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5 Ways to Get Back Into Tennis After a Break

Writer's picture: Megan ButterworthMegan Butterworth

Whether you’ve taken a break due to personal reasons, busy schedules, or even injury, getting back into tennis after time away can feel challenging. However, with the right approach and mindset, returning to the sport you love can be both exciting and rewarding. If you're ready to pick up your racket again, here are five essential tips to help you get back on track and rediscover your passion for tennis!

1. Start Slowly and Set Realistic Expectations

If you've been away from tennis for a while, it’s important to ease back into it. Rushing straight into intense matches or heavy training can lead to frustration or even injury. Instead, start with lighter practice sessions and gradually increase the intensity. Begin with some basic drills, such as simple groundstrokes or volleys, to get comfortable with the rhythm of the game again.

Set realistic goals for yourself—whether it’s improving your consistency or regaining your fitness level. Remember, progress takes time, and the key is to enjoy the process rather than trying to jump back in where you left off. Celebrating small improvements will keep you motivated and help you stay patient with your return.

Pro Tip: Consider scheduling a few practice sessions with a coach to help you gauge your current skill level and get personalized advice on how to ease back into training.

2. Focus on Fitness and Conditioning

Tennis is a demanding sport that requires agility, endurance, strength, and flexibility. If you’ve been inactive for a while, your fitness level may have declined, which can affect your performance on the court. A good way to start preparing for your return to tennis is by focusing on overall fitness and conditioning.

Include a mix of aerobic exercises (such as jogging or cycling), strength training (especially for your legs and core), and flexibility exercises (like yoga or stretching routines). You can also incorporate specific tennis drills to improve footwork, agility, and reaction time. A well-rounded fitness plan will not only help you feel more confident on the court but will also reduce the risk of injury.

Pro Tip: Warm-up and stretch before every practice to prevent injuries and ease your body back into the movements required for tennis.

3. Rebuild Your Tennis Skills Gradually

One of the most challenging aspects of returning to tennis is regaining your touch and technical skills. It’s completely normal to feel a bit rusty with your strokes, footwork, and timing after a break. To get back on track, start with basic drills that focus on the fundamentals of your game. This could include working on your forehand and backhand consistency, your serve, or even your positioning.

Gradually increase the complexity of your drills as you feel more comfortable, and don’t be afraid to go back to basics. Focus on quality rather than quantity during your practice sessions. Perfecting the basics will provide a strong foundation for more advanced techniques later on.

Pro Tip: Record videos of your practice sessions to track your progress and identify areas where you may need to focus more.

4. Play with Partners of Similar or Lower Skill Levels

When you return to tennis, it’s tempting to challenge yourself by playing with stronger opponents. However, to avoid frustration and to build your confidence, it’s best to start by playing with partners who are at a similar skill level or even at a slightly lower level. This will allow you to work on your game without the pressure of playing against opponents who are too advanced for you at the moment.

Consider finding a friend or teammate to hit with regularly. If you don’t have someone to practice with, many tennis clubs (like Aceway Tennis Academy) offer group lessons or social tennis sessions where you can meet people to play with. Starting with friendly, no-pressure games will help you get comfortable with the game again.

Pro Tip: Focus on enjoying the game and building chemistry with your playing partners before worrying about winning or losing.

5. Reignite Your Passion for the Game

Getting back into tennis after a break isn’t just about physical preparation—it’s also about reigniting your passion for the sport. Remind yourself why you love tennis in the first place. Whether it’s the thrill of competition, the joy of improving your skills, or simply the satisfaction of hitting the perfect shot, reconnecting with what makes tennis enjoyable can provide a huge motivational boost.

Consider joining a tennis community or club, where you can meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for the game. Participate in local tournaments or league play to get back into the competitive spirit. Additionally, watching professional tennis tournaments or reading tennis books can help reignite your enthusiasm and inspire you to return to the court with renewed energy.

Pro Tip: Try setting both short-term and long-term goals related to your tennis performance—these goals can keep you motivated and help you track your progress along the way.

Conclusion

Getting back into tennis after a break may seem like a challenge at first, but with a positive mindset and a gradual approach, you’ll find yourself back on track in no time. By starting slow, focusing on your fitness, and reigniting your passion for the game, you can rediscover the joy of tennis and work your way back to peak form. Whether you’re hitting for fun or aiming for serious competition, there’s always room to grow, and tennis will always be there waiting for you.

So, grab your racket, get out on the court, and enjoy the process of rediscovering your love for the sport!

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