Nearly anyone can play tennis. Depending on the level of competitiveness at which you want to play, training for tennis can be demanding and challenging. Competitive tennis players train daily, not only on the court but also in the weight room. Tennis players must also pay careful attention to their nutrition. Matches can last several hours and a well-balanced diet helps ensure your body provides you with the energy it needs to last.
Step 1
Take up tennis at a young age if you aim to become a competitive tennis player. Many professional tennis players start playing as early as age 6. Competitive tennis players tend to peak in ability during their late teens and 20s.
Step 2
Take private tennis lessons from a reputable and certified tennis instructor. If you're an adult and have never played tennis competitively or on a regular basis, working with a tennis coach is a good way for you to learn the fundamentals of the sport. Your coach can prepare you for matches and help you with your overall approach to training.
Step 3
Add strength and cardiovascular training to your tennis training program. Natural athletic ability can only take you so far in tennis, as with any sport. Supplement your tennis-specific training with regular anaerobic and aerobic exercise to help build your strength and cardiovascular endurance, two elements vital to tennis. Stronger muscles mean you'll be able to hit harder and faster shots, while improved aerobic fitness helps you last during long, exhausting matches.
Step 4
Combine your training program with a healthy, well-balanced diet. Much of your training is wasted if you eat the wrong foods. Incorporate foods that provide you with energy, such as fresh fruits and vegetables; build muscles and strength with foods rich in protein, such as lean cuts of meat. Cut out foods that are high in fat and sugar, and limit how much alcohol, if any, you consume. Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, before, during and after a match, as well as during your training.
Step 5
Enter competitive tournaments and play in matches to put your skills to the test. There are a variety of tennis organizations on a local, state and national levels that regularly coordinate tournaments for a range of competitive levels. For instance, joining the United States Tennis Association, the sport's governing body in the U.S., gets you access to dozens of competitive tennis events.
Step 6
Maintain a demanding training routine, even when you've begun to compete in tournaments. Schedule individual practice matches with other players who compete on your level. The best way to improve your tennis game is to practice continually.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't get discouraged if you pick up tennis when you're an adult. Though it is unlikely an adult can learn how to play tennis at a highly competitive level, natural athletic ability and dedication can take you far.
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