Why Stretching Is Important When Playing Tennis

Stretching – is it important for tennis players in the UAE? Find out why stretching is important and what stretches you should be doing as part of your pre and post tennis games.
stretching for tennis players in the UAE

Tennis & Stretching - It Is Important

Article Contributor: Female Tennis Coach Lucy

Tennis is a highly demanding sport that requires players in Abu Dhabi to be in peak physical condition. It involves a lot of repetitive movements, such as hitting the ball, jumping, and moving swiftly in different directions.

These movements can put a significant strain on the muscles and joints, which can cause injury and affect performance. Therefore, incorporating stretching exercises into a tennis training regimen is essential.

Stretching can help improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and prevent the risk of injuries. Moreover, it can enhance overall performance by improving range of motion and preventing muscle soreness.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand which stretching exercises are best for tennis players and how to perform them correctly. This article will provide an in-depth explanation of why stretching is vital for tennis and how it can help players stay on top of their game in the UAE.

Table Of Contents

Is stretching important to Tennis Players?

1. Stretching Improves Flexibility

Tennis players in Abu Dhabi, or anywhere, need to be at the peak of their physical fitness to succeed in their sport. 

One way to improve this is through stretching exercises that can help increase flexibility. A regimen of stretching exercises can not only enhance a player’s mobility but also assist in reducing the risk of injuries. Flexibility training is an essential component of an athlete’s workout routine and can lead to improved balance, coordination, and overall physical performance on the court. 

Stretching can be particularly beneficial for tennis players, as their sport involves several sudden and dynamic movements that can put a strain on their joints and muscles. Therefore, incorporating stretching into their daily routine can play a vital role in ensuring their physical well-being and enabling them to perform their best on the court.

2. Reduces Risk Of Injury

Players of tennis are constantly engaged in activities that require the use of various muscles and joints, which can make them prone to developing injuries such as tennis elbow, shoulder impingement, and knee pain. Such injuries can have a negative impact on a player’s performance and overall well-being, and as such, it’s important to take adequate preventative measures.

One of the best ways to prevent injuries in tennis is by incorporating stretching exercises into your routine. Stretching enables your muscles to become more flexible and pliable, reducing their chances of developing tears or strains.

Additionally, stretching enhances the range of motion of your joints, which increases your overall flexibility and mobility while playing tennis. Therefore, it’s imperative that all tennis players in the UAE devote some time to stretching before starting any tennis activity to ensure that they can play their best and keep injuries at bay.

Lucy - Tennis Coach In Abu Dhabi

3. Enhances Performance

Stretching is an incredibly beneficial activity that can help improve your overall performance in your game-play. 

Beyond just helping with flexibility, stretching actually does much more than that. By keeping up with a regular stretching routine, you can increase blood flow to your muscles, which can help prime them for better performance overall. 

Additionally, stretching can help to reduce muscle tension, which can actually help to prevent injuries and other issues that can keep you from performing your best. 

And finally, stretching can actually help to improve joint mobility, which is key for anyone looking to excel in tennis. So whether you’re looking to boost your power, speed, or endurance on the court, regular stretching can definitely help you achieve those goals and more.

Best Stretches For Tennis

1. Hip flexor stretch: The hip flexors are important muscles for tennis players, as they help with running, jumping, and changing direction. To stretch the hip flexors, start in a lunge position with one foot forward and the other knee on the ground. Lean forward into the front knee until you feel a stretch in the hip of the back leg.

2. Hamstring stretch: The hamstrings are important muscles for tennis players, as they help with running, jumping, and lunging. To stretch the hamstrings, sit on the ground with your legs straight out in front of you. Reach forward and try to touch your toes, keeping your back straight.

3. Shoulder stretch: The shoulders are important for serving and hitting overhead shots in tennis. To stretch the shoulders, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and raise one arm above your head. Reach behind your back with the other arm and try to touch your fingertips together.

4. Quad stretch: The quads are important for running and lunging in tennis. To stretch the quads, stand with your feet hip-width apart and lift one foot up behind you. Grab your ankle with your hand and pull your heel towards your buttocks until you feel a stretch in the front of your thigh.

5. Calf stretch: The calves are important for jumping and running in tennis. To stretch the calves, stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Step one foot back and press your heel into the ground until you feel a stretch in the back of your calf.

Don't Forget Breathing

When it comes to stretching, one important factor to keep in mind is your breathing. Focusing on your breath can actually help you better perceive which parts of your body are being stretched and can prevent you from overexerting yourself and experiencing pain.

By keeping your attention on your breath and the body part you are stretching, your muscles become more limber and are better able to stretch and relax. It is also very important to avoid going beyond what your body is capable of, as this can cause overpain and even injury.

Instead, aim for a light, comfortable tenseness in the muscle you are stretching. Another key point to keep in mind is the difference between dynamic and static stretching.

Dynamic stretching is best done before any physical activity, as it involves short, swing and rotate movements to prepare the body.

On the other hand, static stretching is best reserved for after physical activity and typically involves holding a stretch for a longer duration to improve flexibility.

By understanding these principles and following a safe and effective stretching routine, you can improve your overall physical health and well-being.

In Summary.....

In conclusion, stretching is an important part of any tennis player’s training regimen. By incorporating these stretches into your pre- and post-workout routine, you can improve flexibility, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance your performance on the court. Remember to hold each stretch for at least 20-30 seconds and repeat on both sides.


1. Decrease risk of injury: Stretching before playing tennis can help to prevent injury by increasing flexibility and range of motion, which in turn reduces the risk of strains, sprains and ligament tears.

2. Improve performance: Stretching helps to improve agility and timing which are essential for success in tennis. It helps to loosen up and lengthen muscles, preparing them for the quick movements and sudden stops required during a tennis game.

3. Increase blood flow: Stretching before playing tennis helps to increase blood flow to working muscles, which helps to enhance their performance. This increased blood flow also helps to prevent muscle soreness and stiffness.

4. Mental preparation: Stretching before playing tennis also helps you mentally prepare for the game. It allows you to focus on your breathing, calm your mind and ward off pre-game jitters.

5. Cooling down: Stretching after playing tennis helps to cool down your body and prevent muscle soreness. This helps your body recover more quickly so that you can be ready to play again the following day.

PT For Tennis in Abu Dhabi - Coach Lucy

Abu Dhabi Female Tennis Coach - Lucy

Lucy started coaching children of all ages & abilities when she was just 16 years old, she worked in many clubs in Prague and pioneered many junior programs as a lead coach.

Later, she left the club and started her own successful venture where she worked alongside with physical trainers, masseurs, physiotherapists, psychologists and mental coaches.

Her experience is not only in conducting Tennis lessons, but also in organizing multi-sports events, camps, sparring sessions and training sessions in cooperation with other sports professionals.

Find the best male or female personal tennis coach in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman or RAK.

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