Stage fright

A few weeks ago I was flying into New York (as one does these days!) when the captain announced that bad weather was ahead. For the next twenty minutes we suffered a concoction of jars, vibrations, shudders and bangs as we descended precariously over Manhattan island.

Now the majority on the flight were sticking to a 'dead cool' exterior - while the more honest were either squealing out in fear or clinging to their arm rests and silently praying we didn't end up in the Hudson river.

Now I would reckon the only 'unconcerned' people on the plane were the flight crew. They had experienced all this stuff before - it was all part of their normal working day.

Back to ground level.

Why is it that we can play great fluent tennis on a social Saturday afternoon - then when it comes to matchplay our feet are glued to the ground and nothing works for us. It's the stage fright syndrome - it's happened to us all

Well of course if you were like the Continental crew and doing it every day, then playing a match, no more how important, wouldn't put you up nor down (oops). You could then focus entirely on how to win rather than controlling your jangling nerves or fear of messing things up.

Now here's a little suggestion.

Every time you play a game, visualise being surrounded by a large crowd of spectators. Regard it as the most important game of your life, with millions at stake. Play vital set or match points in games that in reality don't matter a hoot.

It will get you used to the big stage - so that when matches come along you will have done it all before!

It really does work!