Improving Concentration

Concentration is a skill that must be learned as earnestly as learning a forehand drive. Great players have a tremendous ability to remain focused on the current point forgetting the last point until the end of the match.

There are many techniques for getting focussed in the first place, many of which are very simple and can easily pay dividends to your game.

Below are some techniques to improve concentration.

Create a simple routine for the start of the point and the end of the point.

• At the start of your routine, (if you are serving for instance), decide on your serve position, serve technique and serve placement. Approach the table wait a second or so then begin your action remembering each time the full action for the particular serve you intend. If you are not serving concentrate on the opponent and move neutrally as soon as the opponent’s service action begins. This can sometimes give you a few milliseconds extra time to react.

• A second tip is; at the end of each point whether or not you have won it, go through the same sequence of actions. This gives preparation consistency. For example you might examine your bat while taking a deep breath and giving yourself encouragement. Turn your back to the table and take a few paces away and walk back to the table only when you are ready. Your routine should be completed within the time limit allowed to maintain the flow of the game. The point here is to isolate the coming point from the last played point.

• Another technique is to focus on just your points as they are played and count them downwards from 11 towards 0 points left to get. For some people, it is psychologically better to have a decreasing number of points to achieve rather than chasing an increasing number.

If you have any techniques to improve concentration during the game please share them!

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