Reasons for a Loss
 
     If you understand the reasons for wins and losses, then you will have a better grasp on what is needed for peak performance.  In this article, I’m going to outline some factors that will cause you to lose.
 
Your Poor Performance
     There are several factors that will contribute to a loss.  The first factor is lacking the necessary skills to win the match.  If you aren’t able to return your opponent’s shots, it will be difficult to win.  The next factor is a shot selection.  Even if you have the necessary skills, that doesn’t guarantee that you can link the strokes together and use the appropriate shots at the appropriate time.  The next factor is lack of concentration.  If you win the first game 11-1, then you might start thinking ahead toward the next match and forget to properly strategize for the present match.  The next factor is lack of preparation from the previous weeks and months.  You might have all the necessary skills to win and make the right choices, but your lack of practice might hinder your consistency and timing.  The next factor is lack of physical fitness.   Without the proper fitness, then your moving won’t be nearly as fast, you will be less explosive on your power shots, and you will lose energy near the end of the match.  The next factor is lack of proper sleep.  Proper sleep will allow you to train hard prior to the tournament and allow you to have the mental concentration during the competition.  With thousands of decisions to make in a short period of time, the decision-making skills are absolutely critical.  The last factor is the tournament environment.  If you aren’t adjusted to the air, lighting, balls, flooring, and tables, then it could lead to problems in your timing, footwork, and consistency.  All these factors and many many more factors could lead to a poor performance.  Your poor performance can be traced back to various factors, your job is to figure out which ones and improve your preparation for the next tournament.
 
 
Your Opponent’s Excellent Performance
It isn’t all about you.  Some days your opponent will be playing poorly and you will have an easy win.  Other days, your opponent is “on fire” and you will have a rough time!  If your opponent is “on fire” then just don’t throw up your hands and give up.  Be willing to do something about it to PUT THE FIRE OUT!  First, consider which elements of your opponent’s game are on fire.  A simple fix might be to avoid those areas of his game.  For example, if his forehand smash is on fire, then you can play 99% of the balls to his wide backhand.  If his backhand banana flip is on fire, then you can serve deep serves.  If he blocking is so consistent that he never misses, then you can push and allow him to loop first.  You need to try to avoid his strengths.  The other way that you can hinder your opponent’s performance is to vary your shots more – change the pace, change the speed, change the height, change the spin, change the placement, change the depth.  Don’t give up and die at the hands of your opponent who is on fire.  Change your game, make necessary adjustments, and put the fire out!