On lapses of concentration. A message for chess and tennis players

Send us Fan MailMy message is for inexperienced chess and tennis players. Maybe it will be of interest to those of riper age and greater experience as well. It is an introduction to further podcasts on the subject.The advice comes partly from my own painful attempts at improving my performance in each of the two games. It’s backed up by serious research into the nature of performance and development by coaches and highflying professionals, and discussions with a few of the same.There is plenty of evidence that progress can be made by anchoring learning of some key point that in time can be added to. I offer as your first anchoring point the skill of sustaining concentration. In tennis and in chess, a momentary lapse in concentration can lead to a loss. Maybe a loss of an entire contest.So, honesty time. In tennis or chess, have you ever let your concentration slip? If you answer ‘yes’ well done. You have passed the first barrier. Only computers have no lapses of concentration, although even that might be contentious if you want to be picky about it.Now let’s take the games in turn. Although there are differences in the processes of losing concentration, they are contextual, as the efforts to remain focussed are rather similar ...Stay up-to-date with all of Tudor's podcasts, blogs and current affairs commentary by signing up to our newsletter! Email [email protected] to sign up!Follow Tudor on Twitter @TudortweetFollow Tudor's blogs:everydaycreativity.ukleaderswedeserve.wordpress.com