This time of year I tend to plan the upcoming year tennis goals. From experience I've found that being realistic with your goal setting and creative yields the best results. Make tennis as fun as you can for yourself.
The number one area for most players at the club level (and beyond) is fitness and play management. Taking time to workout in the gym for strength and cardio will improve your on court presence, balance, and reduce injuries. Anything in this department is better than nothing. That being said, once you get in the gym, things tend to move along nicely. On days you don't feel it, go easy, or maybe hold off a day. But the next day you may have double down on the workout.
In addition to fitness and movement you should have a play schedule roughed out for each season. It might include, a clinic or practice time set up with a coach or tennis friend, a doubles time (league, contract or team). Your calendar may allow for your club's events (socials, tournaments, and events).
The average club player plays two times per week. So if you play once per week or less you probably are not a member of a club. If you play three times you are a heavy user. If you play four times, you are a tennis nut.
Most injuries occur with players who over do it or play and condition too little.
Nutrition of course, is another area to improve upon. Lately, I hear more about "eating raw." Let's keep it simple: eat raw veggies and fruit, fish, and whole grains. Tough to do. My favorite food is pizza. Dang. Anything you try to improve upon here is a major tennis achievement. Carrying extra pounds is like having a barbell on your back.
So there you have it. Get tennis fit by, eating better, getting to the gym, working on footwork, practicing once per week, playing once per week, and allowing time in your calendar for events that appeal to you. It sounds like a lot but if you do anything in those departments you will improve and enjoy the game with your friends.
Happy New Year
Kevin
The number one area for most players at the club level (and beyond) is fitness and play management. Taking time to workout in the gym for strength and cardio will improve your on court presence, balance, and reduce injuries. Anything in this department is better than nothing. That being said, once you get in the gym, things tend to move along nicely. On days you don't feel it, go easy, or maybe hold off a day. But the next day you may have double down on the workout.
Another way to improve your fitness on court is to practice proper footwork and agility on the court before you play. If you arrive to the court early you can: sidestep, carioca, side lunge, back step lunge, run and swing racket with a recovery, and stretch band exercise. When you warm-up
in this fashion you are training as wll. You are establishing your movement patterns and warming up with a purpose.In addition to fitness and movement you should have a play schedule roughed out for each season. It might include, a clinic or practice time set up with a coach or tennis friend, a doubles time (league, contract or team). Your calendar may allow for your club's events (socials, tournaments, and events).
The average club player plays two times per week. So if you play once per week or less you probably are not a member of a club. If you play three times you are a heavy user. If you play four times, you are a tennis nut.
Most injuries occur with players who over do it or play and condition too little.
Nutrition of course, is another area to improve upon. Lately, I hear more about "eating raw." Let's keep it simple: eat raw veggies and fruit, fish, and whole grains. Tough to do. My favorite food is pizza. Dang. Anything you try to improve upon here is a major tennis achievement. Carrying extra pounds is like having a barbell on your back.
So there you have it. Get tennis fit by, eating better, getting to the gym, working on footwork, practicing once per week, playing once per week, and allowing time in your calendar for events that appeal to you. It sounds like a lot but if you do anything in those departments you will improve and enjoy the game with your friends.
Happy New Year
Kevin
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