Whether you play tennis for fun or competitively, winter weather can put a damper on your outdoor preparations. Even if there is no snow or rain on the ground, and the courts are perfectly dry, cold temperatures don’t exactly give you the motivation to hit the courts outdoors.
Consider the many other alternate activities you can do indoors that will help you work on your tennis game without actually lifting the racquet.
- Footwork – find some space in your garage or basement and work on your footwork. There are lots of ways to get your feet moving, from jumping rope to basic hopscotch moves. You can also side step across an imaginary line, alternating on one foot going side to side. Turn on some music. Be creative.
- Weights and Resistence Bands – you can do this in the gym or at home, but if you’re not actually playing tennis, those muscles are going to go soft in no time. Keep up those bicep curls or try lunges with a heaver weight. Try to engage the major muscle groups and pay attention to the wrist, elbow, knee, ankle and core.
- Stretching – there is no better time for stretching than when you’re not actively participating in some other type of physical activity. Your muscles will thank you for stretching and you will feel better on and off the court. Remember not to bounce while in a hold position. Don’t forget to do some stretch for your neck and back too.
- Couch Surfing – you actually can work on your tennis game while relaxing on the sofa. We don’t recommend this the entire winter, but your body does need a break from time to time. Take a couple hours to watch tennis on TV, paying close attention to strategy and court positioning, or find a book about mental toughness on the tennis court.
In addition to the above, when the cold weather lets up a bit, head outside for a brisk walk, a quick bike around the neighborhood, sledding or skiing if you have snow, or hiking if you don’t.
