It’s Wimbledon season again and that can only mean one thing: tennis fever! Every year, the sights and sounds of the world’s top players whacking a yellow ball across a net never fail to captivate the sporting world for two weeks. It may even inspire some to pick up the sport to improve their health, fitness and mobility. Well, whether you haven’t played in awhile or are a first timer looking to jump into the game, we’ve got 5 tips to help make the most of your time on court.
Tennis is a full body workout, which will challenge both your physical and mental strength. Don’t rush into swishing a racquet around without the proper techniques as that’s a surefire way to getting injured. Instead, take your time to get to know the sport and once you feel comfortable with the basic movements, then it’s time to tackle those blazing backhands, awesome aces and dizzying drop shots.
Anyone who can hold a racquet can play tennis so why not make it a team activity? Tennis is relatively accessible sport that suits many different fitness abilities. It’s also a great way to bond with friends or family while building endurance and agility. After all, sport should be fun and shouldn’t feel like a chore. Sign up for group lessons so you don’t feel alone or intimidated by what you’ll be about to learn.
If you’re serious about tennis, consider hiring a coach to help you hone your skills. A qualified instructor will teach you the right skills to get your started on the right track so that you can eventually raise your game to the next level. Look up your local clubs or community centers and consider the programs they have on offer such as social tennis activities and Cardio tennis lessons.
There have been big changes in the sport over time. Technology has seen the rise of new equipment and tennis kit essentials. Before you start hitting those groundstrokes, make sure you get a good racquet with new polyester strings strung at the right tension. Comfortable and practical tennis shoes and clothing will also come in handy when it’s time to serve up.
Be smart about how often you play tennis and don’t go too crazy. The best players often know how to balance how much to do on the court and in the gym. Complement your time playing tennis with some gym work, such as cardio and weights. This will help to build good strength in the upper and lower body – tow areas that take the most force.