Strength
What is strength training?
Strength training uses the principle of progressive overload to force the body (muscles, bones, tendons, etc.) to adapt in order to be able to produce and resist greater forces.
What are the benefits of strength training?
Strength training for tennis can help prevent injuries and enable an athlete to perform at a higher level on court.
Court Conditioning
How many days should I train on my fitness?
I believe that doing something active everyday is beneficial. There is no magic number on how many days an athlete should train. I would suggest participating in a program that will incorporate strength training and overall conditioning.
Should I take a day off?
Yes, I recommend taking a day off, but on the day off go for a casual walk around the block to keep the blood flowing and the muscles working.
What should I do if I suspect an injury?
Wait and see if it lingers. For the first few days I would take anti-flammatories 3 times a day, ice, and rest.
Flexibility
Why do I need to stretch?
It enables a person to perform at an optimal level, reduces the risk of injuries, and enables a person to be properly warmed up.
Some people say sleep is so important, why is that?
Sleep is vital for success. One should attempt to sleep 8 hours per night in order to reach their maximum athletic potential. Insufficient sleep will lead to fatigue, burnout, and laziness.
Nutrition
What should I eat before I play?
Turkey or grilled chicken sandwich with mustard, apple, saltine crackers, banana, energy bar, 8 oz. of Gatorade.
What should I eat after a match?
Eat carbohydrates within 30 minutes of completion of the match and a protein source within 2 hours.
