Tennis, the lifetime game

Author: Kari Jackson

Tennis is a great sport due to its low-impact nature and easy accessibility. Tennis courts can be found almost everywhere and it’s a great way to get outside and exercise. If you look on the courts, you can see people of all ages. As a tennis player myself, people always raved about how it’s a sport that you can play for your whole life. This is very true, and it’s an amazing way to keep your physical health intact. Bone density is known to weaken as you age, but tennis helps keep bones strong and healthy.

Along with keeping your body healthy in the long run, it is also a great way to get in some cardio. Tennis may not seem like the craziest workout at first, but if you have ever played, you will realize how intense it can become. Moving cross-court and running back and forth gets tiring after a while, and by the end of the game, you are sure to work up a sweat.

My favorite way to get a great workout is to play a singles match. You can play tennis one-on-one or as a doubles pair with two people on each team. Singles is great for getting extra cardio because you must get to the ball and account for the entire court. If I really want to up the calories, I will opt for the best of three sets using ads. Each set goes up to 8, so it can take a while to finish when playing this way. Scoring in tennis can initially seem confusing, but it's easy once you get it down. You start at 0-0, which is also referred to as love-love. The score from there goes 15, 30, 40. Once you get to 40, you can either win after the next point or play with ads. This means that you must win by two. This addition to the game can make the sets go on for longer, so you get more cardio in. If you’re competitive, it is a great way to get some passion rolling in the match.

Starting out as a beginner player can seem frustrating at first, but like everything, it just takes time. The more you play, the better you will get. Luckily, there are many resources that help players improve their tennis skills. Whether you watch form videos on YouTube or take lessons, there are great ways to improve your skillset. Tennis is great because it doesn't have to be an expensive sport. All you need is a racket and some balls, and you are good to go. Once you get more advanced, you can work your way up to the fancier gear. Court shoes are great for tennis and are highly recommended. With the back-and-forth action on the court and quick stops, it can be easy to roll an ankle. Court shoes have extra stability in the ankle area, which helps to protect you from injuries. Getting a good pair of shoes will help make tennis more enjoyable. There is also a vast array of tennis rackets you can choose from. With so many brands and weights, choosing a racket can seem overwhelming. For beginners, I would recommend getting a racket with a larger head size. With a larger surface area, it will be easier to connect with the ball.

Another great tip when starting out in tennis is to practice with drills. Trying to go straight into a match will seem overwhelming and frustrating when hitting the ball half-court rally. By playing at the half-court line, you don't have to worry about as much area, which helps you focus on the ball and where you’re hitting it. Another great drill is to set up cones and try to hit them. This is a great way to focus on consistency and get the motions down. Form is everything in tennis, and how you hold your racket for certain shots is essential. If your grip is off, it can make it more challenging to hit a good shot. By practicing with a good grip, you can ensure that when it comes to match time, you are prepared and feel comfortable with how you’re holding the racket. It can be hard to retrain your grip, but with time, it will help you in the long run. Having a proper grip can assist with obtaining more power behind your swing. Keep practicing, and you will notice your power increase.

Whether you are new to tennis or love the sport, it is always a great way to move your body and have fun. The best part about tennis is that is doesn’t have to be anything serious. The best memories are made when you are just having fun with who you’re playing with. The exercise is a great bonus to a fun and exciting game.