Panic? No way.

"I still feel panic when she starts to serve," Empress Gail admitted last Wednesday morning.

And who wouldn't!  Steely-eyed Empress Sue, whipping that yellow ball deep into a corner with pace and spin.....

But no need to panic, Empress Gail!  Your returns are improving daily!

Survey: how do you stay focused and un-panicky on the tennis court?

Ideas:  Decide where you're going to put the ball (it doesn't matter if you actually get it there in the point). Before the serve, practice a quick forehand or a backhand to be ready for either.  Rap the sweet spot of your racquet with the heel of your opposite hand.   Breathe deeply.  Say a "mantra":  "this point,"  or "attack"  or something. 

But not ALL of these together, of course!

Here are some other ideas.