What should a player do after selecting an intermediate target and addressing the ball?

Using positive self-talk just prior to hitting the shot is a valuable practice for players because it helps to reinforce a confident mindset and enhances focus. This mental strategy can reduce anxiety and bolster confidence, providing the player with the mental clarity needed to execute the shot effectively.

When players engage in positive self-talk, they are essentially encouraging themselves and reinforcing their intention to hit the shot successfully. This form of self-affirmation can combat negative thoughts or doubts that may arise, allowing the player to concentrate better on the execution of the swing.

In contrast, while taking a deep breath can help in relaxing the body, it does not actively reinforce the player's mental state as positively as self-talk does. Visualizing the ball's flight path is a useful technique often used earlier in the process of shot preparation, but it typically occurs before addressing the ball rather than just before swinging. Lastly, focusing on the crowd’s expectations can introduce unnecessary pressure and distraction, negatively impacting performance instead of promoting a positive mindset.