Tennis Health Benefits

Tennis can be a highly advantageous activity for one’s physical and mental well-being, regardless of their age. It provides the opportunity to engage in outdoor recreation with companions. The crux of the matter regarding the tennis health benefits pertains to its capacity to enhance metabolic function and aerobic potential, allowing for the reduction of body fat and the strengthening of bones and muscles. This racquet sport is a phenomenal way to alleviate stress and boost focus and engagement. It presents itself as an excellent means of physical exercise for individuals of all ages. Furthermore, it should be noted that tennis has the potential to cause harm to the body, which is why one must be cautious and maintain their fitness level, limber up their muscles, and engage in the appropriate level of tennis suited to their age and fitness level.

When you do something best in life, you don’t really want to give that up, and for me it’s tennis.

Roger Freder

How to Play to gain the Tennis Health Benefits

Tennis, a sport that can be played by a single or double player, entails the act of “holding” or “receiving”. It is an internationally and nationally recognized game, which is not limited to the male gender but is equally played by both males and females. Matches between male and females are segregated, while mixed matches occur rarely. This game of racket sport necessitates three apparatuses: a racket, a net, and a ball. Additionally, a court is required for professional matches only. Are you aware of the most fascinating aspect? You can effortlessly acquire tennis skills by perusing the ensuing points.

There’s one thing I’m really good at, and that’s hitting the ball over a net, in a box. I’m excellent.

Serena Williams

Key Points of Tennis

  • Tennis requires precision and strategy, with the aim of hitting the ball in such a way that the opponent cannot return it.
  • Practicing in various settings, such as parks or local courts, can help beginners gain experience and learn tactics.
  • Basic equipment, including a racquet and ball, is sufficient for beginners, with no need for advanced equipment.
  • Practicing the basics, such as hitting the ball against a wall, is recommended before engaging in matches against an opponent.
  • Understanding the court’s layout, rules, and scoring methods is crucial for success in tennis.
  • Comprehending the differences between forehand and backhand strokes is essential to playing the sport proficiently.
  • Remaining focused and consistent is key to playing at a high level in tennis.

Tennis Rackets

A composite structure comprised of graphite and carbon fiber materials constitutes a tennis racket. However, it is the graphite-made racket that players usually prefer due to its lightweight nature and ease of handling. The length of a standard tennis racket is approximately 27 inches, although it typically ranges between 26.5 to 29 inches. Additionally, the frame or head size of the racket typically falls between 106 to 118 square inches.

The interlaced grid that spreads throughout the frame area holds sway over your power and command. An open string mesh delivers greater power and spin to your shot, while the closed mesh provides command and small shots. The size of the grip on the racket should span between 4 to 4 5/8 inches. A commendable grip proffers greater comfort and can optimize a player’s performance. The grip is categorized into three types: semi-Western, which grants topspin and power, is favored by baseline players; Eastern grip generates flat and swift shots, recommended for those who favor attacking the net.

Continental grip is commonly used either for forehands or backhands. It offers defensive or quick shots.

Types of Rackets

In the realm of racket sports, one can generally discern among three distinct classifications of rackets:

The first is the power racket, which typically possesses a sizable head, elongated length, and a lightweight construction. This type of racket is most frequently recommended for novice players, but is also deemed suitable for accomplished athletes seeking to generate more forceful shots.

Control rackets, on the other hand, are primarily distinguished by their heftier build and more diminutive heads, rendering them better suited for individuals seeking greater command over the ball’s trajectory. These rackets are most commonly preferred by professional athletes, who possess the requisite skill and expertise to impart their own power and velocity to their shots.

Lastly, tweener rackets represent a fully balanced option that caters to athletes of all skill levels. Such rackets offer a desirable blend of both control and power, thereby rendering them an ideal choice for a broad swath of players, regardless of their degree of experience or proficiency.

Tennis Court

A tennis court is a rectangular and firm surface with a net that extends across the center of the court. The length of the court is 78 feet, while the width varies between 27 to 36 feet for both singles and doubles matches. In addition to this, there is a 21-foot service line from the net. The area beyond the sidelines and baselines measures 60 feet in width and 120 feet in length, providing ample space for players to retrieve stray balls. The court is divided into two halves by the net, and each half has a unique playing surface with distinct characteristics that contribute to the game of tennis.

One type of surface is the clay court, which is composed of crushed stones, limestone, and shale of brick. This type of court allows the ball to bounce higher, providing an advantage to players with powerful serves. While playing on a clay court, players are less likely to suffer serious injuries due to its cushioned surface. Moreover, the clay court encourages players to develop various skills. However, proper maintenance of the clay court is essential to keep its unique characteristics intact.

Grass Courts

Grass courts consist of soil that is highly compacted, enabling superior play by providing a rapid surface that results in a swift ball movement. However, this fast-paced game style comes at a cost, as the ball bounce on the grass is rather brief and shallow, posing a significant challenge for players.

Hard Courts

Hard courts consist of a rigid composition, typically clad in an acrylic coating, that affords greater uniformity in its oscillatory tendencies. It is widely acknowledged that hard courts are notably swifter than their clay court counterparts. To execute a match of the highest order, a player must be fleet of foot and possess sharp instincts in reacting to the orb.

Carpet Courts

Artificial turf filled with sand makes up carpet courts, which are replaceable. While they are commonly utilized for indoor tennis matches, they cannot serve as a permanent solution due to their unsuitability for professional games. Transitioning from carpet courts to more durable surfaces is necessary for high-level tennis competitions.

Tennis Ball

Tennis balls are typically fluorescent yellow and consist of a rubber core coated in a shell made of either wool or nylon. Their official diameter falls between 6.54 and 6.86cm, with mass varying from 50 to 59.4g. Modern tennis balls are filled with air and covered in felt, which is made of rubber. This creates a consistent bounce and slows the ball down. The added felt covering increases the ball’s durability and lifespan. Tennis balls used at higher altitudes have less initial pressure, while those used at lower altitudes have more pressure. Additionally, tennis balls are pressurized and tested for their bounce by being dropped from a height of 254cm.

Tips & Tricks for Tennis

So, you have decided to play tennis? A great decision but before you step into court, there are few things that you need to know.

I hit a ball for a living, but I have that passion to keep learning.

Maria Sharapova
  • Never focus on one stance. There are multiple times in a match where you would encounter a ball that is particularly easy to play with a different stance so you should never put all your energy in learning one stance.
  • Pick suitable gear always. Apart from physical stamina and skills, the most important thing is your gear. Emphasize on it, do your research, and pick the best suited gear for you.
  • Tennis is a game of movement. Footwork plays an important role in this game. The better your co-ordination with your feet is, swifter your movement will be and better you would be at tennis to get the tennis health benefits.
  • Learn how to serve properly. Serve is probably one of the most important points in the game. A good serve can get your opponent under pressure right from the start.
  • You are weak at groundstrokes? Does your forehand lack a punch? It is fine, everyone has a weakness. But your opponent should never learn about it. Be a guardian of your weakness!
  • The practice is the key to achieving the tennis health benefits. Always try to learn new tricks when you are practicing and master them. Better your practice is, better upper hand you will have on the opponent in the match.