The Play! Tennis Blog

When it comes to pursuing your passion for tennis, agility, and finesse on the court can often be marred by an opponent that's neither visible nor invited - the infamous tennis knee. This common injury among tennis players can put a dampener on game days and practice sessions, hindering footwork and ultimately your overall performance. But fear not, there is a natural solution – glucosamine supplements.

Are you one of the many tennis players who've found themselves at the mercy of a great 'pusher'—that person who seems to return every shot with a frustratingly accurate, yet seemingly effortless stroke? Fear not, for this guide is your ticket to turning the tide against the relentless and often underrated pusher!

Many beginners turn to group lessons as a starting point for learning tennis. But what can you expect from these sessions, and how do they help cultivate the skills you need to excel on the court? I'll explain the structure, the benefits, and the unique environment that makes them an ideal setting for budding professionals and casual players alike.

Every person should consider playing sports; it keeps your health in check, and it is great fun for all the people involved. What is also great is that there are many programs out there that are completely free, where you and your children can go and have fun, either by playing or watching.

Determining the ideal number of group and private tennis lessons for your child per week depends largely on their age and experience level. I will provide guidelines tailored to children within the two age groups of 4-7 and 8-13, both beginners and intermediates.

For serious tennis players, the choice of strings is as personal and significant as choosing the right racket. And like with rackets, tennis strings are varied, each promising a different set of advantages. Among the strings commonly used on today's courts, two types often stand out in players' deliberations: polyester and multifilament strings.

Tennis, often described as a "game of inches," is as much a mental sport as it is physical. From baseline rallies to intense volleys at the net, the game demands razor-sharp focus and unwavering mental resilience. Professional players consistently demonstrate their mental fortitude through structured pre-point and post-point routines that keep them at the top of their game.

Playing tennis is a thrilling experience, but it also comes with its share of challenges, including the risk of developing an injury commonly known as tennis knee. Understanding this condition can help you take the right precautions and manage it effectively.

Tennis, with its swift lateral movements and high-impact sprints, is a sport that demands much from your footwear. For the avid tennis player, the question of whether shelling out for top-of-the-line tennis shoes is worth it is more than a matter of budget — it's about maximising performance and preventing injury. But is the price tag reflective of a significant upgrade in the quality of your footwear?

The one-handed backhand for many years is arguably the most beautiful shot in the sport. It is a shot that tennis legends Rod Laver, John McEnroe, and Martina Navratilova loved. It is also the most iconic shot of Roger Federer. However, the shot is seen less as time passes.

The Head Boom Pro 2024 emerges as the latest innovation in the world of tennis rackets, promising to elevate the game of both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals. In this review, I'll explore the features, performance, and overall value of the Head Boom Pro 2024, providing insight into whether this racket deserves a spot in your tennis bag.

Tennis balls: a pivotal focus within the bustling world of sports, yet often overlooked in their humble design. What goes into making these roly-poly projectiles withstand the back-and-forth of the tennis court? Material scientists are the unsung heroes in the process, meticulously crafting the tennis ball to endure fatigue, maintain bounciness, and adhere to specific standards.

With a sport as individualised as tennis, the relationship between player and coach is pivotal. But how can you distinguish a coaching charlatan from a mentor who will genuinely invest in your progress? Here's a playbook on vetting a tennis coach:

Preparing mentally for a tennis tournament is as crucial as physical training, if not more. A player's ability to stay focused, manage stress, and maintain a positive attitude can significantly influence performance on the court. This introductory guide aims to provide strategies and insights to help tennis players mentally prepare for tournaments, ensuring they step onto the court with confidence, resilience, and a clear mindset.

Successfully returning powerful tennis serves requires a combination of anticipation, quick reflexes, and strategic positioning. This guide aims to equip players with the essential techniques and insights needed to effectively counter strong serves.

The drop volley, a nuanced and sophisticated shot in the game of tennis, presents an elegant yet deadly tactic when executed correctly. It requires a combination of touch, finesse, and timing to effectively execute the shot. In this blog, I will break down the mechanics and strategies of mastering the drop volley in tennis.

Winning a tennis match is a chess game fought on a court. Each move is a carefully calculated step to outmanoeuvre the other. Understanding your opponent, their strengths, weaknesses, and patterns, is critical to your game. It's not enough to just hit a great forehand or serve an ace; you need to anticipate your opponent's shots.

One of the fundamental skills in tennis is mastering the forehand and backhand strokes. While both are equally important, many players struggle with their backhands more than their forehands. In fact, it has been said that the backhand is one of the most difficult shots to master in tennis.

For tennis players, the interplay between power and control is the essence of the game—a delicate balance that every player must learn to handle. The choice to lean towards more power or more control is a pivotal decision that can dictate not only your playing style but also the outcome of a match.

Tennis is not just a physical game; it is also an immensely psychological one. Mental blocks can cripple even the most skilled tennis players, turning winning matches into struggles. These blocks can manifest as self-doubt, anxiety, loss of concentration, or the inability to play as well in matches as one does in practice.

If you have been diagnosed with mild scoliosis, you may wonder if this condition will affect your ability to participate in sports or physical activities. Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that can range from mild to severe. While it can cause discomfort and limited mobility for some individuals, it does not necessarily mean that you cannot play tennis.

Getting the right footwear is crucial for comfort and health, whether you’re serving on the tennis court or taking a peaceful stroll in the park. But can the shoes designed for tennis double as your go-to walking shoes?

Tennis is a sport that requires speed, agility, and precision. The ability to maintain balance is an essential component of success, and it’s not only required during the physical exertion of hitting the ball but also during the recovery process.

When watching a professional tennis match, you may notice that players often slide on the court to reach the ball. This tactic is not only aesthetically pleasing but can also be useful in certain situations. However, the question remains, should you be sliding on a tennis court?

One of the essential skills a tennis player must learn is how to hold serve consistently. Holding serve is when a player wins the game they are serving, without being broken by their opponent. In this blog post, I'll go over the key elements to holding serve in tennis.

As a tennis player, choosing the right tennis racket can have a huge impact on your performance on the court. There are many factors to consider, but one of the most important is the balance between power and control. Some players prefer the ability to hit powerful shots, while others value precise control over their shots.

Tennis is an engaging game that requires players to master different skills, serving being one of them. However, not all tennis players have the ability to serve like the professionals do, and that's okay. Overhand serving can be challenging to execute at times, especially if you are a beginner, and that's where the underhand serve comes into play.

Jannik Sinner’s career is looking extra promising as he reached a career-high ranking of world no. 4 by the end of the 2023 season, also reaching the finals at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. He has wins against the current top 3 players Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev.

Yoga, an ancient practice emphasising flexibility, strength, and mental tranquillity, has diverse applications beyond the yoga mat. One might not instantly pair yoga with the swift, energetic game of tennis, yet the two can go hand-in-hand beautifully. Here, we delve into the intriguing junction of yoga and tennis, exploring how the former can significantly enhance your skills, endurance, and performance in the latter.

Tennis players are often focused on the power and speed of their swing. One common question is whether a longer backswing can help increase power and improve their overall game. While some players may think a longer backswing is the key to success, it's important to note that a longer backswing can also lead to timing issues and slower reaction time.