Safe Tennis Tips

Here's how you can safely enjoy the many physical and mental benefits of tennis, all while staying six feet apart from other players.

Tips for Returning Safely to the Tennis Courts

As courts across the country start to slowly reopen, tennis players are eager to get back to the sport they love, while staying healthy and abiding by social distancing regulations. Because tennis is not a contact sport, it offers athletes a unique opportunity to get exercise, socialize, compete, and relieve stress during these especially trying times. Players can safely enjoy the many physical and mental benefits of tennis, all while staying six feet apart from other players.

We have all missed watching and participating in sports during the global pandemic, and we want to help athletes return to the game as safely as possible. At Wilson, we recommend adhering to the USTA PLAYING TENNIS SAFELY: Player Tips and Recommendations guidelines and strive to prepare our athletes with the information and gear they need to safely return to tennis.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE

Stick to singles, skip the handshake and keep 6 feet away from your opponent. Stay on your side of the court and try to avoid changing ends.

PREPARE YOUR RACKET

It’s important to keep your racket and equipment clean. This includes wiping down your stick and replacing your overgrip before each play session.

BRING WHAT YOU NEED FROM HOME

Show up to the court with everything you might need. This includes a full water bottle, snacks, extra tennis balls, overgrip, towels, head and wrist bands and more. A bottle of hand sanitizer or wipes is also a good idea.

USE 4 OR 6 BALLS, MARK YOUR OWN

The USTA recommends using multiples of 2 balls so that each player clearly mark and only serve with their own tennis balls. This can be accomplished by using two 3-ball cans with different numbers, or using a 4-ball can split in two and marked.

PICK UP BALLS WITH YOUR RACKET

Rather than using your hands to pick up balls off the court, use your racket, feet, or a combination of the two. How creative can you get? Bella from Las Vegas has perfected the hands-free ball pick up and serve!

BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR TOWEL

Not only is it smart to bring a towel from home, but you also need to be careful with how you manage it. Rather than draping your towel on the fence between points, try and keep it on top of your bag. You may also want to explore other ways to keep sweat from dripping into your eyes, like wearing a headband, visor, or hat.

AVOID HANGING AROUND

Arrive right at your start time and leave once you’re done hitting. Avoid the locker room or changing area and wait to shower at home.

Thanks for checking out our tips to play safely. Remember: the best way to stay safe is to follow the USTA guidelines as well as any recommendations from the CDC.