how important is stretching after tennis?

tennisenthusiast · 10-01-2012, 07:29 AM

How important is stretching after playing tennis as supposed to stretching before tennis?

What kind of stretches are we talking about? Yoga stretches will work?

floridatennisdude · 10-01-2012, 07:59 AM

Here we go again....

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=436431

r2473 · 10-01-2012, 08:11 AM

I do "runners stretches" after tennis myself. Helps cut down / eliminate soreness and cramping later in the day for me.

In fact, if I've played a lot of hours (or gone on a 10+ mile run), I'll often stretch several times throughout the day. Especially my calves. They really tend to tighten back up.

I think the general rule of thumb is to "do what feels best". Some say no stretching, others like me find it helpful. I think people are different.

dman72 · 10-02-2012, 07:31 AM

Topic done to death, but in my personal experience...stretching before tennis, bad, makes my legs feel weak. Better to just do a light warm up.

Stretching after: critical to being able to walk comfortably on my 40 year old joints and muscles.

I try to do a shortened version of the infamous Rodney Yee's "yoga for flexibility" DVD I have. I basically run through about 6 basic poses in 5 to 10 minutes and it does a world of good for my stiffness and discomfort the next morning.

I also then do 2 of the "greatest stretches on earth" that I saw on the sportskool series on demand. One that resembles a runners stretch but where you put your elbow to the ground, and then the other where you are in a lunge position and twist while leaning back.

If I don't do this routine, I often have sciatic pain, arthritic feeling hips, and general malaise the next day. If I do the routine, I just have mild DOMS. So, that's what works for me. The only time I've ever pulled a muscle playing was when I did a lot of hamstring stretches before my match.

TheCheese · 10-02-2012, 09:24 AM

You should stretch and workout for general fitness. Tennis is going to cause you to tighten up and get muscle imbalances.

safc_number10 · 10-02-2012, 12:24 PM

The problem with stretching after any sport is that you are often left behind to do it. The rest if the team/players/group have dashed off to the showers/pubs/cafe.

r2473 · 10-02-2012, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by safc_number10

The problem with stretching after any sport is that you are often left behind to do it. The rest if the team/players/group have dashed off to the showers/pubs/cafe.

I never want to be left behind while the rest of the team is showering.

Perhaps you could try stretching in the shower?

ATP100 · 10-02-2012, 01:41 PM

Easy Answer: Very Important.

10-01-2012, 07:29 AM	#1
tennisenthusiast Professional Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 837	how important is stretching after tennis? How important is stretching after playing tennis as supposed to stretching before tennis? What kind of stretches are we talking about? Yoga stretches will work?

10-01-2012, 08:11 AM	#3
r2473 Legend Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 5,413	I do "runners stretches" after tennis myself. Helps cut down / eliminate soreness and cramping later in the day for me. In fact, if I've played a lot of hours (or gone on a 10+ mile run), I'll often stretch several times throughout the day. Especially my calves. They really tend to tighten back up. I think the general rule of thumb is to "do what feels best". Some say no stretching, others like me find it helpful. I think people are different. __________________ “An ounce of bacon is worth a pound ounce of prevention.”

10-02-2012, 07:31 AM	#4
dman72 Professional Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,379	Topic done to death, but in my personal experience...stretching before tennis, bad, makes my legs feel weak. Better to just do a light warm up. Stretching after: critical to being able to walk comfortably on my 40 year old joints and muscles. I try to do a shortened version of the infamous Rodney Yee's "yoga for flexibility" DVD I have. I basically run through about 6 basic poses in 5 to 10 minutes and it does a world of good for my stiffness and discomfort the next morning. I also then do 2 of the "greatest stretches on earth" that I saw on the sportskool series on demand. One that resembles a runners stretch but where you put your elbow to the ground, and then the other where you are in a lunge position and twist while leaning back. If I don't do this routine, I often have sciatic pain, arthritic feeling hips, and general malaise the next day. If I do the routine, I just have mild DOMS. So, that's what works for me. The only time I've ever pulled a muscle playing was when I did a lot of hamstring stretches before my match. __________________ 3.5 player. Equipment: Prince NXG OS, Ashway Kevlar mains, Gosen polylon crosses

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-01-2012, 07:59 AM	#2
floridatennisdude Hall Of Fame Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 1,732	Here we go again.... http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=436431