Don’t Go Into a Tournament Until You Admit You Want to Win
You signed up for a tournament.
You told everyone (including yourself), “I just want to have fun.”
…yeah, no you don’t.
Because the second the score starts counting, your heart’s racing, your mouth is dry, and suddenly this is not rec play anymore.
This week, Coach Thomas Yelloweyes breaks down the biggest mental mistake amateur players make before they ever step on the court at a tournament—and what actually separates players who compete from players who unravel.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why “I just want to have fun” is a 🚩 (and what it’s really hiding)
The real goal every tournament player has—but won’t admit
Why rec play habits fall apart the second competition starts
What the best teams are doing before the tournament that you’re not
How lack of preparation shows up immediately (and painfully)
Why your partner might not be the problem (even if it feels like it)
The concept of emotional regulation—and why it matters more than your drop shot
How pressure exposes everything happening “between the ears”
Why losing feels worse when you pretend you didn’t care
And yes… why a little anger might actually help your game
The big takeaway:
Saying “I just want to have fun” isn’t the point.
It’s the avoidance.
If you won’t admit you want to win, you won’t prepare like it matters—and it shows the second the score starts counting.
A gentle nudge for your favorite “just here for fun” tournament partner. Forward this and tell them to SUBSCRIBE.
Short, practical insights for recreational players who want answers.
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