THE IMPORTANCE OF STAYING CONNECTED THROUGH TENNIS

This post was written as of March 17, 2024

These are uncertain times for everyone. Social gatherings are being severely limited if not cancelled. Life as we knew it before COVID-19 is not likely to return to what we previously thought was “normal” for quite some time. This is an opponent the world hasn’t seen before, and it has extended its formidable reach to the world of tennis. Tournaments have been cancelled or postponed, leagues and lessons have been put on hold, and clubs and facilities have been temporarily closed. Now what?

Your safety is the most important thing, and every closing, cancellation or postponement has been done for the sake of the public good. Even if you’re feeling healthy or relatively unscathed by the Coronavirus doesn’t mean that you haven’t been exposed to it or won’t be exposed to it. In short, it doesn’t mean you’re “in the clear” and so businesses, workplaces and other places where people gather are taking an abundance of caution. The most important thing is to make sure you, your loved ones and friends are safe and doing all you can to beat this opponent.

When everyone and everything seems to shut down, the tendency is to isolate. After all, that is a main consideration given to us in promoting this concept called social distancing – as a means to minimize the spread of the virus. Tennis, however, has been and always will be an outlet for millions of people, and a social outlet at that! This website and many others tout the benefits of tennis physically, mentally and socially. The essence of the sport won’t change, and even if you are told you can’t play the sport right this minute, there are ways to stay connected. It’s so important to do so. With a lot of people in the tennis industry temporarily working from home, stay connected with your favorite clubs on social media. Check out old tennis matches on ESPN Classic. Look at tennis videos on YouTube and TennisTV. Many of you keep in touch with those in your tennis circle off the courts through texting, email and the like. It’s important to continue that. Why?

Because when there becomes more certainty about the virus and the extent of it becomes clearer, the sport of tennis will be there for you as a healthy lifestyle choice. There is even a chance the sport will be stronger as people appreciate it more than ever. So, there are things you can do in the meantime:

1)      Work on your flexibility – stretch!

2)      Continuing education – plug into the best of tennis’ social media and YouTube!

3)      Do strengthening exercises – crunches, pushups and sit-ups all get the body moving and keep you in shape when you return to the court

4)      Rest that nagging injury – the obvious thing to do!

5)      Read and meditate – tennis is a mental game. Dust off a book (recommended reading: “The Inner Game of Tennis”)

The great thing about the items on this list are that you can do them yourself or alone, and you can even do them as a family if you’re hunkered down together. Depending on where you live, you can likely get outside and take a walk or run, or visit a park as long as you’re practicing social distancing. There may even be a backboard in your neighborhood. In short, there are ways to be socially responsible and mindful of your tennis game so that you’re even better when the sport does formally return.