How to Resolve Tennis Court Issues With a Positive Mindset
Tennis is a difficult and challenging sport as it is, but doubles tennis ratchets up the tension dramatically. Why? Because when you play singles tennis, every move you make, good or bad, is on you. You have no option but to own the missteps, bad serves, or missed block volleys. On the other hand, with doubles tennis it is far too easy to blame your partner when the game goes awry.
When doubles tennis involves couples, versus two friends or colleagues teaming up, the court can become combustible. Relationship issues brewing just under the surface can explode when a partner makes an error or misses a serve. Learning how to approach these matches with a positive mindset can make all the difference in the entire experience. Read on to learn how.
Why Couples Can Come Unglued on the Court
Isn’t it interesting how when we partner with others, for work projects or whatever activities, we will make a big effort to get along with our teammates. We generally try to be on our best behavior to avoid confrontations or conflicts in these scenarios.
When teaming up with a spouse or romantic partner, however, we feel more secure and comfortable—so much so that we may not make the same kind of effort to avoid conflicts. Our human nature senses that we can get away with lashing out with criticism or a snide comment. In other words, we tend to take advantage of the fact the person adores us, so we feel we can push that envelope when we become frustrated or annoyed—like during a doubles match.
Unresolved relationship issues can also percolate up to the surface when the two competitive partners clash on the court. Resentment may be festering over some totally unrelated issue, and then be triggered when the partner whiffs a rally.
Speaking of being competitive, whether it is golf, tennis, pickleball, or any other sport that teams you up with a spouse, if either or both partners are hyper-competitive it is bound to provoke some squabbles. Winning takes precedent over even common courtesy, which can cause a lot of strife.
How to Achieve a Positive Mindset Playing Doubles Tennis
Couples, why not consider these conflict resolution strategies to help you keep your cool on the court:
- Gain deeper awareness. Every couple has a bad day here and there, but if you consistently find anger and frustration flaring up when playing doubles tennis you may need a little professional guidance. Reach out and get the support of a couple’s counselor to gain some insights into what the underlying issues are.
- Create a plan in advance. Once you are aware that your on-court fireworks are a problem, form a strategy prior to your next match or tournament. Commit to the shared goal of remaining positive on the court, and agree to do your best to honor it.
- Prioritize your relationship over tennis. Never lose sight of the bigger picture. As amazing as it is to emerge victorious from a tennis match, that should always take a backseat to the relationship. Never sacrifice the relationship for the sake of winning a game.
- Learn to hit the “reset” button. Prior to the next game, after you have agreed to maintain a positive attitude towards each other, select a code word that either partner can say when things get heated. That will be your reset button, and will help you both take a pause and get a grip.
- Practice sportsmanship. Tennis etiquette is the decorum the sport dictates for all players to practice, including the doubles partners. Remember to practice good sportsmanship towards your partner.
Remember, that these positive mindset strategies will not only make your tennis matches more enjoyable, but these same strategies can be applied to your off-court relationship as well.