Lucky socks and four bounces: An anthropological study of ritual in tennis

Tennis, like many sports, demands high levels of performance. To ensure victory athletes try to exclude negative factors. In part this is accomplished through the medium of ritualized behavior. Within the tennis subculture there is a certain etiquette that must be maintained. By conforming to the performance of rituals prior to, during, and after a tennis match the potential for victory has been enhanced. Ritualized behavior serves to eliminate anxiety. Anxiety may lead to a loss in concentration, therefore its eradication can only benefit the player in question. Through observation of individuals within the tennis subculture, it becomes apparent that performance levels may differ depending on the ritual being performed.