C.A.L.M.

  In order to enjoy the game more, and to play better.   My current ambition in tennis is to keep my cool, not get frustrated and get rid of my temper on the court (and off?).  Basically to keep CALM, yet remain intense and focused.    Driving with my daughter Lily back and forth to the school and club we came up with a few acronyms...  Some letters have a few words, so take your pick and use what works for you.
C.A.L.M.

Concentrate
Focus on what's in front of you... the ball.  See it early watch the spin, seams or letters.

Attitude
   Positive & relaxed attitude.
     Adrenaline
         Use the adrenaline when you feel it and put it into the ball.

Let it go
...of  the last point, of frustration, negativity anger, tension, fear) Forget about mistakes and keep hitting
     Loosen up
         Exhale, relax your grip arm and body and let it do what it knows how to do.

Motivate
  and Move your feet
Motivation to win and play your best.  Move your feet to let off nervous energy and get your body ready for the next shot.


I was actually able to use this last night in a match.  I caught myself getting frustrated an berating myself, getting down in game on my serve 15-30 due to mistakes.  I went through the first part of CALM in my mind and was able to take a breath, let it go and focus on hitting a good serve. Calm and focused won the next 3 points on service winners and a nice volley to go up 2-1 in the second set.   This was the difference in wining/losing the set as I broke his serve for the first time the very next game to go up 3-1.  
   It was a tough match for me.   I was most happy with the fact that I was able to play more consistently than my ususal singles matches.  I ended up winning 6-7, 6-3, 10-7 ...  coming back in the tie break from 1-4.   I stayed with my strategy even when I missed some easy shots, and really enjoyed the game.