Yoga

There are many conditions familiar to tennis players that can be remedied with yoga practice. Tennis elbow, aching back, weak footwork and an inability to focus are all problems that a steady yoga practice can remedy. More and more excellent tennis players are using yoga to improve their flexibility, strength, breathing, power, mind control and they are using yoga to help prevent injuries.

One of the first benefits of yoga most tennis players think of is flexibility. Flexible muscles are less prone to injury and you can get better extension. Flexibility is very important to tennis players because it can increase your reach and allow you to turn your back to the ball better.
Here is a simple yoga inspired move for you to try before you play tennis. Stand one arm’s length away from the fence and place your hands on the fence at eye level palms in. Bend at the elbows and line your arms up so that your forearms are parallel. With your heel still touching the ground, put the weight of your foot on the fence. Draw your shoulder blades in and look at your hands. Also, draw your right hip backwards and rest your weight into your hips. Keep your eyes on your fingers and walk your hands higher for a deeper stretch. The stretch should be felt in your right hamstring and calf. Hold this pose for a count of five to ten breaths and then switch sides.
Yoga practice will provide you with the power you need to keep your knees bent during a match and will ensure that your strokes are strong. Chair pose will help build power in a tennis player’s legs, back and arms all at the same time. It also provides additional flexibility in the back and shoulders.

To do chair pose you should place your feet and knees together and as you inhale, bend at your knees while reaching towards the sky with your hands apart. While you are dropping your shoulders down, join your palms together and look up toward your fingers. When you release the position exhale and let your body fall over your legs; then stand up and gently shake your upper body.

To play a good game of tennis, you need to have good balance. When you are able to maintain good posture there is no shot that can compromise your balance. The tree pose in yoga can strengthen your core and leg muscles and will help improve your balance. Tree pose is done by bringing one foot up to the opposite knee and opening up your raised leg while your foot rests on the inside of the opposite thigh. You should keep your torso straight and your pelvis lifted. When you inhale raise your arms and hold the pose for 10 breaths.

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