# Why You Choke in Tennis Matches (And How to Stop It) | Jeff Greenwald

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/insider-s-playbook-smart-strategies-for-competitive-senior-tennis-players-over-50-7487951/why-you-choke-in-tennis-matches-and-how-to-stop-it-jeff-greenwald
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/insider-s-playbook-smart-strategies-for-competitive-senior-tennis-players-over-50-7487951/why-you-choke-in-tennis-matches-and-how-to-stop-it-jeff-greenwald.md
Podcast: [Insider's Playbook:  Smart Strategies for Competitive Senior Tennis Players Over 50](https://stenobird.com/podcast/insider-s-playbook-smart-strategies-for-competitive-senior-tennis-players-over-50-7487951)
Published: 2026-09-01T13:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/663829e89be788631873da3d6291dd9e4461a952ff8b8babf35a02b16c07bbd0/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiI0MDRlM2ExMC1lZTcwLTRiNTItODgyMS03OGYwY2M3NmVmNDkiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiI0YmY3MzJlNC0yZWI4LTRhOWItOGJlNS0xMGQ5MjljMTNjYmEiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2ODY3Y2VhODhmNjcyZTZiZWJjZTJjYmIiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNmE5NjAxNmM3ZjkyMzk4MWQxYjE5OTcxL2luc2lkZXJzLXBsYXlib29rLWNvbXBvc2VyLm1wMyJ9.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1166

## Resource

👉 Go Deeper with Coaches and Pros Who Actually Know Senior Tennis https://www.skool.com/senior-tennis-unpacked-8081 What happens when you’re up 5-2, feeling good, and then suddenly tighten up? In this episode of Insider’s Playbook, I’m joined by mental performance coach Jeff Greenwald to talk about one of the most frustrating parts of tennis: why we choke, why we start playing not to lose, and what causes our game to break down under pressure. Jeff explains why players get trapped in self-monitoring, why trying to “fix” technique in the middle of a tight moment often makes things worse, and how to compete more freely when the score gets uncomfortable. We also talk about what to do right after a double fault, how a simple between-point routine can calm your mind, and why protecting a lead is often what causes it to disappear. If you’ve ever gotten tight on serve, lost confidence when ahead, or wondered why your game changes when the match gets close, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening and how to respond better. Key takeaways Pressure itself is not the real problem. The bigger problem is how we react to feeling pressure, tightness, or nerves After a double fault, focusing on “don’t double fault” usually creates more tension. A better response is to shift attention outward instead of inward In tight moments, players often start self-monitoring and trying to fix technique, but that usually makes the problem worse A simple between-point routine can help reset the mind, especially when it brings attention back to the body, breathing, and the ball Going into a match with a written pressure plan helps you respond better when things get uncomfortable instead of just hoping you’ll handle it well When players get ahead, they often start protecting the lea…

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