Many tennis players follow rituals and superstitions, such as bouncing the ball a set number of times before serving, asking for the same ball after winning a point, avoiding stepping on the lines between points, arranging drink bottles the same way at changeovers or wearing the same clothes during a winning streak. Some of these habits are pure superstition, but others work as useful pre-point routines that help players stay calm, control their pace and focus on the next point. The key is to keep rituals short, within the rules on time between points, and flexible enough that they do not cause stress when something changes. This guide lists common tennis superstitions, explains why rituals can help, separates useful routines from unhelpful ones and shows how to build a simple routine of your own.
Rulebook note: Rituals must fit within the rules on time between points and at changeovers, which are set by the ITF Rules of Tennis and by the regulations of tours, federations and individual events. Many professional events use a serve clock, and time limits and penalties vary by competition. Check the current rules for your event.
Common tennis superstitions and rituals
| Ritual | What players do | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ball bounce count | Bounce the ball the same number of times before each serve | Routine |
| Winning ball | Ask for the same ball that won the previous point | Superstition |
| Line avoidance | Step over court lines between points | Superstition |
| Lucky clothes | Repeat an outfit or accessory during a winning run | Superstition |
| Bottle arrangement | Line up drink bottles the same way at changeovers | Superstition or focus aid |
| String adjustment | Straighten strings or adjust the racquet between points | Routine |
| Towel between points | Towel off after each point, where allowed | Routine |
| Pre-match habits | Eat the same meal or practice at the same time before matches | Routine |
Superstition or routine?
It helps to separate superstitions from routines. A superstition is a belief that an action influences luck or results even though there is no direct connection, such as wearing lucky socks. A routine is a set of consistent actions that help a player prepare physically and mentally, such as bouncing the ball, taking a breath and picking a target before serving. Many rituals mix both. Routines tend to be useful because they create consistency and focus. Superstitions can feel comforting, but they can also create anxiety if something disrupts them, such as losing a lucky item or being asked to use a different ball.
Why rituals can help
Tennis has a lot of time between points, and what players do in that time affects how they play the next point. Pre-performance routines are widely used and studied in sport psychology, and they are generally thought to help players manage nerves, stay in the present and perform skills more consistently. In tennis, rituals can create a familiar pattern under pressure, control the pace between points, help block out distractions and noise, provide a moment to reset after mistakes and cue the player to think about tactics for the next point. Superstitions may also give some players a sense of control and confidence, even if the action itself has no effect on the result.
When rituals become a problem
Rituals become unhelpful when they take too long, cause anxiety or distract from the match. Long routines can lead to time violations under the event’s rules. Rigid superstitions can create stress if something goes wrong, such as a lucky item being forgotten, and players may start believing they cannot play well without them. Rituals that involve repeated checking or arranging can also pull attention away from tactics. If a ritual starts to feel compulsory or causes distress, it may be worth simplifying it or talking with a coach or sport psychologist.
Step-by-step: building a useful between-point routine
- Physical response: After the point, turn away from the net and walk back, letting go of the result.
- Relaxation: Take a slow breath, adjust your strings or towel off if allowed.
- Preparation: Think about the score and choose a simple plan for the next point, such as a serve target.
- Ritual: Use a consistent action, such as bouncing the ball a set number of times before serving or a split step and bounce on the toes before returning.
- Commit: Focus on the target and play the point.
- Practice the routine in training so it feels natural in matches.
- Keep it within the time limit set by the rules.
Using rituals at changeovers
Changeovers are another natural time for routines. Players often sit, drink, eat a snack if needed, towel off and review their game plan. Some players arrange bottles or equipment in a particular way to create a calm, familiar moment. A useful changeover routine includes a short reflection on what is working, one tactical adjustment if needed and a reset before walking back to the court. Keep it within the time allowed under the event’s rules.
Superstitions in the wider tennis world
Superstitions are not limited to players. Coaches, parents and fans often have their own habits, such as sitting in the same seat, wearing the same shirt to watch a match or avoiding mentioning a winning streak. These habits are part of the culture of many sports and can add to the fun of following a player or team. Media coverage of professional tennis has also made some player rituals widely recognizable, which may encourage younger players to copy them. The best approach is to understand the purpose behind a ritual. If a habit helps a player feel calm and focused within the rules, it can be a useful part of their game. If it creates stress, delays play or distracts from the task, it is better to simplify it.
How to adapt when a ritual is disrupted
Matches rarely go exactly as planned. The ball you wanted may be out of play, conditions may change or a lucky item may be missing. Players who rely on flexible routines rather than rigid superstitions handle these situations better. Practice small variations in training, such as serving with different balls or changing the order of your changeover steps, so disruption feels normal. Remind yourself that your preparation, not the ritual, is what produces good tennis.
Rituals for juniors and club players
Juniors and club players can benefit from simple routines as much as experienced players. Coaches can teach a short between-point routine early, such as turning away, breathing and choosing a plan, so it becomes a habit. It is best to encourage routines that players control and that work anywhere, rather than superstitions tied to lucky items. Players should also learn that performance comes from preparation and practice, not from luck, which helps build lasting confidence.
Common mistakes
- Routines that are too long and risk time violations.
- Relying on lucky items that can be lost or forgotten.
- Changing routines in the middle of a match under pressure.
- Never practicing the routine in training.
- Rituals that distract from tactics and focus.
- Letting a broken superstition affect confidence.
- Copying another player’s ritual without adapting it to yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Why do tennis players bounce the ball before serving?
Bouncing the ball creates a consistent rhythm, helps players relax and gives them a moment to focus on the serve target. It is a common pre-serve routine.
Are tennis superstitions helpful?
Routines that improve focus and consistency can be helpful. Superstitions tied to luck may comfort some players but can cause stress if disrupted.
Why do players ask for the same ball after winning a point?
It is often a superstition linked to the previous success, although some players also prefer a ball with a certain feel.
