Crush Clinics- but Crash in Matches? Let's Talk Imposter Syndrome

Rallies, Rackets & Recommendations: Serving up - Off the Court- Tennis Tips for Ladies Rec League Players

Why Do You Dominate in Clinics but Freeze in Matches? Let’s Talk Imposter Syndrome

If you CRUSH clinics and casual hits with friends but completely crash in matches, keep reading.

You know that feeling—just a few points in, and suddenly, your arm feels like it belongs to someone else. Your brain says, “Hit a solid forehand,” but your racket’s out here doing its own thing like it’s never met you before. And no matter what you try, nothing’s working.

What’s going on?!

Well, my tennis friend, you might be dealing with something sneaky called Imposter Syndrome—and it could be sabotaging your confidence without you even realizing it.

Wait… What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome is when you feel like a total fraud, even though you’ve got the skills to back it up. You start believing you don’t belong at this level, that you’re lucky to be here, and that any second now, your opponent will expose you as an amateur.

On the court, it looks like this:

• You see your opponent’s record and think, “Oh great, they NEVER lose.”

• They start the match with a couple of winners, and you immediately decide, “They’re way better than me.”

• Suddenly, every mistake feels like proof that you don’t belong, and boom—your confidence is out the window.

And guess what? Once your confidence crumbles, so does your game.

So, How Do You Fight Back?

Here are 3 ways to shut down Imposter Syndrome before it tanks your match:

1. Recognize It Before It Wrecks You

The first step? Call it out. If you start spiraling, saying things like, “I suck,” or, “I don’t belong here,” STOP. That’s not reality—that’s Imposter Syndrome trying to mess with you. Don’t let it win.  On the changeover take some deep breaths, and do something to break that pattern. 

2. Get Back to Your Strengths

This is where my business coaching background meets my tennis obsession. In business, I helped clients remember their strengths and how to rely on what makes them good at what they do. In tennis? Same strategy.

What’s your go-to shot? The one you know you can hit no matter what? When Imposter Syndrome starts creeping in, lean on it.

• Love your baseline game? Hang back, get into a rhythm, and find your groove.

• Feel solid at the net? Work your way forward and take control with volleys.

• Have a killer serve? Focus on hitting your best spots to boost your confidence.

The key is to play to your strengths first—confidence in one area will start spreading to the rest of your game.

Every player needs a go-to shot they can count on when things start to feel shaky. For me?

When I feel myself slipping into, “What am I even doing on this court?!” mode, I reset with what I KNOW works. And you should too!

3. Do you have a WINNING Shot? Think about it:

• Nothing boosts confidence like a bad ass winner!

When you start feeling like an imposter on the court, lean on that shot, build your confidence, and watch your game turn around.

You don't have to be great at all areas of the court. But are you working on a WINNER?  That down the line shot that stops them from poaching?  That deep back corner lob? In your clinics start working on that special winner. Nothing boosts your confidence and brings you out of your Imposter Syndromeness than a killer winner.

Not perfect yet? Just keep working on it!  But that doesn't mean don't try it. You may not hit it every time. But that one shot will feel so good and change your mindset. 

And remember—while we’re all out here trying to improve our skills, your strengths are your secret weapon. Keep them sharp, use them wisely, and Imposter Syndrome won’t stand a chance.