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Peter
Nichol's Top 10 Tips
| Tip
6
Match
Day
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Tip
7
Having
a game plan
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Tip
8
The
T is the key
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Tip
9
Looking
to attack
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Tip
10
Variations
and deception
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If
I’m travelling to an event I arrive at least a day before my
first match. Having checked all my kit before departure, I unpack
and then familiarize myself with the hotel, venue, travel times,
practice times, the courts and the match times. Then I make sure I
eat well.
Now
it’s time to switch off, stretch, watch a film and maybe get a
massage.
Generally
our matches are in the evening so there’s no rush to get up in
the mornings. If I’m playing at 9pm I may get up at midday,
practise at 2pm and relax. First I have a light breakfast and wait
for my practice. I always practice on the court I’ll be playing
on even if it means practising at strange times.
After
practice I stretch, shower, eat (lots of pasta and water), relax
and switch off. Sometimes I might have a nap.
Then
I start thinking about the match, making sure I’m alert, aware,
sprightly, heightened, but not tense. Mental preparation is
crucial.
At
the venue I sometimes watch the match before I’m on. Then I
warm-up, stretch and do some explosive bounding so that I’m
ready to play at full pace. I also do shadow work with the racket
and practice turning and jumping.
On
court in the knock-up I try to stay comfortable, hit the ball
well, see it well and feel light on my feet. I give myself
reminders by saying ‘On your toes’, ‘Keep away from the
ball’, ‘Be aware’, ‘Focus on the ball’. Sometimes I try
out different shots and angles to test my opponent a bit.
Then I’m ready
to go!
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