Watching the ball and reading the next task
F IN FORGE
FFocus
Put your attention on what matters and return quickly when it moves away.
Notice | Choose | Return
WHAT IT CAN LOOK LIKE
Noticing a wandering mind without getting stuck
Returning after a mistake, call, noise or score thought
WATCH IT IN A CHAMPION
Novak Djokovic
At the 2019 Wimbledon final, Djokovic saved two championship points and stayed with the next playable moment.
Return to the next ball.Sporting examples are editorial and do not imply participation in or endorsement of SportsSignum.NOW SPOT YOUR MOMENT
Ari’s match
Ari misses an easy ball, hears someone in the crowd and begins replaying the miss. The next serve arrives before Ari has chosen a return target.
The problem is not the first distraction. The useful skill is noticing it and returning before the next action.SEE THE SKILL IN THREE MOMENTS
Turn the moment into an action.
Competition momentWhat shows upUseful response
After a double faultMind goes to the last serveTurn away, exhale, look at the strings and choose the next serve target.
Crowd noiseEyes move toward the standsSay “ball”, return your eyes to the opponent and split step.
Leading late in a setMind jumps to winningName the next-point pattern and watch the ball.
MAKE IT SPECIFIC
A useful action can be seen and repeated.
TOO VAGUE
I need to concentrate harder.
USEFUL
When I notice the score in my head during a rally, I will say “ball” and return my eyes to contact.
TRY IT ON COURT
Next Point Reset
Build a short action that brings you back after disruption.
WORKBOOK EXERCISE
Unlock the full practice routine.
Get the step-by-step exercise, reflection prompts and four-week training plan in the Mental Toughness Workbook.
Get the full exercise in the workbook →Understand it. Practise it. Review it.
Choose one action and test it during practice before adding more.
Discover your FORGE profile →Explore the Mental Toughness Workbook →