back-to-back sets. As an example, lets say the score within the game is 30-30. The player who won the last point, has a little bit of momentum however, if they were down 30 love they would have more  momentum. With this momentum they would be more likely to win next point. Momentum is basically when one person is getting upperhand on the other person.

We all know how it feels when we are say up 40-love in a game, then loose the next 2 points. This may have been by our own sloppy play OR the other player may have hit some great shots. However, for some reason the next point is ‘our last chance’ to win the game. We had 3 points. Not we only have 1. The opposition saved 2 game points. In actual fact it would ‘feel’ better to have the score at 40-30 after 30-30 rahter than 40-0.

Now in reverse, If you were down 30 love and you win the next two points you are feeling uplifted and more confident to win the next point. Your opponent on the other hand, would be feeling negative having had such a strong lead.

Are you starting to see the difference – the same score – differnet momentum?

Some points are SO significant that they become ‘turning points’ for the match. We will talk about turning points in another article.

Now lets talk about games. When a player wins a few games in a row, this can have a very powerful effect. This type of momentum can swing an entire match and can sneak up on either player.

Momentum is a very powerful force, it can be your friend or it can be your enemy. Once you realise you have momentum either on your side or against you, you need to take action.

When a player looses a few games in a row there is actually an amplified effect.

1)    The player winning the games becomes more confident in their game, plays more relaxed and likely to continue to play better

2)    The player loosing the games becomes agitated. They start doubting themselves and their game plan. Usually they will ‘try’ a few things to see if they work. Usually they abandon their game plan and either go for plan B OR stary trying to create a new one. That is very dangerous  See our other article called ‘Don’t Think During A Match’.

What to do when Momentum is on your side.

When momentum is on your side you must nurture it. You must keep the momentum flowing. Do not over analyse the situation.Stick to your plan and do not take much notice of the opponent trying to ‘dig’ themselves out’ of the hole they are in.

It is the time to concentrate and not let your opponent back into the game set or match. Do not play any loose points. Also do not go for any spectacular winners. Never change a winning game and therefore simply play good solid tennis and maintain your game plan.

Having a nice lead is NOT a time to relax because, by definition, the momentum may swing back against you. In which case you’ll find yourself having to stop the momentum in the other direction.
When momentum is on your side you are trying to hit your opponent while they are down. You do not want them to get up off the ground. Did not open the window for them to jump through. Keep it tightly closed until the end of the match. You have the control, you have them confused and scrambling for ideas.

Tips that will help you keep momentum:
•    Do not waste time between points. Move efficiently between points, do not rush, but do not waste time. Keep the momentum going and get as many points under your belt is possible. The stronger the momentum the easier the points.
•    Move efficiently between games. do not waste time and quickly get the balls down to the servers end. On the change of ends, only take a short break and keep going. Start the next game as soon as possible.
•    In between sets, again move efficiently. Take the shortest amount of time possible, try and start the set as soon as you can.
•    Finish off every point – keep concentrating intil the ball bounces twice – do not relax on easy put away shots. Finish every game and set.

The path of least resistance is to keep the momentum flowing. You will be off the court in the shortest amount of time if you just put a little more effort into keeping the momentum flowing.

What to do when Momentum is against you.

This one is simple, you must stop it!!
There are many ways to stop momentum. They are actually the opposite of what I mentioned in the previous section. The goal is to change the environment. You must do something to break out of this spiral. Here are a few tips:
•    take a long time between points
•    straight in your strings
•    tie your shoelaces
•    change racquets
•    stretch your muscles
•    take a toilet break
•    discuss something with a referee or umpire
•    take time to gett the balls down the servers end
•    revert to plan B

Now some not so subtle actions which are sometimes used in desperate situations. These are not necessarily sportsman like – however these may be used against you. I know these have been used against me and were very effective in creating a distraction.
•    argue over a line call
•    hit a ball out of the court so it takes time to retrieving the ball
•    talk to your opponent on a change of ends.
•    find something to say to enter their mind
•    call for injury time
•    use every second of time you are allowed between, games and sets
•    start aiming for the opponent when they are at the net – this may rattle them

I do not recommend using this last list of actions for 2 reasons. Firstly they border on unsportsmanlike behavior and secondly they can Distract You More than The Opponent.

We will discuss momentum in a lot more detail in future articles. But for now just be aware of it in your matches and matches that you watch other people play.

Michael