Improve Your Tennis Game By Running
Jeff Kazmucha
Jeff's Homepage

Running is a vital skill in most sports, and tennis is no exception. Unfortunately, trainers, coaches and most tennis players often overlook running as an important aspect of the game because it can be considered an innate skill.

However, tennis players can, and should, improve their running abilities by utilizing an effective speed development program. In tennis, mobility is crucial, but in order to have the kind of speed suitable for success, athletes must be agile enough to use that speed in every direction of movement on the court

A common mistake occurs when tennis players develop their agility and speed solely with long distance running. As a result, a number of tennis players experience leg muscle strains or seasonal injuries due to improper conditioning. A player’s leg muscles are involved in every aspect of tennis, so it is important to properly develop them. To start, tennis players must train and use proper running mechanics prior to improving and maintaining their acceleration. The following are exercises and guidelines to successfully develop speed for the tennis court:

Speed Training Exercises:
· Uphill sprinting, one to three degrees
· Wind sprints
· Stadium stair running
· Sand, snow and deep water running

Speed Training Guidelines:
· Employ maximum effort and recovery time
· Multiple sets of each exercise
· Run at maximum speed with proper mechanics
· Vary speed training with different intensities on alternating days

To continually improve on the tennis court, it is imperative for a player to enhance his/her speed training. A speed development program can improve a player’s ability to quickly adapt to running in all directions. Overall, the result of a good speed development program is a more productive season, with fewer injuries, on the way to peak tennis performance and enjoyment.