Although I do like to coach, I really like to play racquet sports even more. And I usually enjoy competition, at least when I've had time to train.

But, what should happen to me last weekend in a doubles tournament at my local club? Complete and utter mental meltdown. By the end of the match, I felt that I couldn't hit anything properly, I didn't know where to hit, I didn't know how I could begin to play better, and I didn't know how I could be losing so badly.

That's a lot not to know!

In looking back at the match (since I analyzed the loss compulsively for at least 24 hours), I see now that the problems stemmed mostly from thinking about the wrong things during the match. In particular, I thought too much about the score (that's almost never a good idea), and I was distracted by getting hit pretty hard in the mouth by a ball. And I was also a little embarrassed because my own poor swing caused that injury and insult.

Distractions will arise in any match, however, and it's key to be able to return to your focus. Maybe it's a bit like training your baby to sleep. It's not just about your baby going to sleep. It's about your baby going back to sleep when he/she inevitably wakes in the middle of the night.

So, distractions will always arise. Getting back to your winning thoughts is how you can avoid total mental meltdown. Watch the ball. Serve to the receiver's weaker side. Get to a good court position quickly after you hit. Get your racquet ready early. Hit it where your opponent isn't, where he can't be, and where he won't be.

Now what's so hard about that?