Establishing Dominance

By Allen Fox, Ph.D.

A closely fought tennis match is a not just a physical battle. It is a struggle of will, mental strength, and character. It is a pervasive personal and emotional contest in which one player ends up on top (at least figuratively) of the other. And one powerful tool that players use to help win these matches is to establish dominance.

What is meant by "dominance?" It is the feeling that inferior players get when they face better players. High ranking or successful players have a way of making their opponents feel weak and ineffectual.

For example, in addition to his game, Roger Federer's simple presence across the net is intimidating. Federer does not just overpower opponents physically.

Psychological weapons a good addition to physical weapons.

He dominates them mentally, and as a consequence, they miss shots against him that they routinely make against other people. They are more likely than normal to become nervous against him or to become discouraged when they get behind.

This psychological weaponry is a handy addition to his arsenal of shots when it comes to conserving energy while winning lots of tournaments. It just makes his job easier, as it can yours in competitive matches.

How does one establish this dominance? You start by recognizing that all of your actions, not just your forehands and backhands, have an effect on your opponent's mental state. Since human beings are a social species, they instinctively react emotionally to the way other people treat them.

For example, if you show that you fear them, they feel strong; if you dismiss their efforts, they feel weak. And they communicate much of this by gesture and body language. So if you appear strong, confident, and impervious, your opponent will tend to feel weak and ineffectual.

Serene and unresponsive on court.

On Court Persona

Along this line, much of Federer's psychological dominance comes from the way he carries himself on court -- erect, confident, and, to all appearances, unresponsive to his opponent's winners or his own errors.

You can do the same. If your opponent hits a great shot, appear to take no notice. Simply walk back into position as you always do -- head up, steady stride, under control, and looking like you are confident, have a plan, and know exactly what you are doing. This is a dominant attitude.

If you make an error, no matter how egregious, act as if nothing at all happened. Just go about your business and ready yourself to play the next point. Realize that displays of frustration, anger, or discouragement are signs of weakness that serve only to strengthen your opponent -- the emotional equivalent of giving him backrubs on changeovers.

If you are moaning and groaning when things are going against you, expect your opponent to fight you to the bitter end. These are submissive gestures, not actions of a dominant competitor, so lose them.

Pacing

Another method of establishing dominance is to control the pace of the match. Even if you are behind in the score, you can still dominate the match pace. Between points you deliberately walk into position at your own pace, taking no notice of your opponent.

If it is slower than your opponent wishes, make him wait; if it is faster, make him feel rushed. You don't do this outside of any written or unwritten rules. You are not trying to be irritating. You are merely determined to play at your own, dominant pace.

Dominant players impose their force of personality on the opponent.

Strategy

Finally, you can dominate with your match strategy. Having a clear game plan and purpose rather than randomly hitting balls into whatever opening may be at hand is intimidating. It indicates that you think you have found a weakness and intend to exploit it.

Thoughtful, purposeful people frighten uncertain people (which are most people). Resist ever allowing your opponent to think that you fear any part of his game.

For example, if you serve into your opponent's forehand and he hits a great return, don't be hesitant about serving immediately to it again, indicating that you were not impressed. (Later, after he misses one, you may decide that the shot is indeed dangerous and largely choose to serve elsewhere, but don't let him feel like he has bullied you.)

If you play a long baseline point and he outsteadies you, don't immediately begin to hit harder or rush the net. Go right back at him and force him to do it again (and, maybe, again). After you win one of these long points you can then decide to adjust your strategy, but you don't want him to feel that you have conceded this part of the field to him. Dominant players move because they choose to move, not because their opponents make them.

Acting in these ways imposes your will and force of personality upon your opponent. It is an unpleasant and heavy burden and your opponent, even though he may be technically better than you, will often falter under it.