Real Tennis Players - Like You! - Asking For, and Offering, Advice on the Sport They Love
Player to Player is USTA.com’s regular feature in which everyday tennis players are given a forum to ask advice on the sport they love – and their fellow players will dish out advice. We’ll post a number of the best responses we receive to our question of the week. PLAYER TO PLAYER DOESN'T WORK WITHOUT YOUR QUESTIONS, so please send any queries you’d like answered, or responses to other players' questions, to Player@USTA.com.
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SEND YOUR TIPS TODAY This week's question from Ariana: | "I am 11, and I'm a ZAT [beginning] player in Texas. How do I handle a player who constantly questions your shot, calls her own shots out and won't stop taunting?" | | Please share your thoughts with Ariana by e-mailing Player@USTA.com and include your name and hometown. Got a question of your own? Send that along, too! | |
READ OTHER PLAYERS' ADVICE
Last week’s question from Ian:
(Please note: There's no need to send additional responses to this question)
"I'm a men's 3.5 player, and I just began playing in local tournaments. I'm just wondering what I'm supposed to be eating before a match and how long before a match I should eat. Thanks!"
PLAYER RESPONSES:
From Kai, Lake Balboa, CA:
Food is fuel for any athlete. Just like the quality of fuel determines how well a car runs, the type of food you choose to eat prior to a match will determine how well you perform. That being said, you want to concentrate on healthy carbohydrates for your immediate energy source. Have some whole wheat pasta with veggies if it's dinner time, or if you just need a snack prior to a match, try a healthy energy bar like a Clif Bar. They have over 40 grams of carbs. And don't worry about weight gain because if you're playing a competitive match, you'll burn it all off and then some.
As far as the time element, wait at least a half hour after eating a heavy meal to start playing. It varies from person to person – some may need more like an hour – but the general rule of thumb is one-half hour. If you're just snacking, 15 minutes should suffice, and it might also be a great idea to keep energy bars and bananas or oranges on hand to give you an added boost during your match. And most importantly, stay well-hydrated!
Make sure to follow up your match by eating some healthy protein. You've got to jump start those muscles into repair.
Hope this helps!
From Kenny S., Los Angeles, CA:
The night before, load up on carbs because they will work for your body well the next day and give you a pre-match sleep.
Before the match, water, proteins, a burger without the bread, cucumbers… and please don't use any human growth hormones. I have been in the game for years – never went that way, never will.
Train, be fit, be ready before you want to be a winner and a real good tennis player. But carbs the night before, and proteins, fluids. Gatorade, I like. Sharapova seems to have a drink every time her dad makes a hand gesture.
OK, go improve your game, 3.5 to a 4.0. Study the strokes, the movement, the pure toughness it takes to be a great tennis player, singles and doubles!
From Coach Poppie, Palm Bay, FL:
Ian, there are many views on this subject. “No Mass NO Mass” are the words of the Hands of Stone against Sugar Ray. Obviously, eating a large meal before any strenuous activity is not wise. Generally, an hour is sufficient. However, know your body; it will tell you when.
It is my belief that maintaining a daily nutritional regiment of the three basic food groups is important. Two days prior to a match, load up on whole wheat carbs. More important is fluids. You must stay hydrated. Drink at lease 80 ounces of water throughout the day. If you must drink power drinks, such as Gatorade, etc., cut them by three parts water. Eat small amounts of fruit on your changeovers, and drink throughout the match.
Stay away from alcohol, caffeine (coffee, tea, soft drinks, etc.). If you are taking a prescribed diuretic, drink even more water.
These should be a daily routine for most active tennis players. Match day has its own problems. Why add to them with a change in diet?
Live to play, eat to live. Enjoy.
From Karl K., Greene, NY:
About an hour and a half to two hours before a match, I eat a banana, a PBJ on whole wheat, and I drink a glass of milk. I don't know what a nutritionist would say about that, but it's worked well for me.
*Please note that any advice given out in this forum should in no way be confused with actual medical advice. Before starting any new exercise regimen or altering your existing one, we strongly urge you to consult with your regular physician.
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