Tennis

Coaches Corner Pressure: Positive or Negative?

Anyone who has played sports is aware of pressure and the effects it can have on athletic performance. Butterflies in the stomach. Sweaty palms. Negative thoughts. Fear. As uncomfortable as this may seem, it’s a way of life for athletes and something all who play sports need to embrace.

So, what is pressure? There are many definitions of pressure and even more books written on the subject. For the purposes of this article, and to avoid a long debate, pressure is defined as any perceived internal or external influence which enhances the importance of performing optimally to achieve a desired outcome. This brings out the next question: Does pressure have a positive or a negative impact on performance?

For those looking for a black-and-white answer, sorry, it isn’t coming. Pressure can have both positive and negative effects on performance. The positive impacts occur when an athlete remains focused on the task at hand and refrains from big-picture thinking.

What is the task at hand? Contrary to what most think, it is not winning. Winning is the result. The task is the next point or the preparation to play it. The task might be positioning and doing the little things needed to achieve individual or team success. This is the elusive in-the-zone moment desired by so many who compete. It is the moment of freedom, the ability to do normally difficult things and execute to perfection. Athletes in the zone report balls appearing bigger and slower than usual, they even claim not to hear the crowd, that all is still and quiet within them.

Unfortunately, the negative effects of pressure are too well known, usually because they have been felt before. For a tennis player, it could be the “cement elbow” that doesn’t allow a free and loose swing, or dead feet, which seem to weigh a ton. Pressure also can present as negative emotions and feelings of anxiety. This headspace is an awful place for an athlete to be, and the common term for it is “choking.” Feelings of helplessness, desperation, and wanting to be anywhere but the field of battle are some of the emotions that fester inside. One of the best examples of the negative effects of pressure is presented in the Netflix documentary, Untold: Breaking Point. It details the struggles even elite, world-class athletes face, and it is a great watch for any sports enthusiast.

All competitors must deal with pressure at some point. It is important to think about those moments before they are entered. The U.S. Open has a quote from Billie Jean King at the entrance to Arthur Ashe Stadium, “Pressure is a privilege.” And it is just that. The reason athletes find themselves in big moments is because they are deserving, and they fought to put themselves in a position to be victorious. Rather than being afraid of, or shying away from, the moment, athletes need to embrace it. These moments are the reason hours of training were endured. Relish it. Above all, want the ball. As my old college coach used to say, “Love the battle.”

Member Numbers: Walk Across America Mileage

Walk Across America is a national program that allows members to create annual mileage goals, with endof-year rewards. The idea is to set a mileage goal that is reasonable, attainable, challenging, and motivating. MAC members may join at any time. For information about the program and to submit mileage, please contact Claire Galton at galtoncc@gmail.com.

Mileage as of May 31

Ann Blume, 4958 Hal Broughton, 25759 Sally Broughton, 19002 Ann Durfee, 46937 Claire Galton, 43933 Norm Frink, 12563 Vuong Vu, 892 Shannon Leonetti, 83876 Harriet Maizels, 26255 Tom Neilsen, 5500 Linda Opray, 21534 John Popplewell, 2851 Dee Poujade, 13011 Nancy Sergeant, 28908 Carrie Stucky, 28810 Barbara Wetzel, 28240 Ellen Wax, 1950 Dave Huffman, 1408

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