Great tennis is absolutely a product of your skill, but it’s more than that. It’s also a product of your pre-match preparation, and if you typically put less into the pre-match than you do into the game play itself, it may be time to rethink that equation. A good pre-match routine can help you focus and physically prepare. Not sure what a solid pre-match looks like? Consider this routine.

1. Make sure you have at least eight hours of rest before a match. Ensure you’re awake at least two hours before match play begins.

2. Drink plenty of water or sports drinks loaded with electrolytes before the match. Your goal should be about 1.5 liters.

3. Have something to eat. You want to choose foods with good protein content, like yogurt, as well as fruit and carbohydrates to keep you fueled through the match. You may, however, want to avoid milk, cheese, and dishes with lots of sugar. Be sure to pack a bit of extra fuel in your bag to consume during the match. Often amateur players don’t consume enough to keep their energy up, so think about packing extra water or a protein bar to eat while you’re actually on the court.

4. Warm up for about a half hour before you actually step onto the court. The goal here is not just to get your muscles warm and your blood moving, but also to go through specific plays and situations in your head before you actually face an opponent.

5. Just before your match, spend about fifteen minutes without distraction. Listen to music alone in a quiet, cool place that can help you get your mind in gear for the match. As you do so, mentally visualize the match that you’ll be playing shortly, and think about how to handle any adverse situations you might encounter.

6. Right before the match, physically and mentally activate your body. Focus on your goals, then do about five minutes of sprints, quick feet, and racquet shadowing so you’re ready to hit the court the moment that it’s time to do so.

A match can be won or lost well before it’s played, and the right routine could help you take that next match.