A dangerous mental state often arises in the absence of fear or respect, when a team is in total command of the game and on the verge of match victory.

The Illusion

Many competitors fail to realize that being close to an easy victory is actually one of the most vulnerable situations in the game. There is little additional perceived gain by winning (meets expectations), whereas losing can appear quite traumatic (far below expectations). Even slight self-satisfaction on the part of the leader combined with the gritty determination of a wounded opponent can change the match dramatically. If negative thoughts and fears of choking also intrude, expect a major turnaround.

The Agony

Players at all levels have experienced the agony and frustration of failing to put the game away. Who can forget being on a team at game point and watching the other team slowly gain point after point to challenge for the win. Applaud the other team's comeback, but you must have wondered about your own team's abilities.

The Solution

With a big lead, it is important to know how to win. The mental skills needed to close out a match need to be understood, practiced and refined over and over. With these skills firmly in place, the player will have developed the killer instinct!

Here are a few tips to help you develop the killer instinct:

1. Never become comfortable with a lead. There are no guarantees for victory. Points are often won in streaks, so you must always be wary of your opponent's ability to rally.
2. When you have a commanding lead, play mental games with yourself to avoid a letdown. Pretend that you are really several points behind and need a complete effort to even remain in the game.
3. Decreased arousal is often associated with a letdown. If you find your energy level slipping or begin to lose interest in the game, fire yourself back up to an optimal arousal level.
4. Overconfidence is another major trap leading to reduced effort and performance. Find the right mixture of poise and modesty.
5. Avoid thinking about or discussing the final score or your next game. Stay completely focused on the present and eliminate all other distractions
6. Keep the pressure on the opponent by playing well with a big lead rather than just doing what it takes to win. Your goal should be to convince your opponent that they have absolutely no chance of coming back.