Emotions take over and normal thinking is just not possible
Have you experienced that Big Point feeling on court?
The ability to play big points separates good from great players
If you have felt panic, or helplessness at the situation, triggered by the score
then these 6 points are here to help you.
This post is about how to start to think about these moments, what to do in practice, and where to find some wisdom.
I’ve seen many games where players take a lead, are playing well and then find themselves at 18-15
They then lose 1 point and proceed to make error after error. Different shots and tactics suddenly appear, and they seem to be lost about how to play.
Learn to love them
These moments generally happen because you have put yourself in a situation that has importance for you.
It is possible to prepare for these moments and start to “Love the Big Points”
You need to ‘want’ to have that Big Point feeling.
The feeling that tells you that “This is My Time and I know what to do”.
Remember, you are feeling this way because you recognise something about the situation.
Become that Big Point player, the one who knows how to control the situation,
and enjoys (wants) that feeling!
Recognise them
You may think that Big points only happen at match or game points.
However, there are many occasions in a match that could be considered a ‘Big Point’.
The definition I like is anything that feels different or stands out from other parts of the match.
So different that it triggers strong emotions within you.
It could be the 1st point in an important match. It could even be when you are serving at 17-16 after leading 17-13.
How do those situations make you feel?
Your emotions can affect you in many ways. The decisions you make can be influenced, your memory to recall a game plan can disappear, and your ability to control your power can suddenly disappear.
Most worryingly for you as a player, you may decide to try something completely new in the match.
When receiving serve at a Big Point, have you ever thought “it’s time I played that crosscourt slow drop shot to catch them out!”. Even though you had never played it before in the match!
- What situations do you consider to be Big points?
- Can you describe the emotions that they create?
- What happens to you?
- Do you make correct, rational decsions and choices?
Practice with intent
.. Always in your practice
.. Practice at home
.. Practice in competition
If you want to be good at playing the big points, you need to practice. The question is what to practice and how to practice.
Being told to ‘Focus’ at the Big points or being asked to stop your mind wandering is not going to work if you haven’t rehearsed what to do in practice.
Starting lots of practice games from 18-18 is not necessarily the solution.
Yes, the score may represent a tough situation, but it’s your reactions, the emotions that you need to replicate.
What to include in your practice
I recommend that to become better at playing the big points, you need to include and allow for the following elements in your practice, on and off the court.
As a basic, players should, if tactically applicable,
try to take the shuttle as early as possible
- Matches in game-like conditions with both players having a desire to win!
- Conditioned games that have the objective of stressing or testing you.
- Off court thinking and preparation time – see the ideas here
- A desire to try new things – be brave if you wish to succeed
- Confidence to work through ideas – try, test, review, change if required
Practice opponents do not need to know that you are working on your big point skills
Be your own coach, set your own standards, and choose your own rewards
Practice at home
Have you thought about using time at home to help yourself?
If you are not preparing for the Big points at home, you are missing out!
You have plenty of time – instead of watching television, just before sleeping, or maybe take a quiet walk. Find a time that works best for you.
I would love to hear how you use these quiet times and what works for you.
Practice in Competition
Not all competitions or Team matches are of equal importance.
Do you agree with that?
Your aim should be to define what you want from each event. Yes, aiming to win is a possible goal. However, you must have some events where you try out or progress your skills.
They become your ‘Practice’ events.
Use these events as they are an opportunity to look out for the big points, try out your new strategies and to see if they make a positive difference.
Quick ideas and prompts
.. Self Talk
.. Trigger words
Here are some quick ideas that you can start using today.
Hopefully, you may already be using some of them or have developed more of your own.
Have you seen this post: “6 Ways to use the rally break”. In it we will explore ideas of what to do, immediately after a point finishes.
Self-talk
If you have conversations in your head, this is a form of self-talk. We all do it, but many of us don’t realise the power it has.
It can take many forms: unstructured and rambling, negative or positive, planned and rehearsed.
I suggest that you try out and develop self-talk strategies with the goal of finding something that works for you. Identify when you need your ‘inner friend/voice’.
I know players who prepare key phrases or mantras (phrases that they repeat and trust) and use them before and during matches. They actively start a conversation with themselves.
If you are not actively using self-talk (positively) then you are missing out!
Trigger words
Have you thought about using Trigger words?
These are single words or short phrases that you say to yourself. Words that you have practised using an,d importantly, know that they will work for you.
These words, said in the right way, will trigger a mindset or physical feeling that you desire and enjoy. I recommend that players think about using these short powerful words and phrases.
Do you have any favourites?
Why not send me an email so that I can share what works for you with others.
Ask a friend how they play the 'Big Points'
Have you ever asked a teammate or friend for advice?
I’ve met several very good players who will readily share some tips and ideas.
I’ve also met several players and coaches who believe that it’s either a sign of weakness to ask someone else or it’s a lazy approach. I don’t agree with this.
I’m sure that hearing another opinion or idea must be a good starting point.
I suggest that you don’t just walk up to other players and ask for their innermost thoughts. Be polite, show some vulnerability.
Be vulnerable, explain to them how these points make you feel. You never know, they could be feeling the same as you and found ways to master these moments.
What a top player would tell you if you had the opportunity to ask?
Create a plan and be realistic
Once you start to recognise Big points, you can start to formulate a plan.
A plan or ritual will help you know what to do in those moments. I am not necessarily talking about game tactics. This advice is about you controlling your emotions when you recognise the importance of the situation.
I am suggesting that you can develop the ability to quickly and automatically start to control and change your emotions.
This all starts with recognising the moments, then triggering your plan.
The plan that you have rehearsed at home, practised and tried out in other competitions. You may need to talk with your coach or a sports physiologist if you can.
Be prepared to be open and honest with them. Challenge them to work with you.
The ‘Big Points will always happen and you need to be ready for them
Plan for various senarios as you would work on your strokes and movements
Warning
Please don’t think that all you need is experience.
Being in situations where you feel stressed may help but not if you don’t reflect, plan, prepare and practice.
I’ve heard coaches and players say that all someone needs to do is reflect and think about what happened and learn from that.
However, if it is that simple, then you would only need to experience these feelings once.
Send me a Question
I’m always grateful if you have read this far.
If there is anything that you have read that has helped, or that you disagree with, then please send me an email.
It would be great to hear from you contact@badmintonandy.com
