![\"Table](\"http:\/\/www.tabletennisdb.com\/assets\/blog\/mental-state.jpg\")
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Table tennis is a highly physical and athletic sport, but there’s also a mental side that you need to take note of. In my own experience, I’ve seen how different mental states can strongly affect my play.<\/p>\n
I’ve found that I play at my best against challenging opponents when I take the role of the the underdog. For whatever reason, this helps me play at my peak.<\/p>\n
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When I played in the US Open in 2009 in Las Vegas, it was the biggest tournament I had ever played. I entered the U-1900 and U-2050 rated events. With around 250 players in each event, it would be a long journey to the end.<\/p>\n
I never expected to have any success in the higher of the two events; the U-2050 was just for fun, and the U-1900 was for business. As I played through each round of the U-2050, my expectations were low. I walked into each match truly believing<\/em> that I was going to lose. I remember saying in my head, “Okay, here’s the round where I get eliminated. It’s go time.<\/em>” Then every time I win, I’m genuinely surprised.<\/p>\n I’m sure many people will say this is a horrible mental state to be in, but I truly believe it has worked for me and will work for some of you. However, everybody is different so you may have a different mental state that is best for you, and the underdog mental state may just suck the life out of you.<\/p>\n Here’s why I think it has worked:<\/p>\n On the flip side, back at home I played in the Division 2<\/em> in our Mississauga League and was somewhere in the top of the rankings in the division. Due to my rank, I entered all of those matches expecting to win, and very disappointed if I didn’t. I had a lot more nervous moments playing against lesser opponents in this league than against my US Open opponents who I’m sure were more skilled than what I was normally playing against.<\/p>\n What’s the moral of the story? Figure out what mental state works for you and try to maintain it. Whatever keeps you more relaxed but motivated is probably going to be a winner.<\/p>\n What’s your ideal mental state?<\/strong><\/p>\n Table tennis is a highly physical and athletic sport, but there’s also a mental side that you need to take note of. In my own experience, I’ve seen how different mental states can strongly affect my play. I’ve found that I play at my best against challenging opponents when I take the role of the … <\/p>\n\n
\n<\/strong>When I expect to lose, I have no pressure to win, and am able to play my game without feeling bad. Pressure can make me nervous and not able to execute as I normally would. I’m still completely motivated<\/em>, just not pressured<\/em>.<\/li>\n
\n<\/strong>Some extra adrenaline seems to pump through my veins during these matches. The thought of taking on a greater opponent has a great effect on me. It keeps me both relaxed and psyched up, if that’s possible.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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