As a coach, and more specifically, a player, if we’re frequently told that 90 percent of the game happens between our ears, why do we spend 90 percent of our practice time on its physical aspects?

I am constantly hearing players say things such as “I would like to improve my forehand,” or “I want to beat this guy I’ve been playing at the club, can you help?” As a coach my response is always yes! I can teach a person how to hit a better forehand; and yes, I can teach a person how to improve their shot selection and court positioning. As a “Peak Performance” coach, the question I am immediately concerned with when someone has improved their technique is whether they have the mental toughness necessary to step up to a higher level of competition? When it’s getting close to the end of the match, can they clear their mind and let their body move free of thought? If they can, they’ve begun to act as a true “Peak Performer.”

The answer to the first question is really quite simple. Practicing the physical side of the game is first and foremost a tangible exercise. We can see it and we can feel it; and as we do, simply out of habit, our confidence grows along with our muscle memory. These are both necessary to be confident. Conventional wisdom tells us that practice makes perfect. Conventional wisdom, in this case, however, is wrong. I want to be very clear about this misunderstood concept. Only “perfect” practice makes perfect! Reinforcing a bad habit only makes it worse. Putting too much stock into court time can be counter-productive, if there is not clarity and thoroughness within our approach to improve.

So what do we do, and how to do it? We begin by seeing the big picture. We focus on “Peak Performance” on a daily basis. Our daily goal must be to improve each and every day in all areas of the game. This effort must address a number of contributing factors and the first one is a biggie! How sound is the foundation of your game? Are you truly mentally and physically prepared to play your best? Are you rested? Are you hydrated? Will your diet allow you to perform your best? Are you aware of the strengths of your game, as well as the areas that need improvement? During a match are you willing to go the extra mile to gut out the victory, if necessary? Are you only focused on what you can control? Are you willing to not allow outside influences to affect your next shot or performance. Do you have daily goals? Are you thinking only positive thoughts? Is their balance within these factors, as well as your life in general? Balance is a huge factor in achieving Peak Performance due to the fact that if you don’t have balance within these factors you’re not giving yourself a chance to be your best.

The next step is critical. Understand that “being in the zone” and being a “Peak Performer” are manufactured states. They are not places you end up by chance. The more time and effort you put into getting into the zone and bringing out your best when it counts, the more it will happen! Take a minimum of 15 minutes every day to allow yourself some quiet time and space. Just prior to your warm up is always a good time. Lie down, close your eyes and begin to visualize yourself playing perfectly. Incorporate as many details as possible into your vision: the smell of the court, the color of the ball, the lighting, the sounds that occur during play. Visualize yourself playing great during big points, as well as any other situations that enter your mind.

Your best past performances will be your greatest ally. The more often you can tap into those past experiences of greatness, the more likely it will happen again. The art of this exercise is to “feel” yourself doing it while you’re visualizing yourself. This exercise will also be very effective in small doses. Five-time World Champion Sudsy Monchik has been teased about his lack of time on the court compared to his relentless attack of constantly playing the game in his head, but this is definitely one of the reasons why he has been able to play the game as close to perfect as anyone ever has.

So before you begin addressing areas of your physical game, begin working on your game from the inside out. This will enhance and improve all areas of your game and get you one giant step closer to not only being a more mentally tough player but a true “Peak Performer”. One of the biggest transformations you will experience as a recreational or competitive athlete is going from a player who “believes” in yourself to a player who has “faith” in the outcome of the game!