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Larry Hodges

Showing Frustration or Confidence

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(By Larry Hodges)

This is a simple tip. Do you think you have a better chance of winning if your opponent is confident or frustrated? You actually have some control over this. It’s simple, and it’s all about how you react when you miss shots or fall behind. Showing frustration is a good way to give your opponent confidence, and a confident player plays better. Showing confidence is a good way to give your opponent frustration, and a frustrated player plays worse. Remember this at all times. Also note that frustration leads to more poor play and more frustration, spiraling downward. Confidence leads to better play and more confidence, spiraling upward. So, next time you feel frustrated in a match, turn the tables by telling yourself you can do it, and with practice, you’ll feel confident at all times, even when you are – temporarily – playing poorly, knowing that you will get over it and will start to play well again. Remember, in any competitive match, the game is more mental than physical! (Plus, never forget that Frustration is just an anagram of Furor Taints!)

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