The health benefits of playing tennis: What are the pros and cons of playing tennis?

More information on playing tennis

Is tennis good for your health? Is it a good sport that’s accessible to everyone? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, you’ll find in the list below the advantages and also the problems you might encounter when playing tennis.

What is tennis?

With over a million members, tennis is the second most popular sport in France after football. Fun and accessible to all, the sport is increasingly shedding its reputation as an “elitist” sport. It can be played on grass, clay or hard court, in singles or doubles, and at any age.

The sport’s ancestor is none other than jeu de paume, played in France from the 13th century onwards. Adapted in turn by monks, students and then the nobility, jeu de paume became one of the favourite games of kings such as Henri IV and Charles IX. The game was democratised and exported across the Channel and even to the United States. Between 1858 and 1870, it was transformed into the modern game of tennis we know today.

The advantages and benefits of tennis

Tennis is a beneficial sport, both physically and mentally. It offers a number of benefits:

• Tennis helps improve cardiovascular fitness, endurance and breathing
• Tennis improves concentration, dexterity and flexibility
• Tennis strengthens muscles and provides tone and stamina
• Tennis helps you to control your emotions and develop your mind

The disadvantages and harmful effects of tennis

Tennis is a very physically demanding sport that puts the joints (ankles and knees, for example), muscles and heart to the test. To cope with the repetitive movements, it’s best to be in good physical shape and show agility and endurance. Poor physical preparation exposes players to injuries such as tendonitis, sprains, tennis elbow and back pain. There is also a risk of sunstroke. That’s why it’s vital to stay well hydrated, protect your head and play at the coolest times of the day.