You snooze you lose?
Repetitive shoulder movements and the force and high impact of overhead strokes can cause rotator cuff injuries. It's essential to maintain sufficient strength, range of motion, and stability in the shoulder joint to avoid injury.
According to Sports Medicine Australia, five tennis injuries occur every 1,000 hours of participation, so it's important to be aware of common injuries that can occur and how to avoid them when playing a game of tennis.
Ankle sprains are the most common type of injury in tennis and typically occur due to sudden changes in direction or awkward landings.
Grass courts can become extremely slippery when wet, while clay courts can retain water, creating slick, muddy conditions. Playing in these conditions can be hazardous and may lead to injury.
In order to get the most out of your tennis matches, you'll need to diversify your activities. Weight lifting, for example, will provide you with more endurance to optimize your time on the court.
Sources: (National Geographic) (Britannica) (WebMD)
See also: Is padel the new tennis?
Whether you're new to the sport or looking to improve your skills, it's best to invest in a good quality racket and comfortable tennis shoes that provide plenty of support.
If you want to start playing tennis, it's recommended to first learn the basics, including grip, strokes, and footwork. You can do this by taking lessons from a coach or joining a local tennis club.
Tennis improves eye movement tracking and reaction times. Research shows tennis players outperform other athletes when it comes to these reflexive skills.
During a tennis match, players often hyperextend, rotate, and bend their backs in various directions. The repetitive motions can put stress on the vertebrae in the lower back and result in spondylolisthesis, a condition in which the vertebrae shifts forward.
Research shows tennis players experience lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety compared to non-players.
The sprints, jumps, pivots, and stops during a tennis match place a significant amount of strain on the knees. As a result, tennis players are susceptible to patellar tendonitis, which is the inflammation and gradual tearing of the patellar tendon.
Tennis is thought to burn between 400 and 600 calories per hour. You also build lean muscle while playing, which increases your metabolism, aiding in weight loss and helping you keep the weight off.
Tennis requires strategic planning and quick decision-making, which stimulate brain function and challenge cognitive abilities.
If you experience soreness a day or two after a match, consider massaging or foam rolling the affected muscles.
Tennis improves flexibility, balance, and range of motion, as it's necessary to reach, stretch, pivot, and decelerate while playing.
Playing tennis can contribute to stronger, thicker, and healthier bones, especially for those who start at a young age.
The high-intensity movement followed by short bouts of rest while playing tennis reduces the risk of heart disease. Playing regularly has been shown to lower the overall risk of heart disease by up to 56%.
According to the Copenhagen City Heart Study, tennis players extended their lives by 9.7 years. This compares to 4.7 years for cyclists, 3.7 years for swimmers, and 3.2 years for joggers. This improved longevity is attributed to the sport's cardiovascular and musculoskeletal advantages and social aspect.
Tennis also lowers blood pressure, improves resting heart rate, and increases healthy lipid profiles, which improve cholesterol levels.
The quick stopping, starting, and sudden changes in direction during a game of tennis require multifaceted use of the musculoskeletal system.
The frequent racket swings while playing tennis maintain and grow lean muscle mass in the shoulders and arms. The core and stabilizer muscles are also improved with the body's constant rotation and movement.
Some historians believe early versions of tennis were invented in ancient Egypt, while others think it originated in France and was played by French monks in the 11th or 12th centuries.
From social doubles to competitive singles, tennis can be played at multiple levels by anyone and everyone who can hold a racket.
The Grand Slam tournaments are the most prestigious events in tennis. They include the Australian Open, French Open (Roland-Garros), Wimbledon, and the US Open. Winning all four in a calendar year is a rare and highly prestigious achievement.
Tennis has been proven to reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes, improve coordination, increase energy levels, and strengthen the heart.
The first international team competition was the Davis Cup, officially called the International Lawn Tennis Challenge Trophy. It was donated by US doubles champion Dwight Davis in 1900.
From the personality of the players to the tension of the points, tennis matches can be thrilling to watch. But what about actually playing the sport? Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newbie, playing tennis is a fantastic way to improve your overall health. The sport offers a full-body workout that promotes strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. And best of all, it can be played at any age!
If you're curious to learn about the health benefits of tennis, click through now.
The modern form of tennis originated in England, in the late 19th century when it was known as lawn tennis.
When playing tennis, it's important to listen to your body and take regular breaks when needed. You should also ensure you stay hydrated.
Is tennis the world's healthiest sport?
Playing tennis has a host of health benefits
HEALTH Sports
From the personality of the players to the tension of the points, tennis matches can be thrilling to watch. But what about actually playing the sport? Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newbie, playing tennis is a fantastic way to improve your overall health. The sport offers a full-body workout that promotes strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. And best of all, it can be played at any age!
If you're curious to learn about the health benefits of tennis, click through now.