Book your tennis coach in Calgary

Improve Your Tennis in Calgary

Tennis is quickly becoming one of the more popular sports to play in Canada thanks to a new generation of young players that are representing the country in the ATP and the WTA. While hockey will likely always hold a special place in the popular consciousness when it comes to sports, tennis is appealing to more and more Canadians as players like Denis Shapovalov, Leylah Annie Fernandez, Bianca Andreescu and Felix Auger-Aliassime inspire the next generation of young athletes.

Why is tennis so appealing? From a spectator’s perspective, it is a joy to watch the game as players battle each other through a balance of mental strategy and elite athleticism. From a player’s perspective, tennis is incredibly fun while also being physically challenging. You can meet a friend to play at a neighbourhood court or join a club for social round robin events. Join classes or groups for players at different skill levels and meet new friends while enhancing your skills.

If you happen to live in Calgary, you are in one of the best places to learn the sport or enhance your tennis game. Located near the spectacular Canadian Rockies, Calgary residents are in one of the most scenic regions in Canada with plenty of opportunities for outdoor play. Worried about the long winter? No worries - indoor tennis courts make the sport playable all year round.

Let’s take a closer look at what it takes to be a good tennis player and how you can get started playing in Calgary.

What Does it Take to Play Tennis?

Tennis can be played by nearly anyone and the sport can take on different variations depending on your age, ability, and physical strengths. Typically, starting tennis requires a racket, a pair of running shoes, and a hard surface where you can practice hitting and volleying a tennis ball.

While tennis is often thought of as an elite sport, you will be surprised to know that it actually doesn’t cost much to get started. In many cases, you can find used tennis rackets for low or no cost. No tennis court nearby? An empty school tarmac, parking lot, or even your driveway and garage can be enough to practice hitting the ball.

You may feel intimidated by videos of pro players like Djokovic or Nadal hitting the ball across the courts at lightening speed. Or perhaps it is Serena Williams knocking a powerful serve across the court. No need to worry: you can start serving simply and use only as much of the court as you need to play!

What Qualities Make a Good Tennis Player?

Tennis, like any other sport, requires discipline and a commitment to training. It takes hours of practice to improve your ability to hit the ball and place it where you want, not to mention making split second decisions as the ball is headed in your direction. It also helps to be athletic, doing other forms of training such as cardio and strength training to support your game performance. Tennis requires a lot of running and movement, often in warm and sunny weather so you will want to be in good physical shape.

Should you choose to play doubles tennis, you will need to be a team player that trusts your partner and can work with them to execute your strategy and game plan. Sportsmanship and an ability to control your emotions is also important, as tennis can sometimes be frustrating if you are on the losing side or aren’t hitting the ball as you would like. However, a little passion goes a long way - just avoid smashing your racquet!

What Fitness is Required for Tennis?

Tennis is a game that is best played when you have a high level of physical fitness, though players can play at any age and level. The main thing you want is to play with others who are similarly matched so you don’t find yourself bored or exhausted from chasing the ball. Your goal as a tennis player will be to continually improve your level of fitness. This can be done through regular cardiovascular activity, stretching and Yoga, and strength training to support your playing.

How do I Become a Better Tennis Player?

Becoming a better Tennis player or learning the basics of tennis can be achieved by joining a class or hiring a private coach. There are a number of challenges with joining a class: you may find that the right class doesn’t align with your schedule, that you need a level of instruction that is more advanced than what available classes offer, or that there are simply no classes available. This is where a private tennis instructor can be extremely helpful!

A private tennis instructor can work with you at your current level, meet you at times that work for you, and give you important feedback that will help you improve your game. Finding a private instructor is incredibly easy thanks to Superprof. Superprof connects lifelong learners and instructors. You can browse profiles of different tennis instructors in your area, contact them through the site, and meet with them safely in person or simply set up a meeting to see if they will be a good fit.

Find your next private tennis instructor on Superprof today!