Preparation for Tournament

Tournament preparation is the most underrated part of the game of tennis. Many professionals have a routine that they follow before going to a tournament. This routine is of as much importance as the everyday practice the player does to become a professional tennis player.

Since all players have a coach, the game part of the preparation like sharpening the techniques, building strategies, etc is largely taken care of by them. But, certain things are neglected by young and upcoming players. This blog deals with some of those aspects which need equal consideration if not more.

So, here is a list of boxes that need to be ticked off before going for a tournament.

1. Diet : Once the player decides to go for a tournament, the diet needs to be meticulously followed as it provides the right amount of stamina and strength to the body. The body needs adequate amounts of protein and carbohydrates to function to its optimal levels. A proper diet also helps to maintain balance and helps in the repair of any damaged muscle.
2. Tennis Gear : The equipment that a player needs on-court is crucial. Hence proper care and attention are needed. For example, the racquet the player intends to use should be strung as per the requirement and have extra options in case this snaps during the game. The apparel, shoes, and grips should be chosen well in advance.
3. Physical Fitness : Apart from improving the game, the overall fitness of the player is the most important part as it enables them to put all that improvement to use. It prevents the player from having injuries like tennis elbow and other common ones the player is prone to. Dynamic stretching, cardio, and foam rolling are some of the widely followed fitness exercises by professional players before going for a tournament.
4. Hydration : On-court care is everything. A player needs to constantly hydrate and energise oneself to maintain agility and stamina. For that, the player needs to carry adequate water and other energy drinks. One needs to follow this routine even before the tournament to keep the body active and stable at the same time.
5. Mental Preparation : Mental stability of the player has a huge impact on the overall performance. Meditation, and staying positive and calm can enable the player to display their best possible game. Reaching the court arena early and practicing a few breathing techniques can help the player to maintain composure during the game.

These aspects of preparations might look insignificant but make a huge difference to your game on the court. Since it is a tournament, it is not advisable to neglect even the minutest of the details. They improve the game by many notches.

However, each player has his or her own routine and they need to figure it out at the earliest for smooth execution of it.