Health Benefits of Playing Tennis: What Are the Pros and Cons?

More information on tennis

Is tennis good for your health? Is it a good sport for everyone? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, here’s a list of the advantages and problematics you may encounter when playing tennis.

What is tennis?

With over a million members, tennis is the second most popular sport in France after soccer. Fun and accessible to all, the sport is increasingly shedding its reputation as an “elitist” sport. Whether played on grass, clay or hard court, it can be played in singles or doubles, 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 favorite games of kings such as Henri IV and Charles IX. As the game became more democratic, it was exported across the Channel and even to the United States. Between 1858 and 1870, it was transformed into the modern game of tennis.

The advantages and health benefits of tennis

Tennis is a physically and mentally beneficial sport. It offers numerous benefits, including

• 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 control your emotions and develop your mind

Disadvantages and drawbacks of tennis

Tennis is a physically demanding sport, which puts great strain on joints (ankles and knees, for example), muscles and the heart. To cope with the repetitive movements involved, it’s best to be in good physical shape, with good agility and stamina. Poor physical preparation exposes the player to injuries such as tendonitis, sprains, tennis elbow and back pain. The player is also at risk of heatstroke. That’s why it’s important to stay well hydrated, protect your head and play at the coolest times of the day.