Players with court presence have an ‘it” factor featuring qualities often difficult to define but clearly evident when observing on how they conduct themselves on the court and how they manage the course of play. Players with court presence have proven racquet skills borne by extensive match play experience and time on the court. They have strong self-belief and sense of purpose. They maintain emotional control and are skilled at controlling time, tempo and the flow of the match. They show tremendous focus, fortitude and resiliency, employing established rituals to stay on task. They exhibit acute spatial awareness in relation to the ball and court positioning and are adept at anticipation and navigating the requirements of match play. Characteristics in more detail include:

1. Competency/Capability – Execute shot options and patterns with consistency and control over variables (spin, pace, direction, trajectory and net clearance) as required to be competitive at your level of play. Recognize how to vary and manipulate shot variables to disrupt rhythm of your opponent.
2. Self-Belief (Supported by Proven Competency)/Sense of Purpose – Self-belief can be empowering. Confidence promotes decisive action, creativity, and proactive, strategic thinking. Believe in your ability to perform at the highest level under the pressure of competition and you will achieve the best possible results. Maintain a strong sense of purpose based on a belief that what you do is important and meaningful. Play the part and project confidence even when feeling self-doubt and insecurity. “Fake it to make it.” Exhibit an assertive posture with head up, shoulders back and an erect, neutral and centered body alignment. Portray confidence by maneuvering your racquet between points, taking shadow swings and spinning, flipping and/or twirling your racquet. Utilize positive self-affirmations, self-talk and gestures including fist pumps and phrases such as “let’s go” and “come on” to also boost confidence and morale.
3. Emotional Control – Maintain an even temperament, exhibiting no signs of frustration and no over-the-top celebrations. There is often an adherence gap when it comes to emotional control, a gap between knowing and doing. Learn how to bridge the gap and stay composed even during the most difficult circumstances. Emotional control does not mean you cannot be expressive. Feel free to reveal your personality and demeanor on court whether stoic, impassioned or somewhere in between.
4. Control of Time and Tempo – Manage time and tempo to control the pace of play to your advantage. Manage recovery time by taking more or less time prior to hitting the serve and during changeovers. Take pace off the ball with spin and raise the height of the ball to slow down the pace of the rally. Play tight to the baseline and hit the ball on the rise to take time away and increase the pace of the rally. Manage and vary the pace of play (all within the rules) to disrupt the rhythm of your opponent.
5. Established Rituals – Utilize established rituals prior to serving and receiving serve and during changeovers to demonstrate match competency and experience, composure under pressure and your ability to reset after the conclusion of each point or game. Use rituals to stay on task and focus on the important small details of the game. Be deliberate and intentional, using established rituals as tools to manage the course of play.
6. Focus and fortitude – Stay in the present with a one point at a time mentality, not dwelling on past mistakes or anticipating future outcomes Maintain focus regardless of the score, situation or conditions. Be unwavering in focus and intensity, working to get to every ball and fighting to win every point. Be resilient, bold and courageous. Exhibit a strong work ethic in match play and in training (both on and off the court).
7. Spatial Awareness in Relation to the Ball – Exhibit an acute spatial awareness of your body in relation to the flight path and bounce of the ball. Master control of spacing and timing in relation to the bounce and trajectory to stay on top of the bounce (not letting the ball play you) and in turn control the pace and tempo of the rally. Know when to take the ball after the bounce and in the air before the bounce. Know how to best respond when hitting the ball in the strike zone, above the strike zone, below the strike zone, when jammed, when extended wide, when hitting the ball on the rise or when the ball is dipping. Know when and how to take the ball before the bounce with a volley, swinging volley or overhead.
8. Spatial Awareness of Your Body in Relation to your Position on the Court – Be aware of where to be on the court and what to do once you get there. Recognize how to defend when hitting from a disadvantaged position, how to transition from defense to offense and how to dictate play when hitting from a position of strength. Recognize the position of your opponent in relation to your position on the court to determine best shot options and patterns required to gain a positional advantage and take control of the point. With skillful application, command the baseline by pinning your opponent back and command the net by covering the line, cutting off angles and playing on top of the net (getting tight to the net) to finish the point.
9. Anticipation – Identify tendencies, patterns and cues to anticipate the intentions of your opponent. Factor court geometry, climatic conditions and other variables to better anticipate shot targets by your opponent.
10. Match Play Awareness – Know how and when to adjust your court strategy and playing style. Understand the relationship between risks and rewards. Know when to take chances and when to lock down and not miss. Know how to manage the score and how to play the big points.