Summer Tennis Training Tips
TIP 1: During the summer months it can be tough to stay hydrated. Some of the first signs of dehydration are headaches and fatigue and that’s the last thing you need during a tennis match. Not to mention cramping and heat exhaustion. Here are a few things you can do to stay hydrated throughout your match.
- Drink plenty of water at least 24 hours before your match or tournament.
- Drink a sports drink with plenty of electrolytes at least an hour before you play.
- If it is particularly hot out, a little extra table salt on your meals can replenish lost electrolytes and help you avoid cramping.
- Make sure you drink enough water on changeovers and try to avoid sports drinks with too much sugar or corn syrup. These tend to bring your energy up fast and drop it even faster. You can dilute them, with half water and half sports drink for a more even energy boost.
- Take care of your body. Give it the nutrients it needs to compete. Multi vitamins and immune boosting supplements can go a long way for optimal performance.
TIP 2: Tennis is hard enough as it is so there is no excuse for poor equipment especially in hot weather. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard, my grip was slipping, my strings were too loose, I forgot my towel, I brought the wrong shoes, the sun was in my eyes, I didn’t have any wrist bands. No excuses! Here is a list of must haves for your tennis bag:
- Towel
- Change of shirt
- Band aids
- Sports drink
- Water
- Extra over grips
- At least two rackets
- Sunscreen
- Hat or visor
- Wrist bands
- And most important, a copy of Tennis Guru: Re-Strung in 24 Hours
TIP 3: A fighter’s attitude can be one of your biggest weapons on a hot day. If you step on the court with the attitude that you will do whatever it takes to win (with the exception of cheating) then you are way ahead of the game. Letting your opponent know that you are willing to stay out on the hot court all day can break their spirit. Find your opponent’s weakness and pick on it as much as possible. And whatever you do, don’t give up - avoid hearing the fat lady sing at all costs!
