PREPARATION FOR A TOURNAMENT

 

The kids may not be aware there are subtleties in preparation for a tournament that I’d instituted previously to my two boys when they were playing competitively.

The intention is to get them peak at the right time. In the final few weeks before the tournament, their training regime gradually shifted from physical and conditioning drills to game management and tactical. I do this by sitting them down to play back videos from their previous games and 2 v 1 sparring. They can see many things about themselves in the video which they cannot during their game. One of the tricks I did with them is to count the number of enforced errors (giving points) vs. winnings (making points) in games they were playing well and compared the statistics with games that they don’t do well. The findings are indeed interesting!

Pretournament checks include restring their racquets to their preferred tension at least two weeks in advance. Soles of their shoes are washed the night before the tournament. Balance their diet with food of colour variety and plenty of fluid. Avoid oily, spicy and carbonated drinks. I have tried supplementing with protein energy shakes too and most importantly get enough sleep 7 to 8 hours at night. Yes! No online games – which Is a challenge with teens nowadays.

Here is one routine I try my best to do it with the boys a few days prior to the tournament. Normally state tournaments have test court sessions. If not, I will take them there to play for an hour preferably with the tournament shuttle brand and speed. At home I sat them down with eyes closed to visualize the venue and court, the lightings, the draft, the texture and grip of the rubber court, the white tape on the net and visualizing their movement with ease on court, executing variety of good shots making points after points all in their mind’s eye. There are some psychological advantages in this familiarisation exercises to aid them peak at the right time.

Just before their game, I insist that they undergo pre-warm up muscle stretches comprehensively and light exercises to bring their body temperature up. This is especially vital at courts with strong air conditions namely KLBA stadium & Precinct 11 Putrajaya. The boys often play better in the second set when their engine is at peak temperature and flushed with adrenalin. Therefore, I often supervised them with these preparation before their game.

Last but not the least, mentor them to maintain a positive mind-set, keep communications open, supportive and encouraging tone of voice to instil confidence and desire to win. Anything that reflects fear, nervousness or mental barrier, steer them away from it with attention to their game and what they can do best. There is only so much I can do to help them off court and when they are on the court, they are on their own and my job is done!