Special Training for Tennis Players

by tennisconsult

Today I’d like to talk about conditioning for tennis.This is an article about special training for tennis players. It is written by Diana D. Chalikov and Robert A. Walker from The Zen Tennis and Fitness Team.

The importance of cross-training and weight training for tennis players is based on maintaining balance and symmetry. There are many tennis specific exercises that increase strength in areas that will benefit your game. Without Cross-Training and Weight Training the chance of injury and setbacks are very high. Fortunately, this can be greatly reduced by regularly training your body with light weights to build strength and muscle in any weak or sensitive areas. The reality is that tennis players are rarely at 100% health, so they must develop skills to play within what their body allows in the best way possible. Players should train themselves in such a way that will enable them to make adjustments in the future as needed. Elite level tennis can be hard on your body, so it is best to take every step available to protect, preserve, and maintain good health.

Cross-training should be done in a way that gives a person time to listen to their own body. It should not be too competitive or overly intense, but rather done in a style that is calm enough for the person to feel and sense the sensations in their body and search for small refinements in their movement and weight distribution that will satisfy the demands of any weaknesses. Biofeedback is the essential aspect of cross-training.

Heart rate monitors, attention to breathing, and breathing exercises are good additions to the process. On court play demands focus on the elements of the game and competition, so all the off court work needs to be done in advance to support and keep the focus on one place.

Personal equipment, devices, and such can be used to aid a player in their off-court training. Each player has individual needs for their body, created by their unique game and style of play. Common training products may be of benefit, but it should be considered a creative process. Using stretch bands and warm-up tools are good habits to get into, as well as using mini-soccer balls to kick around using quick stepping and lateral movements. This helps inspect your body for any injury as well as warming up the muscles slowly before picking up a tennis racquet.

Remember that tennis is a high-intensity sport that places a lot of stress on your body. Take care by using correct form on and off the court. With dedication, hard work, and proper maintenance, your body will serve you well for a longer period of time.