Help Coach! I gots the tournament jitters in my home town! With many of the athletes I coach this one happens. It happened to me also because everyone in my club expected me to be undefeated because I was their club pro. No matter who you are when you are in your home surroundings and playing you may feel extra pressure. Here are some things to remember:
1. It is the same game no matter where you play.
2. If you stand on a 2×4 board on the floor there is no pressure. Move that board 30 feet hight and stand on it and there is pressure. The pressure is totally perceived because of fear of failure.
3. Regarding #2-will your family still love you after the match no matter what? Is this a life or death thing or a great challenge to your character? Think of it as the challenge!
4. You do not have to win to prove anything. What can you control? Your poise, and your actions.
5. Warm up well. Be in a full sweat before you enter the court to take your practice swings.
6. If you do the above things, count the match as a win. Those are all things you can control. I bet more often than not, you will play well if you adhere to 1-5.
7. Oh, and have fun. It is a game!