Previous research has shown pre-performance routines have the capability of enhancing the abilities of an athlete. When used correctly, a pre-performance routine can heighten one’s concentration and improve performance consistency. Earlier research studies have looked predominantly at the performance enhancing effects of routines in the sports of golf and basketball. Additionally, the majority of these studies were not completed in a competition setting, but instead were conducted in a practice or lab setting. The purpose of the current study was to assess the relationship between a pre-performance routine and the first-serve percentage of a tennis serve, specifically among collegiate female tennis players within actual match play. Participants were recruited from the Women’s Team of a large Midwestern university. Video recording was taken during a baseline phase to account for first-serve percentage without an implemented routine and then after players have participated in a routine development intervention. The Competitive State Anxiety Scale 2- Directional (CSAI-2D) was used to examine the potential relationship between pre-performance routines and competitive anxiety. Results revealed introducing a pre-performance routine into competitive match play has the ability to increase first serve percentage; specifically the increase can be seen in the first game, on pressure points, as well as for the overall match, but gains were modest. Additionally, participants also experienced a decrease in their cognitive anxiety, decrease in somatic anxiety and an increase in their self-confidence, although these differences were very small.
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