Help guys have'nt played for 21/2 years!

[Troy47]

Well guys i played my last match in june of 2004, no particular reason i quit playing, i just got tired of it i guess. I was playing three to four times a week, mostly doubles but singles also. I was a 4.0 player at the time. I've decided to get back in the game, i went out and hit with a fellow who is a 4.0, i really felt shaky, scared to hit the ball fearing i would launch it over the fence, started to feel quite confident towards the end of the hit, found a rhythm of sorts. The next three days i felt like a train had run over me. Today i felt well enough to go back out to the courts, i got into some doubles, i paired up with a fellow i use to play with alot, he and i played some guys that were decent players, and they beat us pretty good, my friend really had to carry me to keep it close, he knows what kind of game i'm capable of playing. I feel terrible losing to these guys, my partner and i would have drilled them if i had my old form, that's what kills me, feeling like i have to start all over again. I guess i need to be patient and let the game come back to me. Have any of you guys gone through this also? Any tips appreciated.

[Jracer77]

Obviously you're not going to pick up where you left off with your game and probably your tennis fitness also. I don't think it was a good idea to jump right into a competetive situation (where you hated to lose) right away. It seems like you'd be more susceptable to injury going at it hard right away. I'd take a little slower approach like just hitting around for a few weeks or playing a casual set here and there. I've had several layoffs like that and that's what worked for me.

[Bungalo Bill]

I guess i need to be patient and let the game come back to me. Have any of you guys gone through this also? Any tips appreciated.

You answered your own question. Brain is 20, body is 40, that sort of thing.

Yes, I have gone through the same thing. Don't go too easy, but don't go too hard. Be patient with yourself. Although your form will be there, your timing, focus, and awareness will need to be redeveloped. Playing with good players will help speed up the recovery process.

[vinouspleasure]

I took 15 years off(!). Here are some tips:
- Go out on your own to the court and hit buckets of serves, forehands, backhands and overheads.
- If you can get a hold of a ball machine, it helps to regain timing and consistency.
- Find a partner willing to drill with you.
- improve your aerobic fitness with bike, swimming or running, whatever is easiest for you.
- be patient with yourself. play some easy matches first and then gradually ratchet up the competition.