(By Larry Hodges)

Some players get very upset with themselves when they lose a match that they think they could have won. Some don’t show it or have a frozen smile, but are just as upset or disappointed on the inside, they are just trying to be a good sport about it – but they may be just as unhappy with the result as the one who shows emotions. There’s nothing really wrong with such disappointment; true champions, and future champions, hate to lose.

But how many really do something about it? Instead of getting mad, get determined. Immediately after the match, sit down with a pad of paper or other recording device, and analyze why you lost. What techniques do you need to improve to win next time? Do this while it is fresh on your mind. If you are thinking, “I could have won except for . . .” that’s great – that’s the first step in analyzing it. Perhaps discuss the match with someone who watched it, or even the opponent.

But then do something about it. Isolate what you need to work on, and do drills that specifically address the problem. Then more game-like ones until whatever technique you had trouble with is no longer a problem.