Robin Soderling stunned defending champion Roger Federer in Tuesday's quarterfinal action at the French Open, winning 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 in come-from-behind fashion.
It's the first time Federer has failed reach a Grand Slam semifinal in six years. The mental toughness story behind this match was Soderling's unfailing optimism. Even though Soderling had lost to Federer 12 times in a row, he still BELIEVED. "Even though I lost (to Federer) so many times, I always have a chance to win,” Soderling said. Most players in Soderling's position defeat themselves mentally before they even get on the court. Not Soderling. He stayed aggressive on the slow, wet court -- conditions Federed doesn't like. After the match Federer admitted: "These were some serious, tough conditions, you know. If you serve 225-230kms/hour, you can still serve through the court. I’m maybe lacking those 5-10 K extra to hit through a guy on the serve.” In true professional style, instead of giving in to conditions, Soderling seized the moment. The mental toughness Soderling displayed this week is not hard to learn. The next time you are the underdog in a match, get your mental ducks in a row by visualizing yourself winning. Every athlete who has broken through first started out intimidated. Mark Tewksbury, one of the greatest swimmers of all time, scared himself the first time he visualized winning. That's because he had to imagine beating his HERO, legend Matt Biondi. Quite a shock. Also...resolve to be mentally prepared for all conditions, even if they weaken your game a bit. EXPECT bad conditions, and adapt your game plan. Don't give them the power to distract you. Most athletes aren't using even simple mental toughness strategies like these. Want to be different? Want to gain the mental edge? The Courage to Win in Sport is all about getting rid of the blocks in your mind that are preventing you from winning consistently. In the Courage to Win, you grab your mind and steer yourself on the path to success. You are in control out there. You learn to trust your mind and body. And, over time, you replace your doubts with winning thoughts and images. It's your job to unlock your potential... And the Courage to Win in Sport can help.
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Set Quantifiable Goals:
Simply setting a goal to “be fit” is nebulous & undefined. Yet, to many of you, I hear that the problem is that “getting fit” is not easily measurable because it’s difficult to judge when you have arrived at your goal. Goals must be quantifiable or proven to keep you on track & motivated. Just as you wouldn’t start a road trip without travel plans & knowing your destination, you wouldn’t pursue fitness goals without knowing your destination, you want to accomplish, what steps will lead you to success, & what signs will validate your arrival or success. To help you set quantifiable goals, ask yourself two key questions: What are my current strengths & what are my current weaknesses? A good program will serve to improve your weaknesses, while not neglecting to maintain your strengths. Answering these questions will target your specific needs. Conclusion: Natural talent is not controllable – improving fitness is. Be the best tennis player possible condition & you will enjoy a new founded confidence on court that will help you through long, grueling matches. Get Goals & Go for It: Aim High, Aspire to Greatness & Impact the Direction of Your Life Step 1: Goal – Setting Striving for & attaining goals makes for a meaningful life. Without goals, we are susceptible to feeling emotionally, socially, spiritually, physically, & professionally unbalanced. Goal – Setting creates dive & positively affects your personality & character. When asked: “what are your goals in life?” many people respond, “To be happy, healthy, & have plenty of money.” As goals leading to actions, these goals are not adequate. They don’t possess the key ingredients necessary to be effective, workable goals. To change your approach to goal – setting, acquaint yourself with the following rules: Note: Stepping Stones: One step leads to another. After an achievement, there’s a tendency to believe that more accomplishments are possible. This positive cycle gains momentum & continues repeating itself. Greatness, therefore, is achieved through small “stepping stones” of achievements. Download 6 ways of goal - setting & come back for Step #2
It's almost 2010 & have you set your tennis goals for the year? Everybody wants to play better & get fitter. Check out how you can achieve your goals, learn new strategies, & get healthier in my link documents. Cardio Tennis Programs, Tennis for the health of it, & other sources hope to satidsfied you needs.
Ed Tseng spoke @ BallenIsles on Tuesday, Nov. 10th, about some of his techniques & skills from his book "Game, Set, & Life." If you have not read his book, I strongly recommended. It is the next hottest book on the market. With his connections in Palm Beach County, Florida - he is able to come & speak at some highly know country clubs. You can go into the Health & Welliness Link of my site & oder his book. Post your review & maybe next time he visits S. Florida you will be getting that special invitation to his next seminar.
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August 2011
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