What is the best way to train to play tennis?

Question

I'm going to be a freshman in high school in august 18, i would like to join the tennis team but im not that much in shape. what should i do?

Answer 1

A lot of what 'Rodoflight' wrote, i definitely agree with.

I'd also add a few things, some of which can be as easily done at home as in the gym or on the court.

In addition to time on the court, do some quick sprinting. Just line up 5 to 10 balls and sprint to grab one, bring it back, sprint to get the next one and back, and so on. Time yourself to watch for improvement.

(For a serious challenge, time yourself while grabbing all of the balls on your court after you've hit/served a bunch.)

Back-court side to side shuffles - shuffling quickly in a straight line while facing the net (or a wall, or whatever) from one side of the court (or one side of a large room) to the other, is good practice for lateral movement.

Mix it up further by practicing a quick sprint forward (to the net), shuffle to the side (doubles line), and backing up quickly to the starting point.

Essentially, the quicker your footwork, and the more you bounce around and get those calf and quad muscles tighter, the better for tennis.

For arms: quickly:

i'd say push-ups are tough stuff but great. Start with a few and work yourself up to more and more every day.

If you have access to weights, do some lateral lifts (holding the weights by your side, raise your arms up till they're parallel to the ground). Also some tricep raises: hold the weight with both hands behind your head and raise it slowly above your head, making sure to keep your elbows in and  also making sure not to strain your neck.

Abs: sit-ups. Army style with two feet on the ground, or with someone sitting on them, or with them weighed down by the couch, OR up in the air, sit-ups are key to core work.

Its a lot of stuff up there but just options and ideas. Basically the quicker your feet, and the stronger your arms, the better you'll be!

Good luck! :)

Answer 2

here is two things you need to do that will help you...

try playing soccer=foot work

try a little swimming=endurance

if you dont have that much time then you should run, around the block EARLY int he morning. try not to eat meat because that how my neighbor lost weight fast. go for fruit and vegetables. LAY OFF the sugar..LAY OFF..anyways...soccer would get you good foot work but i prefer that over endurance because whats the point of having good stamina then getting to the ball like Federer O..o

and one important thing that you must do...

#1-go to clinics for private lessons and class lessons.WORK WORK WORK.

#2 as soon you get to your try outs get there earlier then usually . your coach WILL see determination and know you will kill for this( lol>.>)

#3 get the latest foot wear and racquet. it will give you the advantage on the court. dont worry about the cloths( if your school supplies them)

#4 watch tennis games . and vids on youtube it will inspire you to try even more.

Answer 3

you dont have to do much for now, all i'd say is just run, run and run some more, do some endurance training since you dont have much time, but it'll still come in very handy! good luck!

Answer 4

My best advice to you is to run and to practice. Ride your bike around town. Just get your energy level and endurance built up, and practice playing as much as possible. Just keep playing, you'll improve a lot. Work on your serve as much as you can.

Answer 5

Make sure you work on your endurance-be able to run many laps in a row (I guarantee your coach will make you). Lift weights to tone your arm muscles (please-don't do this unless someone has instructed you on how or you could hurt yourself!).

Hm, what else? Just work out so that overall you're in shape and all the excercise in conditioning doesn't shock your body. It'll be fun, but a lot of work!

Afterwards (you'll be sore) take ibuprofin and ice sore muscles. On the weekends though be sure to do SOMETHING physical.

Have fun! Tennis is awesome.

:-) Ellen