Everyone should be aware of the tennis safety guidelines, from beginners to professionals. Find out what they are and how to stay safe while playing.
Tennis is a well-liked racquet sport that mixes aerobic exercise with muscle-building activities. Tennis may be a pleasant sport to play with a single or several opponents in a doubles game, and it can also help you meet your daily requirements for physical activity.
Even though there is no physical contact between players, playing it can still be dangerous because both amateur and professional players frequently sustain injuries on the tennis court. Here are some helpful pointers to keep in mind to help you stay safe if you or a loved one enjoys playing tennis.
Equipment
You can play tennis safely by lowering your chance of elbow injuries and wrist or shoulder injuries as you swing by selecting the appropriate tennis racket for your ability and size. Measure from the tip of your ring finger to the center of your palm to determine the proper grip size.
If you are a novice, go with a bigger racket that will make it easier for you to strike the tennis ball without straining, and as your game develops, gradually switch to a smaller, lighter one. If you’re unfamiliar with basic tennis tactics, starting out with a racket for more advanced players could result in muscle strains.
Last but not least, pay attention to the technical aspects of your racket, such as grip size, head size, and string tension. Tennis equipment also includes the proper footwear and socks. Socks are composed of synthetic fabrics that wick away moisture and help you stay dry and blister-free.
Tennis socks contain enough padding to protect your feet’s soles and reach up to the calf to support your ankles. Tennis-specific footwear features a tread that enables you to slide across the court for a shot without picking up clay debris. Tennis shoes with additional padding protect against pounding steps and are designed for harsher court surfaces, helping prevent injuries.
Hydration
In keeping with the preceding idea, drinking plenty of water while playing tennis is crucial. It’s a really spirited game that requires a lot of physical activity and exertion, and it’s frequently played in warm environments, which might make your body lose water more quickly.
Take frequent water breaks between games and sets, and have a water bottle close by. Sweat and heat release can be influenced by a number of things, including:
- The environment impacts how well our bodies can cool themselves, including air temperature, humidity, and sunlight.
- Dark colors in clothing absorb heat, while lighter-colored clothes help to prevent heat stroke.
- Sun: prolonged, direct exposure to the sun without any cover raises your body’s internal temperature.
- Age: Children acclimate to heat more slowly than adults.
- Dehydration: If you don’t drink enough water, your body won’t be able to cool itself via perspiring.
- Pre-activity hydration is important since dehydrated athletes are more likely to get hurt during their activities.
- Apply sunscreen frequently to keep your body cool during intensely hot days.
- When changing outfits, place a cool, moist towel over your neck from a small cooler.
Weather
Tennis safety considerations include keeping an eye on the weather. On hot, muggy days, playing tennis can be dangerous if you are not properly attired or hydrated. Wear airy, moisture-wicking clothes that allow your skin to breathe. The U.S. Tennis Association advises wearing white or similar colored cotton/polyester blends to reflect sunlight.
To lessen the chance of heat exhaustion, muscle cramps, and general dehydration, drink several cups of water before playing and during breaks on the court. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, tennis sunglasses , and a cap or sun visor to shield yourself from UV radiation. On chilly days, dress for tennis in layers of light clothes that you can remove as you warm up on the court, like a shirt and a fleece jacket.
Court Condition
Take time to inspect the playing surface before beginning any tennis match to look for any other debris or minor problems that can later turn dangerous. This is particularly important while playing on public courts, as tiny rocks or even pieces of shattered glass could accidentally land on the court.
Before your match, ensure the court is free of stray tennis balls or other trash. Water bottles and sports bags should also be left outside the court. Playing on a dry court is considerably safer than on a wet one when you risk slipping and falling due to dew, rain, and other sources of moisture.
Keep to clay courts if you can, as they are easier on your feet. The lack of giving in cement, asphalt, and other hard, synthetic materials can lead to problems like shin splints.
Sunscreen
Tennis players often wear T-shirts and shorts, leaving a lot of naked flesh exposed to the sun’s UV rays. Tennis is typically played on outdoor courts as a summer sport in dry and sunny circumstances.
It’s crucial to remember that when playing tennis, you should also consider the risks of sunburns in addition to sprains and broken bones. When playing outside on a sunny day, always use sunscreen.
Warm-Up
This advice is valuable for any sport or physical activity, but it’s crucial for tennis because it’s such a physically demanding game. Before entering the court, be careful to stretch and limber up your muscles. A brief warm-up session can significantly reduce the likelihood of future muscle strains and injuries.
Technique
An excellent strategy to keep safe on the court when playing tennis is consistently practicing with proper technique. Learn the sport from a tennis coach who has experience playing it and is knowledgeable about all its facets and nuances.
Also, maintaining good form on the court will help keep you safe and injury-free and lowers the chance of overuse ailments like tennis elbow.
Injuries
Clubs should have a well-supplied first aid kit, ice packs on hand, a phone that is easy to use, and emergency contact information posted. Stop playing immediately if you’ve been hurt to limit further damage. Playing through the discomfort/pain will only exacerbate your injury.
For any injuries, get immediate medical attention or first assistance. No matter the injury’s seriousness, this is crucial for all injured players. Get professional guidance on proper taping, bracing, and rehabilitation if you frequently have injuries.
Remember
- For advice on your specific training needs, speak with a certified tennis instructor who knows the best techniques and proper form to prevent injury. Knowing how to swing the racket and move your feet the proper way can prevent common injuries such as tennis elbow.
- Be mindful of the risks of heat illness when the weather is warm. Wear a sun hat, use SPF 30 or higher, and drink lots of water.
- You are more likely to improve your performance if you don’t forget to warm up, stretch, and cool down before or after each practice or game. You are also more likely to experience muscle pain and injury without stretching your muscles.
- Stop playing if you get hurt or feel pain. Get checked out by your coach or doctor before returning to the court.
- Give yourself a break to rest between matches and practice sessions to avoid overuse injuries.
- For any injuries, seek proper medical care right away. Less time will be spent away from your sport or activity if you get treatment early.
Final Thoughts
By taking a few precautions, you can reap the health benefits of playing tennis and safely enjoy this great game, but if the right safety measures aren’t taken, any tennis game could go badly, which is in no one’s interest. Remember these suggestions, and you’ll enjoy this beautiful game for a long time.
Christoph Friedrich is a German tennis player and coach currently residing in Oakland, California. He began his tennis journey at the age of eight and has since dedicated his life to the sport. After working as a tennis coach and hitting partner in New York City for eight years, Christoph decided to share his knowledge and experience with tennis players around the world by creating the My Tennis Expert blog. His goal is to make tennis education accessible to everyone and help players select the best equipment for their game, from racquets and strings to shoes and overgrips. Christoph's extensive research and expertise in tennis technology make him a valuable resource for players of all levels.