10 good reasons to play tennis

Tennis is a sport that can be played for life
Learning tennis at a young age gives kids a chance to learn a sport they can enjoy over a lifetime. Kids can start tennis lessons from 3 years old and there are tournaments and social competitions that cater to all age groups from 5 to 80+ years. The whole family can get involved in tennis and it’s never too late to learn how to play the game. Age, sex and race is no barrier to playing a good game of tennis!

​Tennis enhances fundamental motor skills in key areas
​Tennis involves running, jumping, striking, balancing, throwing and catching skills. On top of this it enhances spacial awareness and promotes agility and quick reflexes. There are not many other sports which involve such a comprehensive suite of Fundamental motor skills. Tennis can also enhance your child’s visual acuity as the player’s eye is constantly challenged by analysing the variety of spin, speed, heights and angles a tennis ball comes through the air.

​Increased health outcomes 
Tennis consistently comes out on top in overall health outcomes such as a recent study performed at Oxford University which showed tennis to reduce the incidence of premature death by 47%. Tennis requires explosive speed and strength (Anaerobic) but also longer term endurance (Aerobic). It’s great for strength and muscular development while also enhancing cardiovascular health. It is a low impact sport which reduces stress on joints and possibility of injury compared to other ‘high-impact’ sports such as netball or football. It is also a great mind and body workout.

​It’s fun and challenging
​Tennis involves a variety of shots to learn (e.g. groundstrokes, volleys, smash’s, and serves) It also involves a variety of spins such as topspin and slice. Learning to play the game is a constant adventure and the game is complex enough to challenge the most demanding of players but can also be played by beginners.

Improves decision making and problem skills
​Tennis is a fast paced and strategic sport which requires lightening quick decision making skills. As the player improves these have to be made under increasing amount of pressure, which develops self confidence and trust in oneself.

Tennis is popular sport all over the world
​Tennis is a popular sport in Australia and internationally. You could move almost anywhere in the world and find it is easy to meet new tennis players and get a game together. For serious players and coaches it offers a range of opportunities and has a rich international history including grand slams with millions of dollars’ worth of prize money.

Tennis can be played all year round
​Tennis is traditionally associated with summer but runs all year round meaning kids can continually build on their skills without losing momentum. Training in winter also has health benefits such as boosting the immune system and cardiovascular efficiency (your heart has to work a little harder to get the blood around the body and therefore has to be more efficient).Training in cold weather is also great for mental toughness and can give kids an edge over their competitors as well as boosting their mood.

Tennis can be played competitively or socially
​Tennis is a sport which can be enjoyed in a competitive or social environment. Not everybody is wired to be involved competitively and there are many players who enjoy the social aspect of the game. There are many pathways also available for the competitive hound.

Tennis can be both an individual or team sport
​When playing a game of tennis in a singles match you are guaranteed to be consistently involved in the game. There is also the opportunity to learn good team building skills in the doubles environment.

Tennis builds Character
​ As tennis is a sport which requires many hours to master, it requires a good work ethic, commitment, a willingness to learn from others, and an ability to bounce back from setbacks. It also rewards resilience and high levels of concentration.

As tennis great John Fitzgerald says ‘It may be the best sport we have’ 
Enroll your family into tennis today!