The days are getting longer, the winter chill is finally lifting, and the local club courts are starting to book up fast. But if your racquets have been gathering dust in the cupboard since May, stepping straight into a competitive local comp or a heavy two-hour hitting session is a fast track to tennis elbow or a strained calf.
Returning to the court for spring requires a strategic approach to both your body and your match-play expectations. To help you shake off the winter rust safely, our Head Tennis Coach, Nectar Davos, has shared his expert advice for managing your fitness and mindset as you return to play.
Coach Nectar's Guide to Shaking Off the Rust
Start Socially
The best way to begin is by arranging some social hits with your friends in a relaxed, stress-free environment.
Pace Your Schedule
Think about starting slow. Play fewer games each week than you might if you had played all through winter; this will significantly reduce the sudden physical stress on your body.
Stick to the Basics
When approaching your game, focus on the fundamentals first. Don't rush to make your shot selection more complicated than it needs to be while you are still finding your rhythm.
Tips from the Pro Shop: Consider getting a lesson from our expert coaching panel to ensure you haven't developed any bad habits or injury-provoking techniques during your layoff. To fine-tune your form before the summer rush, call Nectar on 0404 836 647.