Benefits of Playing Tennis

Mentally 

Tennis requires a high level of mental strength. It is known to improve concentration and memory as it requires both athletic skill and strategy. You’re forced to think quickly and respond on your feet to anticipate your opponent’s next move, calculate the best response, and deliver it in a matter of seconds, building your mental strength. It also gives you an opportunity to work out the muscle tension in your body associated with stress to boost your mind and mood. Moreover, tennis can help develop tactical thinking. Since a large proponent of playing tennis involves alertness and tactical thinking to develop shot patterns, the sport can help improve or maintain brain development.

Physically 

Tennis is a unique sport, providing both aerobic (endurance) and anaerobic (fast explosive movements) training. It acts to condition our body the same way interval training would do. Tennis challenges your body. The quick movement demands of the sport burns fat, increases your heart rate and promotes higher energy levels. It also combines rigorous strength training in your legs, arms and upper back. The inherent movements in a typical tennis match tests a variety of muscles in your legs and helps to improve forearm strength, back muscles and core strength. In addition, the more tennis you play, the more you develop fine motor skills, testing your balance, speed, footwork, and hand-eye coordination through a variety of techniques and movements. 

Emotionally

Regularly playing tennis can help you overcome obstacles that you may encounter in your personal life. In recent studies, tennis scored higher in self-esteem, vigour and optimism. Endorphins (feel-good hormones) and serotonin are released when you engage in tennis rallies. Both of these are known to elevate your mood. Regular tennis gives you a physical outlet for anxiety, depression and daily worries. This enhanced physical state results in greater confidence in day to day life, improving self-confidence and resulting in a better body image.

Socially

Playing tennis helps people socialise and spend more time with others. It helps reinforce many social lessons such as patience, respect, communication and camaraderie. Whether you are playing singles or doubles, you are playing with another person. If therefore requires you to socialise with your partners or opponents. Through tennis you get to stay connected with others, meet new people and make new friends.