We are more privileged than ATP players during Gran Slam tournaments who have to win 3 sets to beat the rival. That’s the effort. On others levels of play players have to win 2 sets to leave the court as a winner. When the score is tied 1 all in sets players approach the final set to discover who is superior. It is better to prepare for that effectively.

Marcin Bieniek

Tennis is played in different conditions. Some tournaments are held on clay courts while others possess only hard surface. In some places it is really hot while other cities can welcome players with rain and low temperature. Opponents also vary: one player can base own style on defensive shots while other competitor can look for any opportunity to add power to forehand and backhand. Overall there are many factors that have influence not only on player’s game but more importantly on player’s body and mind.

When 2 players of similar abilities compete against each other it can happen that the third set will be needed to decide the winner. Tennis doesn’t puts time limit on the match so it doesn’t matter how long the first 2 sets lasted because the next one has to be played. Players already can be on the court for couple hours with few kilometers passed on their legs. Additionally mental fatigue also gives first signs of long match so there is a big chance that player’s performance can drop. Is it possible to play the last set as well as the first or second? Can body and mind maintain high quality of work for so long? Yes – all these actions are possible but players have to be ready for them.

Preparation and practice are keys to great performance. When player know what he can expect from tennis environment he can get abilities that will allow him to compete well. It is normal that at the beginning and especially at the end of the final set player gets really tired. Muscles hurt, legs feel like concrete and brain processes all the data much slower than before. These conditions are challenging but they don’t exclude great performance. They give important information on what has to be done to get advantage over the rival. To become a 3rd set champion you have to:

Get ready physically

Make sure your endurance is at the proper level. If you want to play your best shots you need energy. Only by consistently performing fitness workouts you can build stamina that will allow you to perform well even for few hours in a row.

Accept the pain and train while tired

Playing against good opponent is a challenge. You shouldn’t expect an easy competition because it rarely happens. That is why you have to be ready to accept the pain and learn how to go through it. You can achieve this task by training in the same conditions that you are going to meet during tournament. Every time you are really tired you have to push yourself more because this little decision can result in won tournament.

Increase your focus

When humans are tired they tend to lose focus. It is a normal behavior because pain and tiredness look like priorities to deal with. That is why it is crucial to sharpen your focus on tactical and mental skills to maintain high level of performance and win the deciding set.

Control emotions twice as much than before

The final set is definitely the last one. It means a lot of stress. Additionally body and mind already feel a lot of work they have done during the previous sets. Because of these factors many players tend to get emotional after lost points and they are not able to stop this negative process. Controlling emotions consciously has to be addressed if player wants to take the last part of the match.

Take care of nutrition and hydration

You can play last set only as well as the level of your energy is. Before the set begins make sure you eat high-glycemic index carbohydrates and replenish lost fluids with isotonic drink. These products will give you quick boost of energy and allow for good performance in the last stages of the rivalry. It is sad to see players who battle well but don’t have energy to finish the last shot. It is all about nutritional intake so take care of it during the match to be ready to win on your terms.

Play away from the lines

When we are tired and we feel pressure we can’t control the ball really well. Small mistakes with positioning or racquet’s angle will result in out balls that can cost you the match. When you play your final set aim further away from the lines like the pros do. In this case even when you mishit the target a little bit there is still a big chance that the ball will land inside the court. That’s your goal.

Deal with pressure effectively

It is not surprising that players feel pressure in the final set. They battle for the win and they are aware that soon the winner will be known. They want to do all they can to dominate the opponent and they know what it takes to achieve this task. It is a challenge and when the challenge is there also have to be a stress. To deal with the stress effectively you should use your between the points routine based on specific techniques to prepare your mind and start the new point with courage – not with shaking hands.

The last set doesn’t have to be your last encounter during the tournament. Many matches will be tough and you will feel like you are done physically and mentally but these are just the signals to turn the proper mode on. The match will be over soon but your actions will decide about the final score.

Make sure you work harder than anyone else and lift the trophy with smile on your face.

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