No open courts near your house during the global pandemic? Stuck inside because going out to hit is considered non-essential during this virus? Trust me, I know how ESSENTIAL tennis can be for your heath (both mental and physical)... especially at times like these! Follow some of these quick training guidelines to get you off the couch and away from the TV for a little bit! I promise that watching the news 24/7 is not helping at a time like this.
Above all else, practice hitting! There are plenty of options for you to just get a racquet and a ball in your hand. If you already have, or are in the market for, a red ball mini-tennis net, you have all you need to build a great base or maintain your skills while your stuck on your property. Set it up in the garage, in the driveway, on the sidewalk, or in the grass in your yard! You can't go wrong! Grab a partner and play some mini-tennis with a red foam ball; you'd be amazed at how much this can improve your game. Some of us don't have the means or the desire to go to the nearest Walmart or Dick's Sporting Goods and that doesn't mean you still can't improve your game. Take a walk outside and find a brick or concrete wall and start hitting against it (with the owner's permission of course). If you don't think it will work, just take a look at Roger Federer's training (guess what, he does it too)! Just looking for something quick to do inside and you don't feel like taking your pajamas off? Step in front of the mirror and look at your technique! Need something a little more active? Find any line and do some 30-60 second sets of line jumps! When all else fails, become a student of the game! I know you might have missed watching Indian Wells or you're sad that Wimbledon is getting canceled this year, but hop over to YouTube and watch some great matches! Just take note of player's movement. Try not to watch the ball every point and pick a pro to just watch and see their footwork, recovery, and technique; it might just be game-changing. If you're looking for a good match, I would recommend the 2008 Wimbledon Final! If anything, it will give you your fix for grass court matches in light of the news of Wimbledon today. The next time you think there's nothing to do in your house, just take a few minutes and remember that there's always time to improve your game.
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Whether you are talking a leisurely walk just to get out of your house for a few minutes or engaging in a high-intensity at home workout, cross training is essential for development in tennis. All ages and abilities will benefit from implementing cross training regiments into their tennis repertoires. With gyms across the United States providing free workout programs, finding the right form of training may be overwhelming or intimidating. Don't fret, there are many easy alternatives that can be completed in less than 30 minutes that will have a big impact on your tennis game. The most underrated form of cross training lies in flexibility and yoga. There are many Yogi's across YouTube that can guide you through beginner to advanced sessions with ease. Before you manly men turn away from this article claiming that, "yoga is not masculine," give it a try... you may never turn back! Obviously, you will not get the extreme flexibility of the top players, such as Djokovic and Nadal, in one session. However, one yoga session 3-5 times a week can prove game-changing to your tennis ability. I get it, yoga might not be your thing! If you're looking for something more exciting than watching somebody on Youtube and that will get you sweating quick, try plyometrics or jumping rope (if you have one laying around). Not only do these exercises provide great modes to increase endurance, but they increase your muscular capacity, footwork, and coordination. When all else fails and you just need to get out of the house, go for a run or dig that old bike out of your shed or garage! Sometimes nothing beats the feel of cool air rushing by you as you fly down a hill on your 6-speed bike or on foot when you just hit that runner's high! It's not a secret that tennis is a game of endurance and explosive movements, but it is often overlooked. While your stuck in your house for the next few weeks, give some of these exercise modes a try. You might just like it! If you're still one of the lucky ones that can find a court during this time, feel free to hit if you feel safe! Please leave a comment below for exercises that you're doing during this difficult time. Always stay safe and healthy!
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