These are not the same thing. Suppose it's deuce in the fifth, and you make two awkward, weak returns that hit the edge. You've won!!! You are so happy. But the shots you did were not good. You should be happy about the outcome, but unhappy with the process.

Now supposed at deuce in the fifth you pull off two very nice shots, but your opponent makes a pair of weak returns that hit the edge. You've lost!!! You are so sad. But the shots you did were good. You should be unhappy about the outcome, but happy with the process.

If you focus on the process - i.e. your actual shots - then you'll maximize your chances of getting a good outcome. So, learn to separate outcome and process. When you lose, it's fine to be unhappy with the outcome, but you'll learn more if you examine the process, see what you can learn from that, and focus on improving your process, i.e. your game. And that will lead to better and better outcomes.

Many players tend to strongly favor either offense or defense. Even at higher levels, many players are very comfortable attacking, but get uncomfortable and inconsistent when the opponent attacks first. At lower levels, it's often the reverse, where they are most comfortable pushing and blocking, and hoping the opponent misses.

One of the quickest ways to judge a player's potential is to see if they are equally comfortable attacking or defending. This doesn't mean they are equally good at both - especially at higher levels, most are better when attacking. But if a player is equally comfortable attacking or defending, and so proficient at both, he can go a long way.

So, develop a game where, while you might emphasize attacking (though some might emphasize defense), you can do either. It's not just your proficiency - it's also the attitude. If you are comfortable and confident when the opponent attacks first, then under pressure you are likely to handle his shots far better than if you are only comfortable attacking.

Learning to attack is straightforward - work with a coach and practice! Learning to defend is the same - have someone attack while you block (or whatever other defensive shots you choose) until you are so comfortable doing this that, when it's time to do it in a close match, it's second nature.

This is a simple one. When a player has a good lead or is playing a seemingly weaker player, they often play to "not lose." This means lowering their own level of play, since they are no longer doing what they normally do. They are literally abandoning whatever gave them that lead or made them the better player, and then wonder why their level drops. This probably leads to more chokes and upsets than any other single cause.

Instead, no matter the score or the opponent, play your game. Think tactically about what you need to do to win the next point, and the point after, and so on, using your game and what worked before as your reference. Perhaps put an emphasis on consistency when you have a good lead or are playing a weaker player, but only emphasize it, don't go overboard and turn into a quivering mass of passivity. Play Your Game!!!

I've written tips on attacking the middle, but it can't be overemphasized how important this is. It's likely the most under-used rallying tactic at the intermediate and even advanced intermediate level. Advanced players don't have this problem - it's usually their go-to spot. What are the advantages of attacking the middle?

• If they cover the middle with the backhand, you simply go more toward the forehand. And vice versa.
• When you go to a corner, the opponent instantly knows if he's going to play forehand or backhand. When you go to the middle, there's that split second of indecision as he decides which shot to use, leading to mistakes and fewer aggressive returns.
• Most players drill mostly from the corners, and so aren't as comfortable playing from the middle.
• You don't have to guard against an extreme angled return.

So, stop middling about and play the middle!

You've practiced, you've worked with a coach, you've done physical training, you've done mental training... you're ready for the tournament. What could go wrong? Let's see . . . the floor's slippery, so you can't move... it's humid, so the ball is sliding off the racket . . . and the only thing around to eat for lunch were hot dogs, and now you're feeling sick... AAAAAAAHHH!!!

Okay, let's calm down and make sure these things don't happen again. Here are some tips.

• Slippery floors. Make sure to have relatively new shoes before a tournament or big match if you are playing on floors that might be slippery. You might even have a brand new pair of table tennis shoes that you only use in tournaments, and put aside between tournaments so they stay relatively new and grippy. Another solution is to put a slightly wet paper towel on the floor, and step on it between rallies. Or bring a hand towel and wet it. (Bring a plastic bag to store it between matches.) This will make your shoes extra grippy, but only for a minute or so. It's a hassle but it pays off. (Top players rarely have to deal with this problem, at least in big matches, since they rarely play on slippery floors. Most big tournaments these days have special rubberized flooring with just the right amount of grippiness.)
• Humidity. Use two towels, one for you, one for the ball and racket only. The towel you use for yourself will get damp rapidly and will be useless in drying off your racket or the ball. Have extra towels to replace these when/if they get damp.
• Food & Drinks. Bring fruit, light sandwiches, and other food items that are high in carbohydrates, but not too high in sugar. Eat small amounts throughout the tournament rather than periodic large meals, although you should have a relatively large breakfast. Drinks such as Gatorade are good, but so is water. Make sure to drink fluids from the start of the tournament, not just when you are thirsty - by then, you are already dehydrated, and slightly weakened.