One Lesson Every Player Should Steal From My First 17 Years

The Problem Most Players Never See Coming

In my 6 years of full-time coaching at Maybank Tennis Center, I've watched talented players with picture-perfect strokes lose to opponents with half their technical ability. These defeats leave them confused, frustrated, and questioning everything about their game. They spend hours perfecting their forehand, only to watch a "pusher" defeat them 6-2, 6-1.

Here's the truth that took me years to fully understand: Tennis matches aren't won by the player with the prettiest strokes; they're won by the player who competes harder on every single point.

My Journey to the Compete-First Philosophy

When I first picked up a racket at age 11 at Maybank Tennis Center, my friend David was playing when Coach Toni asked, "You wanna play tennis?" I thought, "How hard can this be?" I quickly learned I was holding the racket all wrong (pancake style) and knew I had to get better.

Playing high school tennis at James Island Charter, I competed against Division I-bound players. I understood what top-level competition looked like. The most important lesson came from watching Coach Toni play: she wasn't winning by blasting the ball, but by constructing points, by competing smarter on every exchange.

The Core Concept: Compete on Every Point

The compete-first mindset doesn't mean playing recklessly. It means being present, focused, and intent on winning each point. As I tell my students, "Your goal is to win points, not for your opponent to lose points." This subtle but crucial distinction transforms passive players into active competitors.

If there's one thing I want players to understand before technique or tactics, it's this: You have to compete first. I can't turn players who won't run down a ball into champions. Skills and tactics mean nothing without the willingness to fight on every single point.

Developing Your Competitive Edge

To develop a compete-first mindset, incorporate match-like scenarios in your training:

The Pressure Cooker Drill: Play practice sets where certain games are worth double. For example, games 3, 6, and 9 count as two games each. This creates natural pressure moments that mirror real match situations.

The Comeback Challenge: Start practice sets down 0-3 or 1-4. This forces you to compete immediately and practice the mental fortitude needed for comebacks.

These drills, inspired by concepts from "The Tennis Drill Book," create the competitive environment needed for real growth.

Maintaining Neutral-Positive Energy

Maintaining "neutral-positive" energy is essential. Every point requires a reset, regardless of whether you just hit a winner or made an error. Your opponent doesn't need to know when you're struggling. Keep that bounce in your step, maintain that poker face, and compete first.

Common Mistakes That Kill Competitiveness

• Waiting for opponents to make errors: As noted in "Winning Ugly," your goal must be actively winning points, not hoping your opponent loses them.
• Not visualizing success: If you don't visualize yourself winning before the match, you're already behind.
• Playing not to lose: When you tighten up and push every ball, you're surviving, not competing.
• Setting result-oriented goals: Focus on controllable actions (how many times you attacked their backhand, not whether you won).

Level-Specific Application

2.5 Players: Focus on consistency. At this level, you need a serve, a return, and a forehand. That's enough to compete.

3.0-3.5 Players: Add a reliable backhand and volleying skills. Construct points by moving your opponent.

4.0-4.5 Players: Develop one dominant weapon. A great forehand beats mediocre everything.

The Team Energy Factor

Team energy amplifies individual competitiveness. When one player competes fiercely, it ripples through the entire team. You're not just competing for yourself; you're competing for the person next to you. That accountability drives you deeper than you thought possible.

Your Compete-First Action Plan

• Start every practice with pressure points: Win 3 of 5 to "earn" regular practice.
• Track your 'compete score': Rate effort 1-10 after each game, not just results.
• Find a practice partner who challenges your mental game: Not just someone who hits hard.
• Visualize success before every match: See yourself competing on every point.

Remember, compete first, and the results will follow. This mindset will serve you well on and off the court. As I learned at Maybank Tennis Center all those years ago, one tweak can change everything. Make the compete-first mindset your tweak.

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