As I watch some of my athletes play at the top levels, it occurs to me they probably are not doing what I am prescribing. Prescription after a poor performance. RX for my athletes:
1. Every practice day work on your worst skill 2x more than your strongest skill.
2. Every practice day work your mechanics and footwork. You do not have to do so at full speed or even on a court.
3. Be sure to build in rest days. Too much work and not enough rest leads to poor performance.
4. If you have the mentality that you are going to outwork the competition, that can lead to disaster.
5. If you have the mentality that you are going to work smarter than the competition, and build in intense workouts but shorter periods of time, you are on the right track!
6. There is a reason I help my athletes put together their training schedules. With any schedule there are reasons an athlete may not be able to train hard or put the time in. School, life, work and situations occur where proper training has to take a back seat. A good coach understands this.
7. Never walk on the court without a plan. Even in practice matches work on serves, shots etc.
8. Take the above medicine with plenty of water, proper nutrition, and good nights of rest.
Speaking of rest, do not forget it is as important as the work, maybe more important!
Call me in the next week if this is not working as we may have to adjust your medication.