Can mental toughness be trained?

Yes. Like strokes, mental skills improve with practice: routines, breathing, focus cues and how you respond to mistakes can all be practiced in training and then used in matches.

How do I stop getting angry on court?

Notice the reaction, then use your between-point routine to reset: turn away, breathe, and decide on a plan for the next point. Anger usually fades faster when you give it a clear next step.

How to Be Mentally Tougher in Tennis

6 video lessons

Routines and habits to stay composed from first point to last.

Quick answer & tips ▾

Mental toughness is mostly a set of habits. Between points, take a moment to let go of the last point, recover physically, then decide what you want to do on the next one. Champions do this the same way every time, whether they won or lost the point.

Focus on things you control, such as effort, targets, footwork and body language, rather than the score or your opponent. Treat mistakes as information rather than as a verdict on how you are playing.

Key tips

Have a short, repeatable routine between points.
Keep your body language positive, even after errors.
Use simple, specific self-talk ("watch the ball", "move your feet").
Set process goals for each match, not just a result.

FAQ

Can mental toughness be trained?: Yes. Like strokes, mental skills improve with practice: routines, breathing, focus cues and how you respond to mistakes can all be practiced in training and then used in matches.
How do I stop getting angry on court?: Notice the reaction, then use your between-point routine to reset: turn away, breathe, and decide on a plan for the next point. Anger usually fades faster when you give it a clear next step.