Handling the Sun and Heat
Tennis is primarily a summer time sport, where the professional year moves across continents following the sun.
The amateur circuit is similar, and most tennis matches of any kind will be scheduled for warm days with plenty of light. Unfortunately, this also means plenty of heat, which when exerting yourself in a physical game like tennis, you could have problems.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the effect weather conditions have on you while playing tennis.
The first, and arguably the most important, factor is to dress comfortably. When you're hot and sweaty, anything that is remotely bad fitting will instantly feel ten times worse. This can effect everything from your shirt to your shoes, so make sure you're absolutely comfortable in anything you will wear on court.
The next step is to ensure you were sweat bands, definitely on your forehead and preferably on your wrists as well. Sweat bands will properly stop sweat from getting in your eyes – which can sting horribly – and onto your hands, which could make your racket grip unstable. Sweat bands, albeit a small investment, have big rewards.
When you can be sure you're fully prepared to step on to court, you can look at ways of handing the sun and heat during an actual game. The absolute key to this is to keep hydrated. If the weather is warm, you're going to sweat even more than you would during normal exercise, making hydration all the more crucial. Scientists say that for as much fluid as you sweat out, you should take on three times as much to replace it.
In hot weather, you should at the very least be drinking in between games. If you feel thirsty or in need of refreshment during a point, consider how desire the need is and ask if you can't wait – it is not going to be an issue, so don't be afraid. Becoming dehydrated will affect your game, concentration, application and the shots you can hit; it's best for all that you remain cool.
During breaks between games, also take the chance to sit in the shade for a few seconds if you can, just to give yourself a break. If the sun is particularly hot and burning your head, consider wearing a baseball cap; many professional players do and it is not thought to interfere with vision.
However, while this may all help, the simple fact remains is that tennis is a physically demanding sport and you will feel the heat and sun more. You can prepare yourself for this by going to bed early the night before and eating high-carbohydrate foods, for extra, long-lasting energy. Also ensure your rest and recovery is adequate following a difficult match in the sun, and remember that with time it will become easier.
