Stop Wasting Practice Matches: Use Them With Purpose
Most players treat practice matches like tournaments. Learn how to use them to test new tactics, build confidence, and transfer skills from drills to competition.
Key Points
Winning Doesn't Matter:
Most players focus too much on winning practice matches instead of using them to develop specific skills.
Practice Matches Are Crucial:
Competitive players should include practice matches in their weekly routine but use them with purpose.
Treat Them Like Homework:
Assign yourself or your players specific tasks (e.g., serve-and-volley on all first serves) to work on during practice matches.
Develop Under Pressure (Without Tournament Stress):
Practice matches provide a lower-pressure setting to try new tactics and build confidence without the anxiety of real tournament consequences.
Transferring Skills Takes Reps:
You can't just practice something in drills and expect it to show up in matches--practice matches are the bridge.
Be OK with Looking Experimental:
Opponents may notice you're not using your "A-game," but the goal is long-term growth, not short-term wins.
Result:
Smart use of practice matches leads to real skill transfer and confidence in applying new tools during real competition.
