Tennis is sometimes called ‘the sport of kings,’ and for a number of reasons – it has a centuries-long tradition, a prestigious setting, and players whose names are known all over the world. With the MultiSport card, you too can try your hand at playing on the court! How to start your adventure with this stylish sport?
Your first tennis practice – with or without a coach?
Tennis is a quite technically demanding discipline, so the first steps and services should be performed under the supervision of an experienced trainer – especially if you want to minimize the risk of such injuries as muscle overload, joint sprains or tendon strains. A good coach will correct your technical errors on an ongoing basis, make sure you develop the right habits and reflexes, and ultimately help you to take your game to the next level and get a taste of real sports competition.
[Translate to English:]
Pierwszy trening tenisa – z trenerem czy samodzielnie?
Tenis ziemny to dyscyplina dość wymagająca pod względem technicznym, dlatego pierwsze kroki i serwisy warto wykonać pod okiem doświadczonego trenera - głównie dlatego, by zminimalizować ryzyko kontuzji, takich jak przeciążenia mięśni, zwichnięcia stawów czy naciągnięcia ścięgien. Dobry trener na bieżąco skoryguje błędy techniczne, będzie czuwał nad wyrobieniem prawidłowych nawyków i odruchów, a docelowo wprowadzi Cię na wyższy poziom gry i sprawi, że poczujesz smak prawdziwej sportowej rywalizacji.
Choosing a tennis racket
Although it may not be obvious for a novice player, tennis rackets differ in terms of grip size, head size, frame shape and string pattern. Choosing the right model is essential for learning to play the game, so it is a good idea to consult your choice with your coach, and before buying your own racket, to use the equipment available for rental at your selected court.
When choosing the racket for your first tennis practice, pay attention to 3 parameters:
- weight – it should be as light as possible, up to 300 g,
- head size – the bigger it is, the more powerful the hit and the bigger the so-called sweet spot, i.e. the area that gives the maximum rebound energy,
- balance – the more flexible, the better for a beginner.
So before your first tennis practice, remember to pick a racket model with a grip that is best suited to your hand size, and if there is any discomfort – do not hesitate to try another one.
Tennis clothing and footwear
Like almost any sports activity, tennis requires a comfortable outfit and appropriate footwear. Before your first tennis practice, make sure your clothes are as close-fitting as possible and allow ventilation; they should be neither too tight, nor too loose, made of a breathable and quick-drying fabric that will not restrict your movements. If you are going to play on an outdoor court, wear light-coloured clothing that reflects sun rays and improves your thermal comfort during practice.
It is essential to choose appropriate shoes that will minimize the risk of injuries and ensure optimal grip on the surface characteristic of recreational courts (commonly called “red clay”). When starting your adventure with tennis, you do not need to invest in professional footwear right away – just make sure to wear sports shoes with a profiled outsole which offer excellent cushioning. It is also good if the upper is made of a breathable mesh that helps you maintain an optimal body temperature.
Warm up and... step onto the court!
A warm-up before exercise is essential – it is common knowledge for beginners and professional athletes alike, so before stepping onto the court for your first tennis practice, remember to warm up your muscles, and especially your joints. You can do a classic warm-up while standing or jogging: include upper body bends and twists, arm swings (preferably mimicking racket strokes), wrist rotations (a must!), and lunges. Remember that tennis engages all muscle groups and is physically demanding, so get ready for working up a sweat and tough calorie burning from the very first lesson. With the advice of a coach, you will definitely succeed, and what is more – you will probably love the sport from the very first set you play, because, like no other, it builds your physical fitness and strength of character.