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:
This week's question from Lesley:
As an improving singles player, I am now coming up against more consistent opponents. I am patient and can hit the ball back, but how do I win points? I feel like I just keep the ball in play when up against this sort of player rather than ‘going for shots.’ Therefore, I become more defensive and perhaps tentative. I recently lost a match, 0-6, 6-4, 6-7. It was really close after the first set, but my opponent had good groundstrokes, got to every ball and was consistent. I just did not know what to do.
Please share your thoughts 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 Grace
(Please note: There is no need to send additional responses to this question.)
If you play tennis first thing in the morning at 7 a.m., is it recommended to do your weight training immediately before, such as at 6:30 a.m.?
Player Responses:
Greg, Golden, Colo.:
Last April, I injured my right Achilles (I am right-handed). I lifted before I played at 7 or 8 a.m. at least once a week. After the injury, I did a fair amount of research and found that several PT's recommended not to lift before you play. Do your weight-lifting work after tennis, even on a different day from tennis. This sequence stems from the pressures that lifting exerts on the joints (shoulders, knees and elbows), the back and the strain on muscles and tendons. The nature of tennis, especially on a hard surface, will then create and compound additional stress and strain right after lifting.
Coach Kenny, Chicago:
When doing weights for tennis, you should do a lot of reps but at a lower weight than when trying to bulk up. You want to add muscle that adds quick power.
It is important to have some good stretching or yoga in training. I think it is great to run in the pool and do resistance exercises and swim. It is also key to have a strong core, meaning your stomach muscles and back muscles.
It would be nice to hire a chef, like Mardy Fish did this last year when he finished at No. 8 in the world with a more fit body! Good old push ups and sit ups are also real good.
*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.
Click here for USTA.com's Player to Player Archive.