Momentum: The Winning Edge in Tennis

Momentum decides tennis matches, yet it’sthe one force most players never learn to manage. This is the book – from formerLTA National Coach and Head of Coach Development Alistair Higham, and Sport PsychologistDr Ana Soares – thatchanges that.

In tennis, the scoreboard can’t be trusted. A player can be dominating from the baseline, winning point after point, onlyfor everything to unravel within minutes, with nothing changing technically. Noinjury. No bad luck. Just momentum, the hidden force that shapes every match,and the one force most players never learn to manage. Momentum is what separates the player whoknows how to win from the one who simply hopes to. It is why thebetter player doesn’t always win, and why some competitors always seem to finda way through the most challenging moments on court. Understanding andmastering momentum offers the real winning edge. In this groundbreaking book, former LTA NationalCoach and Head of Coach Development AlistairHigham, and Sport Psychologist Dr Ana Soares, combine decades of elite coachingexperience with cutting-edge research to give players and coaches a completeframework for managing match flow. Drawing on the experiences of world-rankedprofessionals, GB international players, and the latest academic findings, this book is aimed at tennis players and coaches atall levels and covers:The phases of a match – howmatches move through predictable stages and how to read the state of play inreal timeThe scoring system – how tennis’sunique structure creates pressure, opportunity, and psychological turningpointsTurning points – how toidentify, trigger, and embrace the critical moments that decide matchesTactical game management – whento stick with your game plan and when to change, and how to adapt underpressureMental skills – routines, self–talk,visualisation, attentional control, and how to find your ideal performancestate mid–matchStrategic thinking – how tozoom out, assess your options at the change of ends, and commit to cleardecisionsLearning from match to match – howto review performances and build momentum management into your long-termdevelopmentCoaching matchplay skills – includesmore than 25 practical on-court drills and exercises to develop these skills intrainingWhether you are a player trying to hold alead, stage a comeback, or finally understand why close matches keep slippingaway, or a coach looking to give your players a genuine competitive edge, Momentum:The Winning Edge in Tennis will improve the way you play every match.