7 tennis tips for beginners from top player Harriet Dart
As Wimbledon approaches, lots of new tennis players (including me) are getting ready to purchase a racket, put on their tennis clothes, and start playing on the court.
However, even though professionals make it appear simple, mastering this activity requires a significant amount of perseverance and dedication.
I had the opportunity to attend the ASICS Rally For The Mind event in Paris recently, where I witnessed talented players such as Ons Jabeur, Matteo Berrettini, Alex de Minaur, and Harriet Dart collaborating with ASICS to promote the positive effects of tennis on mental well-being.
The tennis equipment specialists from Japan have joined forces with Paris for a two-year collaboration. As part of this partnership, the brand will organize complimentary events to encourage Parisians (and visitors to the city) to take part in activities that promote their mental and physical well-being.
When I was at Rally For The Mind, I had the opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with British tennis player and ASICS athlete Harriet Dart.
Talking to Harriet about ASICS' promotion of movement as a mood enhancer, she explained, "I believe that it's crucial to get out and move, whether you're playing tennis or simply taking a stroll. Movement is essential because everyone's bodies are unique, and people find joy in different activities. Whether it's walking, tennis, Pilates, or a HIIT workout, finding something you enjoy moving is important for the positive impact it has on mental health."
She mentioned that for her, 'I always feel a lot better, even if I've been sick and stuck in bed all day. Going out for just five to ten minutes really uplifts my spirits'.
This summer, I wanted to get better at tennis and impress my friends who are good at the game. So, I reached out to Dart for some tips for beginners and she really came through for me.
Harriet Dart's 7 Tennis Tips
Warm Up Before Exercising!
Harriet stresses the significance of starting to move before stepping onto the court, as tennis requires a lot of movement and physical agility. This helps to reduce the risk of injuries and post-game soreness.
It doesn't need to be a lengthy, tedious warm-up routine. Harriet emphasizes the importance of warming up before exercising, whether it's a short jog for five minutes or some mobility exercises. The key is to get your body moving and prepare your mindset before starting your workout.
Stay Calm And Confident, Don't Let Nerves Win
Embarking on a new endeavor can be intimidating, but we all have to begin somewhere. It's crucial to learn how to control these feelings of anxiety, or else we would never muster the courage to explore unfamiliar opportunities.
I inquired with Harriet about how she handles nerves on game day. She explained that each person has their own methods for getting focused, whether it be through sports, work, or any other activity. Personally, she stressed the importance of recognizing that everyone else is likely experiencing similar feelings of anxiety.
She suggests remembering that sometimes we may overlook the fact that others might be facing similar feelings, and being able to acknowledge our own nerves while taking actions to make ourselves feel at ease.
How does she calm down her nervousness? Harriet explains that she enjoys listening to music or spending time alone or with her team. She makes sure to have positive people around her to help her stay calm.
Embrace Learning Along The Way
If you are used to being skilled in a particular sport, starting over as a beginner can be quite frustrating. Harriet wants to encourage newcomers by saying that everyone makes mistakes, even professionals. No one is perfect. It is important to be open to making mistakes and taking the wrong path in order to eventually make the right decision. So, the most important thing is to just get out there on the court and give it your all.
"Find Time To Relax In The Way That Suits You"
Everyone's idea of rest varies, and while some people find relaxation in taking a bath or watching Netflix, Harriet prefers a different approach. She admits, "I struggle to relax. I find joy in building Lego sets. It's like I'm reconnecting with my inner child."
Engaging in a mindful activity like playing with Lego, as Harriet does, is a fantastic way to redirect your attention and relax after a tough day. When working on intricate Lego sets that demand concentration, it can help you to remain in the moment and calm down when you're feeling anxious.
Leverage Your Fitness Tracker
Even though having a fitness tracker is not necessary for playing tennis, if you already own one, it can be beneficial to utilize your data to improve your game.
Harriet uses a WHOOP Band to help her and her team organize their weeks. Sometimes you might feel under the weather, but you can actually push yourself a bit more mentally. On the other hand, you may feel like you need to push harder, but it's actually a good time to take a break.
Don't Forget Off-court Training
Playing tennis involves using many muscles in your body, so it's important to incorporate additional workouts to prevent injuries and increase strength if you plan on taking the sport seriously.
Harriet suggests remembering that tennis requires many diverse movements, unlike other sports where you may focus on specific training for just one aspect. In tennis, you need to work on core strength, upper body strength, lower body strength, stability, coordination, speed, and agility.
I believe that when beginning to play tennis, it is crucial to focus on building up your core strength and stability. These elements are essential for navigating the court effectively. Having a strong base allows you to move quickly, load properly, and engage the correct muscles when going for a ball.
Avoid Sun Damage
During the summer, tennis players need to pay extra attention to protecting their skin from the sun. This involves finding a sunscreen that is effective for their specific skin type. Harriet's preferred SPF is La Roche Posay Helios, which is also a popular choice among WH readers.
La Roche Posay Helios is a gentle sunscreen with a high SPF of 50 that works well for those with sensitive skin. It is also sweat-proof, making it ideal for outdoor activities like sports.
