How to Defeat Your Demons on the Court, Part II: Tanking
Tanking
Tankers are players that exhibit self-defeating behaviors like giving up or making rash decisions when they become overwhelmed by problems on the court. They often express their problems very generally. “I’m having a bad day!” “ I can’t do it!” “The problem is too hard.” “My opponent is too good!” etc. In essence, tankers blame the problem for existing or for being too difficult, which is why their efforts to solve those problems are usually insufficient or unreasonable. This is not a valid option because solving problems is a central aspect of playing tennis.
There are several reasons why players tank. Some believe that if they don’t try, they can’t fail. However, everyone knows this belief is based on an indefensible and immature premise. Ultimately, players have a moral obligation to do their best or at least to consider that winning some points is always better than winning no points.
A more genuine reason for tanking is low and mismanaged confidence. When problems feel nearly impossible to solve, the tanker feels helpless and the apparent options are to give up or act desperately. A common theme with tankers is that they only consider how they are playing in the moment. If they’re playing badly or missing a particular shot, they assume these issues will persist. However, matches ebb and flow. Many players play better at the end of a match than they do at the beginning or vice versa.
Gaining greater perspective often has more to do with physical and mental toughness than with emotional control. Tankers may become withdrawn from a match because their minds or bodies want no part in the battle. They must learn - the hard way - the value of finishing something difficult. This will help them change the semantics of their inner dialogue to see physical and mental discomfort as opportunity for growth.
Keys to Defeat Tanking
If these behaviors sound like you, consider doing the following to improve your mental game.
Make practice harder. Get tougher. Your training regiment (or life experience) may not be difficult enough. Learn to fight through adversity by making practice harder and rewarding yourself for sustaining prolonged discomfort.
Get organized. Solving problems is more difficult when the game feels chaotic and difficult to manage. Study patterns of play to help with shot selection and learn to manage your intensity to play better in key moments.
Express problems that are both specific and solvable. Complaining about a bad day is not helpful. What exactly is causing the issue, and what are you going to do about it?
Use props and journals. Many self-identified tankers have improved their mental performance by keeping notebooks and good-luck charms near them on the court. These props keep them in a positive and proactive mindset by reminding them that things can get better.
