As we reach the coldest winter months, many tennis players start playing on indoor courts or give up the sport until spring rolls around. If you don’t have access to an indoor court just yet, here are some tips to ensure your tennis game isn’t impacted by cold weather. 

Layer Up

There is a significant change in uniform necessary when the temperature starts to drop. While you can get away with a pair of shorts and a polo in the summer, cold weather tennis requires diligent layering. Don’t make the mistake of only wearing a sweatshirt with a tank underneath, as you will go from overheated to freezing once you remove it. It’s best to wear several layers of thin clothing so that you can take them off as you warm up and avoid going from one extreme to the other. Gloves will help maintain your grip on the racquet as well as keep your hands warm. 

Stretch

Cold weather makes for tighter muscles and requires a longer warmup. The pros recommend stretching and getting your heart rate up for five to ten minutes longer than you would in the summer months. Start with some aerobic movement to get your blood flowing. After that, exercises such as power skips, jumping jacks, and toe touches will help you get ready for the hard work on the court. 

Restring Your Racquet.

Your tennis racquet also requires a few adjustments before it’s ready for winter use. The strings on a tennis racquet tend to become stiffer in the winter, therefore not generating as much power. Re-stringing your racquet at about 2 pounds lower in the winter will make the stringer a little softer and help it produce a more powerful swing. This will also reduce the likelihood of string breakage. 

Adjust Your Shot

The colder weather impacts every aspect of tennis, including the ball. As the temperature drops, the ball will lose some of its bounce. This means certain shots, such as topspins and high kick serves, will not be as effective in the winter. Since the tennis ball is moving flatter in cold weather, drop shots, slices, and flat serves will be the most effective in forcing your opponent lower to the ground. With the ball being a little flatter,  You should also make sure to aim deeper and hit harder than you usually would to prevent the ball from landing too short.

Conclusion

Cold weather doesn’t have to signal the end of outdoor tennis playing! With the right gear and knowledge, you can work on improving your game year-round. Have questions about playing tennis in the cold? Contact us today; we’d be happy to help.