My tip: Playing on hard courts creates higher ground reaction forces on the body and for this reason, it is important to develop appropriate flexibility and strength training. Before you begin playing, dynamic stretching is essential for allowing joints to slowly increase their ROM (Range of Motion). Dynamic stretching involves stretching the muscles using controlled movement patterns. Six to ten minutes of dynamic stretching will enhance performance and reduce the potential for injury. Once you have finished playing, static stretching is important to lengthen the muscles after exertion. Static stretching is when the muscle is stretched and held at a certain length with no movement. Spending five to fifteen minutes on static stretching will enhance your flexibility and reduce the likelihood of injury. No one wants to miss time out on the court, so remember to stretch before and after you play to keep your body healthy.
