Why “don’t double fault” makes you double fault more

Do this quick experiment.

Take 20 seconds. During this time, don’t think about pizza. Remember, don’t think about pizza.

What did you think about? 🙂

I’m guessing your brain went straight to pizza.

Because when you tell yourself not to think about something, your brain has to picture it first, just to know what to avoid.

That’s exactly what happens on a tennis court.

“Don’t double fault.” “Don’t miss this return.” “Don’t hit it out.”

Your brain starts picturing exactly those things because it doesn’t hear the word “don’t”.

So instead of thinking about what you don’t want to do, focus on what you do want to do.

Not: “Don’t hit it out.”

But: “Heavy topspin.” “Early preparation.” “Relaxed arm.”

It takes some practice because we’re used to negative thoughts.

But the more you do it, the more automatic it becomes. 🙂