PM
SPORT
OF THE MONTH
Fitness Conditioning for Tennis
by Anthony Giorgi BHMS (Hons), (PhD)
Author of Numerous Sport Specific fitness Conditioning Articles in National and International Journals and Presenter at National and International Conferences. Fitness Consultant to Elite sports people from athletics to tennis.
Introduction
PM has now set up a strategic alliance with The Ian Malpass Tennis Squad based in East Brisbane at Heath Park. Ian is a Level 2 tennis coach who currently has in his stable a number of Australian ranked juniors, as well some of the best senior male and female open tennis players in QLD. His reputation as a coach is far reaching and this strategic alliance has now enabled his players to access the latest in conditioning for tennis.
Where to Start
The following steps need to be taken when developing a conditioning program for tennis players.
1. Medical Screening
2. Training History Questionnaire
3. Baseline Testing
4. Program Development
5. Program Demonstration
6. Supervised and Monitored Training
7. Program Review
The process above ensures that the tennis player has a program designed to work on their specific needs as well as the fitness components seen as important to tennis players. Initially programs work on improving specific weaknesses while developing general strength, stability, power, first step and acceleration speed, agility. reaction time, endurance and flexibility base. Once the required base has been established more sport specific aspects can be worked on.
Potential Areas of Concern
1. Assymetrical Muscle and Strength Development
One of the biggest weaknesses of tennis players is the development of assymetrical strength and lean body tissue. In other words many tennis players have stronger and larger muscles on their dominant or tennis hitting side. It is important to address these imbalances to reduce the potential for injuries later on in ones career.
2. Overuse Injuries
Another area of concern with tennis players is overuse injuries. In order to limit these and in some cases prevent these a well designed conditioning program needs to spend time strengthening and regenerating these areas.
Lower Back, Tennis Elbow, Knee and Ankle Injuries
Conclusion
It is very important to have your own individualized program. This ensures that the conditioning program developed adequately improves on your particular weaknesses. For a brochure about TENNIS CONDITIONING or to arrange for a consultation contact PM.
Note: As with any exercise program please consult your GP first for a medical check up to ensure you have no physical problems that may be exacerbated by exercising. If pain occurs while performing an exercise stop immediately and consult medical advice.
NEXT MONTH PM REVIEWS THE GAME OF TOUCH
Arguably Australia's number one sport based on participation. The review will focus on training to improve the speed and agility required to play the game of Touch at the highest level. At present PM is working with the NSW Northern Eagles Touch Teams and with Australian Female Player 'Kylie Lambert'.
To keep up to date with what is happening in the world of Touch go to ...