after a hiatus

Video Box on Playing after a hiatus

Event: You've been away a while. Its your first match back. Lets chat

Frequency/Intensity/Level of Concern

 

Emotions Triggered:

 

 

Emotions & Why They Arise

Returning after a hiatus naturally stirs a complex emotional mix:

• Excitement – the joy of being back on court, reconnecting with identity.

• Anxiety – fear of not performing at past levels, or of judgment from others.

• Frustration – when body and skills don’t respond as quickly as memory expects.

• Hope – the belief that this time can be better, wiser, more fulfilling.

• Doubt – the nagging question, “Can I still do this?”

These emotions arise because tennis touches us in many ways. It’s tied to self-worth, identity, to say nothing of our years of investment. Acknowledging and processing them through EQ practices is what allows a player to mitigate the anxiety of returning to competition.

 

 

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Awareness

Coming back successfully after time away from the court begins with awareness. Pay close attention to your inner dialogue—are you comparing yourself to your past self, are your expectations in alignment with your preparation, can we really be “match ready” without matches? Be honest about how you feel- your physical sensations, your swirling emotions, your unsteadiness at returning to play. Awareness is about acknowledging without judgment: Recognizing your insecurities helps take some of their power away. They are totally normal! 

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Regulation

Emotions swing quickly when results fall short of expectations. Regulating these emotions means setting realistic goals for each session—maybe today it’s simply finding rhythm on your forehand, not winning practice sets. Use breathing routines between points, soothing mantras to focus the mind and body language cues to stabilize your state. Regulation turns frustration into patience and prevents spirals that can damage your road back to competition.

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Perspective

Time away should provide a healthy dose of perspective if you let it. Tennis is more than just results, its about commitment, sacrifice, improvement, and playing with passion at something you love. Perspective helps you remember why you play, what the game means to you, and what you want from it now. Instead of seeing the hiatus as “lost time,” frame it as a reset, a chance to return refreshed, wiser, and more appreciative of the game you've committed your life to.

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Growth

Every comeback is an opportunity for growth. Ask: What did I learn about myself during the hiatus? What did I miss most? What habits can I build now that I didn’t have before? Growth isn’t just about fitness and technique, it’s about cultivating all the EQ skills laid out here in FBTL.  Players who come back from setbacks often return stronger and more motivated, with a renewed sense of purpose. 

Don't Call It A Comeback!!!

 

Video box of pro player cameo 

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