Malhar Mali — Evidence-Based Tennis Coaching

Instead of “I should win,” we should reframe it to, “I’m going to focus on performance goals and executing my game plan.” Ditto for whenever we’re thinking, “I can’t win.”

Against higher-ranked opponents, the tendency is to mentally check out and just go through the motions without competing well.

Our aim is to recognize and challenge these thoughts.

I’ve coached players who’ve struggled with “should statements” and I’ve struggled with them myself.

I know from personal experience and also working with these players that there’s a tendency to play tight and tense against players who are “weaker.”

Your lack of confidence will likely lead to a lack of effort and a self-fulfilling prophecy.

"What’s the point… he’s too good. At least I can play in the consolation draw…."

Flip side, if you convince yourself that you can’t win against a higher-ranked opponent, you’re already defeated before you step on the court. Players are drawn against someone who is ranked higher and suddenly that thought enters their minds: “I shouldn’t win this.”

Your framing is that Jimmy has no business taking a set off you or even beating you… all of a sudden he’s up a set and a break.

How do you react?

Imagine you go into a match thinking you should beat Jimmy because he's only been playing half as long as you. Unbeknownst to you, Jimmy’s been training 3x a week and also has a specific gym program which has resulted in some cat-like volleys when he approaches the net.

Instead of focusing on your strategy and adapting to the ebbs and flows of the match, you become consumed with frustration if things don’t go to plan.

This kind of mindset can then lead to tight, hesitant play—exactly the opposite of what you need to perform well.

I "should" win this 🎾 match. I "shouldn't" win this match."

Not really. Thinking this way is an issue.

“Should statements” set strong expectations for what is about to happen.

For example, when you enter a match thinking you should win, every mistake you make feels magnified.

This is cool.

Mate, tell me about it! Wild!

The Australian Open is on! Where is the Aus Open content?!

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FAA is pumping it up! I don't wanna jinx it.... but would love to see some solid play this year from him.

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You'll get better focus and a more automatic performance.

Which goal will you focus on next time?

Give me a follow if this is helpful!

Key takeaway:

Before your next match, set a simple process goal.

Example: “crosscourt on groundstrokes. Approach net if short. ”

Here's a bonus tip: play at least 3x practice matches with this simple goal in mind before your *real* matches.

Watch your performance skyrocket.

It's fascinating how elite athletes use all 3 types of goals:

- Outcome goals (e.g., win tournament) = Motivation.
- Performance goals (e.g., Unforced errors < 5) = Benchmark.
- Process goals (e.g., targeting deep) = Execution under pressure.

Kingston and Hardy (1997) showed that process goals enhance focus, reduce anxiety, and improve performance. Decades of other research also backs this up.

By focusing on what you want to do in the moment, you can avoid distractions and play with intention.

Stay process-oriented.

Option B (crosscourt on every ball) is the best.

This is a process goal—focused entirely on what you can control in the moment, like targets and placement.

Process goals help you stay grounded in execution, reducing anxiety, and improving focus.

Option C (keep unforced errors below 5) is a performance goal.

It’s measurable and gives you a benchmark for success.

While better than an outcome goal, performance goals still shift some focus away from the present moment and rely on achieving a numerical target.

You'd be surprised how many players pick Option A (Win at all costs).

This is an outcome goal—focused on the result.

While it’s motivating, outcome goals can increase pressure and stress because winning depends on factors you can’t fully control, like your opponent’s skill.

You’re about to play a match.

You can focus on one of these 3 goals:

A) Win at all costs.
B) Crosscourt on every ball.
C) Keep unforced errors below 5.

Which is best for performance?

Decades of sports psychology research show one as the winner.

Answer in thread. Don’t cheat.

This is because they understood that there was always room for continuous refinement and skill-building.

So instead of looking for a guru to save you—search for that guide on the side.

They also usually have a track record of developing players, where they can show that player A came in at level X and after three years left at level Y.

Keep in mind that even players who dominated for long periods—think of Agassi, Federer, Justine-Henin, etc.—kept a coach as a guide on the side.

They just need to grab you by your shoulders, look deep into your eyes for 10 seconds, and mutter some gobbledegook and you’ll be saved!

Great coaches understand complex ideas, can explain them simply, and understand how the player’s hard work is what makes the difference in the long run.

Are you looking for a guru tennis coach to save you?

In pedagogy, there is the idea of the sage on the stage vs. the guide on the side. It’s a similar concept in tennis teaching.

So many club & rec players think that a guru coach is all that’s missing to transform their game.

Don't be like Steven. But then again—is it really his fault? His parents and coaches have let him down.

Have a long-term, mastery orientation.

Juniors, ask yourself this: "What kind of tennis player do I want to be when I'm 21?"

It’s a rude awakening, and suddenly, the medals on his dresser start gathering dust.

As the years go by, no new trophies join the collection.

As he moves up in age and his peers grow stronger, taller, and more skilled, Steven starts losing to players who punish his high, weak balls. It becomes harder to lob a kid who’s 5’11” as opposed to one who’s 4’11”.

This doesn’t set him up for long-term success. It sets him up for a plateau.

How you play—especially in the most stressful moments—is what you make automatic.

Steven’s reliance on pushing and lobbing works perfectly—until one day, it doesn’t.