The dictionary defines discipline as “training intended to elicit a specified pattern of behavior or character; behavior that results from such training.” Therefore, having discipline in tennis means developing self-control and a certain pattern of controlled behavior while playing or practicing. For example, being a disciplined player means staying focused during practice or a match, concentrating on the task at hand and not allowing outside factors to distract you. The idea is to set a goal and stay focused only on that goal, doing whatever it takes to reach it. The more disciplined a player is, the better chances he has to reach his goals.

Discipline is developed not only from quality coaching, but also out of habit and motivation. Players must have self-motivation that leads them to focused practice that develops great practice habits. Doing this repeatedly makes players disciplined. Players cannot let a bad day or a certain shot that does not seem to be working ruin a practice session. Having discipline will help keep them focused on their training and practicing that particular shot. If discipline is not there, they may give up on practicing the shot and begin working on something else or choose to skip practice entirely. Discipline in practice leads to discipline during matches.