Turning Points in a Match: The Psychology of “This Decides Everything”

Short answer: what really decides a turning point

A turning point in tennis is not a mystical “fateful score,” but the player’s ability to quickly and calmly refocus on the next ball after 2–3 key points. How a player experiences these crucial points and concentrates on the next shot determines how much a win or loss will influence the course of the match.

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Why this topic matters for players and parents

It is often noticeable that a match “breaks” right after several decisive points: for example, after a break or a saved match point. Players either relax too much or panic, and their attention “drifts” instead of being ready for the next shot.

Tennis is a game of instant switches. Shot power and technical skills are important, but the key factor is how the player manages emotions and focus during these turning moments. The ability to calmly wait for the next ball and maintain focus helps preserve rhythm and control.

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What is a turning point in tennis in simple terms

A turning point is a series of several key points after which the emotional mood and often the match score change. These can be break points, save points, or a sequence of tense points in a row. At these moments, the player is under maximum pressure, and the reaction determines how the game proceeds.

It is important to understand that a turning point is not “magic” or a mystical twist of fate. It is a skill: the ability to maintain concentration, quickly switch, and prepare for the next shot despite emotional intensity.

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Why attention “drifts” after a break or save point

After an important point, a player naturally wants to either celebrate success or process failure. This causes an emotional surge that interferes with focusing on the next ball. One can get “stuck” in the past—celebrating too early or, conversely, giving up and thinking the match is lost.

The problem is that tennis has no pauses: the ball always comes back, and the next point starts almost immediately. Without refocusing attention, the player loses control, affecting the match’s further course.

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The “the ball will come back” mindset and waiting for the next point

One of the key working principles is the mindset “the ball will come back.” This means that regardless of the last point’s outcome, you calmly and unhurriedly prepare for the next one.

This approach helps to:

• Avoid dwelling on the point just played.
• Maintain concentration despite emotions.
• Build a habit of quick switching.
• View the game as a sequence of points, not a series of dramatic events.

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Short plan: one focus on the next ball

Instead of thinking about the score or consequences, make it a rule to focus on one thing—the next ball. Here is a simple plan:

1. Take a 10–15 second pause after a key point.

2. Regain breathing and internal rhythm.

3. Recall a short internal plan: where to stand, what serve or return to choose.

4. Imagine the next shot ideomotorically—as if playing it mentally but calmly.

5. Step onto the court ready to meet the ball.

This helps avoid panic or euphoria and work step by step.

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How to train key points without panic

Training focused on turning points can include:

• Series simulating save points and break points.
• Tasks with pauses after each key point to mentally play the next shot and build a plan.
• Work with ideomotor exercises—mental repetition of movements.
• Discussion with the coach about what happened after each difficult point, analyzing without pressure or “exams.”
• Gradual increase of difficulty and emotional load.

This way, the player learns not to fear important moments but to perceive them as part of the game where one mistake is material for the next step.

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Typical mistakes at turning points

1. Celebrating a shot before the point ends. This distracts and reduces readiness for the next ball.

2. “Giving up” the match after a mistake. Worrying interferes with regaining concentration.

3. Changing the entire tactic based on emotions. Rash decisions in the heat of passion often lead to errors.

4. Shouting or arguing from the sidelines at a key moment. This increases stress and distracts.

5. Ignoring the pause and internal plan. Without a break, it is hard to quickly get back into the game.

A mindful approach to these moments helps avoid such traps.

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What to do now — a skill for the week

Try to spend 10–15 seconds after each training or match point calmly “playing” the next shot mentally. Don’t rush or judge yourself harshly; just observe yourself from the outside. Discuss with your coach or parents how this affects your game and emotions.

This small skill will gradually help you get used to switching and make turning points less stressful.

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How TS WINNER helps with turning points

At TS WINNER club format in Budva (Slovenska plaza, hotel Aleksandar), we offer training focused specifically on key points. Here you can calmly try different approaches to mental preparation, work with live coach contact, and get feedback without pressure or exams.

You can contact us via @TSWinnerbot to choose a training format tailored to your goals and get support in mastering concentration skills at turning points.

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Conclusion: a turning point is a skill of attention and expectation

A turning point in tennis is not a mystery or a verdict but a skill that can be developed. The main thing is to learn to return attention to the next ball, calmly wait for the point, and not let emotions “break” the game.

Starting gently is a real and tangible step toward better results and a healthier attitude to the match.

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What to remember

• A turning point is a series of key points where attention to the next ball matters more than the score.
• After a break or save point, it is easy to get distracted by emotions, which lowers performance.
• The “the ball will come back” mindset helps maintain concentration and readiness.
• Focus on one thing—the next ball—using a short pause and internal plan.
• Train key moments with mental rehearsals and pressure-free discussions.
• Mistakes are learning material, not a reason to panic.
• A gentle and calm approach is the most realistic next step.

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If you want to learn to handle turning points calmly and without extra stress, we invite you to train at TS WINNER in Budva. Contact us via @TSWinnerbot to find a convenient format and start practicing with experienced coaches.

Source material used to prepare this article

• ITF CSSR Vol. 25 No. 71 (2017) — The psychology of turning points in tennis — ITF Coaching & Sport Science Review, 2017.
• ITF CSSR Vol. 23 No. 67 (2015) — Psychological implications of ‘expecting the ball back’ — ITF Coaching & Sport Science Review, 2015.
• Mental preparation in tennis: ideomotor, mental, meditative training — A. V. Alekseev, 2005.

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Nataliia Nemsadze

Sport psychologist at TS WINNER tennis school · licensed coach (ATP · TSS · TSCG)