High altitude tennis tips..
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Todd Scott on -
I think the ball is going to hit differently, too. Your normal shots are likely gonna sail in the thin air, so you might wanna work on generating more topspin. I talked to a lady a few months ago that moved to Colorado from Mississippi a few years back. She said she had to drop down a level(from 4.0 to 3.5) and it took her nearly a year and a half just to adjust to the difference in the way the ball played at the high altitude.
Also, I'm not sure how far you are from the high altitude practice area (the 3300 foot one you're referring to), but if you're fairly close, you might wanna go up there and do your conditioning - sprints, etc - as often as possible. That is if you're serious about winning/being competitive in the tournament. If you're not that serious, then just carry a few oxygen tanks with you and have fun.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Dong on -
Hey thanks Todd! I will be sure to implicate more topspin on the ball to keep them from sailing. And the mountain I was referring to is about 15 miles away. I am going up there tomorrow to do some sprints as you recommended. I gave it some thought, and I might look like a fool up there with an oxygen tank hehe. (a smart fool though) lol
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Permalink Reply by Todd Scott on
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haha.. better to look like a fool on the courts than a fool in the hospital. If it were me, I'd take the oxygen because playing in extremes you're not used to can be dangerous. Last year we played in 125 degree temps (on the court) in biloxi, ms... not sure what I could have done differently, I just know neither I nor my teammates were prepared. Physically we could have handled it if it was just a regular 1 and done match, but since it was a 4 day tournament where we played multiple matches each day, the schedule and the locations of the courts throughout the gulf area didn't allow time to eat driving from one court to the next unless you prepared ahead of time. Since we didn't know, we didn't prepare. I nearly blacked out after our second match on Day 2. And day 3, I'd be lying if I didn't say I was literally scared to go out on the courts.
It may sound like an exaggeration, but it's not. It took over 2 months to recover after that, because I think it somehow affected my immune system.
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Permalink Reply by Kent Stallard on -
I would also recommend--if possible--playing some practice matches at home with a racket strung with significantly lower tension than what you normally use. This will help mimic the effect of the thinner, high altitude air and force you to apply more spin.
Have a racket or two strung with greater tension for your high altitude play, which will give you more control. Also remember that the high altitude tennis balls have less pressure (or are in some cases pressureless) and will feel heavier as they contact your strings.
It can be frustrating playing in altitude but try to make the best of it. Your serve, for example, should be considerably more effective and you'll find it easier to hit winners if you can keep the ball in the court.
Good luck.
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Permalink Reply by Hal Wagner on -
Mike, are you playing up in Tahoe? Used to play there a lot as a kid, balls are faster, and carry a little more so need more spin, if you get dialed in serves can be monsters. As for your lungs, if you are in pretty good shape the thin air will get you at first, but you will adjust to it. I would do some two on one drills were you are the one and have the guys run you side to side, long rallies, and feed balls as soon as there is a miss, no rest until your are gassed. Lastly, cancel all that and just play a big serve and volley, chip and charge game shorten them points.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Dong on
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Yes sir, it's the Tahoe Grand Slam tournament. I get free room comps at Harrahs and Harveys, so it's a good excuse for the wife and I to get out there for a short weekend getaway and play some tennis and cards hehe. Thanks for the tips! I'll absolutely do EVERYTHING that you just suggested! :)
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Permalink Reply by Hal Wagner on
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Also, drink plenty of water up there, seen guys get dehydrated playing softball at Tahoe.
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Permalink Reply by John Spoerl on -
Last time I was up in trukee for the grandslam tournament I had no problems with fitness. It only took me a few shots to realize the ball flies. I stopped hitting long a game or two into the tournament. But I couldn't stop hitting it wide all tournament. Good luck bro!
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Permalink Reply by Joseph on -
MD, sounds like lots of challenges are waiting for you at Tahoe... great advices from the guru's here though...!
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