Smiling stimulates our brain’s reward mechanisms in a way that even chocolate, a well-regarded pleasure-inducer, cannot match.
In our last post, we talked about learning from our mistakes. In today’s post, we will cover why smiling is more intimidating then swearing or breaking your racket.
The Test of a Good Player
Ask yourself the following questions to measure your progress toward becoming a great player.
- Covering the Court
- Hit the ball
- Control my shots
- Setting up the points
- Control my nerves
- Learn from my mistakes
- Intimidate my opponents
- Pressure my opponent
- Enjoy the battle
- Handle the outcome
Intimidate your Opponent with Smiling
One of the best ways to intimidate your opponent is to always look like you are enjoying the match. If your opponent makes a beautiful winner, acknowledge it by holding up your racquet and clapping the strings with your left hand as if you were applauding. If he hits a mis shit winner, there is nothing more frustrating than playing an opponent who smiles all the time. It gives the appearance that he knows he is going to win and he is not feeling any pressure. Some sports psychologists recommend smiling to their “patients” who feel intense pressure (choking) during a tennis match. Some say certain “good” enzymes are released when you smile that make feel better.
So stop swearing and throwing your racquet. This only encourages your opponent and start smiling.
Let me know how this technique helps your tennis game in the comments below.