Why You Choke in Tennis Matches (And How to Stop It) | Jeff Greenwald

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What happens when you’re up 5-2, feeling good, and then suddenly tighten up?

In this episode of Insider’s Playbook, I’m joined by mental performance coach Jeff Greenwald to talk about one of the most frustrating parts of tennis: why we choke, why we start playing not to lose, and what causes our game to break down under pressure.

Jeff explains why players get trapped in self-monitoring, why trying to “fix” technique in the middle of a tight moment often makes things worse, and how to compete more freely when the score gets uncomfortable. We also talk about what to do right after a double fault, how a simple between-point routine can calm your mind, and why protecting a lead is often what causes it to disappear.

If you’ve ever gotten tight on serve, lost confidence when ahead, or wondered why your game changes when the match gets close, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening and how to respond better.

Key takeaways

• Pressure itself is not the real problem. The bigger problem is how we react to feeling pressure, tightness, or nerves
• After a double fault, focusing on “don’t double fault” usually creates more tension. A better response is to shift attention outward instead of inward
• In tight moments, players often start self-monitoring and trying to fix technique, but that usually makes the problem worse
• A simple between-point routine can help reset the mind, especially when it brings attention back to the body, breathing, and the ball
• Going into a match with a written pressure plan helps you respond better when things get uncomfortable instead of just hoping you’ll handle it well
• When players get ahead, they often start protecting the lead instead of continuing to compete. That shift from playing to win to playing not to lose is where trouble starts

About Jeff Greenwald

Jeff Greenwald is the author of The Best Tennis of Your Life and creator of Fearless Tennis. His work focuses on the mental side of competitive tennis, helping players manage pressure, expectations, focus, confidence, and the emotional challenges that can interfere with playing their best.

Contact Jeff Greenwald:

Website: https://fearlesstennis.com

Email: jeff@fearlesstennis.com

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Coming Up & Show Introduction

01:34 Why Pressure Makes You Play Too Safe

04:01 What to Do After a Double Fault

06:45 Why Overthinking Technique Makes It Worse

07:56 A Simple Between-Point Routine

10:02 Build Your Pressure Plan Before the Match

10:51 Creating a Written Plan for Pressure Scenarios

11:47 Can an Alter Ego Help You Compete?

13:18 Stop Playing Not to Lose

17:53 Show Wrap Up

#TennisMentalGame #TennisStrategy #SeniorTennis