Two players I coach answer a short check-in at the end of every week: did the mental training make a difference to your tennis, and what improved? Here are all of their answers, counted. No names, and no week left out.
rated better for their tennis because of the training.
Two competitive players, 18 and older. One check-in each per week, January to October 2026. Every rated week is in the count.
What the players named as improved, and in how many weeks.
From 45 weekly check-ins. Each week a player picks what improved, if anything; more than one can be named.
What changed for one player at a time.
Each card is one player. Player A's are numbers he reported himself; Player B's are what we saw together in sessions. They are examples, not averages: every player starts somewhere else and changes at his own pace.
His technique did not change. In matches his attention had moved to what the serve would do to his opponent. He brought it back to the serve itself.
Drifting still happens. What changed is how fast he notices it, and noticing is what brings him back.
Whoever he plays. His shots are not better than his opponents'. He keeps the ball in play longer because he can stay focused longer.
Mistakes still bring frustration. What changed is what he does with it: he lets it be there and refocuses on the next ball, without pretending it is not there.
Three skills, trained on purpose, the way the body is trained.
Holding attention where you choose, for as long as you choose.
Knowing what you see, hear and feel while it happens.
Letting what you feel be there without fighting it.
A few minutes of dedicated practice a day, short practices during the day, and practice inside training and matches. Read how the three skills work in tennis.
days of training logged since January
weekly check-ins on what the training did for their tennis