Playing in the heat vs during comfortable temps?

[JackB1]

Do you play "differently" in the heat? I do and it's almost like a different game to me. Especially in the 2nd or 3rd sets, I really slow down and play much more conservative and don't go for winners nearly as much. The heat here in Atlanta has been so bad as of late, that I feel my game changing because of it. The other day I was playing a "pusher" in the 95 degree heat and after playing for 2 hours, I had no energy left for a normal hard serve. I just patty caked it in and saved my energy as best I could.

Was wondering how everyone else adapts their play for the summer heat? I have to say my play style in 65 degrees is MUCH different than my play style in 90+ temps.

 

[LeftSHBH]

Make sure you have lots of cold water and try to sit in a shade during changeovers. I like bringing grapes due to the water content and also a towel to dry off the sweat. I was also thinking about bringing a folding chair to sit on during the changeovers but haven't done that yet.
Consider playing short points by using serve/volley, drop shots, etc.

 

[Bacterio]

The heat rarely bothers me. I guess I'm just used to it after being in south texas for so long. 100+ in the summer, no problem, lol. The thing that really gets me is humidity. I already sweat excessively regardless of weather so when it's humid it gets to the point where I'm losing salts quicker than I can replenish them.

I've been looking into electrolyte capsules or other alternatives because bananas and sports drinks just aren't getting the job done. If it's a humid day and I'm out there for any more than 2hrs, chances are I'll start cramping. Humid days really make me wish I was a much better serve and volley player just to shorten the points dramatically. Right now all I can really do is get much more offensive and really go for my shots.

 

[autumn_leaf]

i play the same way, just drinking 5+ more bottles of water than normal days (2-3 bottles)

 

[GetBetterer]

I live in Arizona...where comfortable = heat. Where outside temperature = always heat.

Your comfort must become one with the heat.

 

[Blake0]

The key is to not waste all your energy on the first set. Keep the points shorter, don't serve with all your energy. Serve bigger and play safer on big points, but when you're playing normally you should capitalize on shorter/weaker balls and get on the offense as soon as you can.

I live in texas though, so the heat isn't much of a problem except maybe in the really humid days when it's 100+.

 

[dizzlmcwizzl]

I dont mind the heat when it gets hot and stays that way for a while. I just tank up on water hourse before, during and after the match and that seems to work for me. For as big a guy as I am, I dont have issues with fatigue or cramping.

However, what does take it's toll on me is when it is relatively cool and dry for a while, prior to becoming hot. When those rapid change of temperatures occur I suffer much more than when it has been consistenly hot.

 

[Racer41c]

Do you play "differently" in the heat? I do and it's almost like a different game to me. Especially in the 2nd or 3rd sets, I really slow down and play much more conservative and don't go for winners nearly as much. The heat here in Atlanta has been so bad as of late, that I feel my game changing because of it. The other day I was playing a "pusher" in the 95 degree heat and after playing for 2 hours, I had no energy left for a normal hard serve. I just patty caked it in and saved my energy as best I could.

Was wondering how everyone else adapts their play for the summer heat? I have to say my play style in 65 degrees is MUCH different than my play style in 90+ temps.

Hey Jack, are you running out of sweat? Or getting very salty? Both signs of dehydration.

One tactic I use in the heat is to do short workouts but at much higher intensity. Makes it easier to manage your output and energy level. It's brutal but when your playing, you want fitness and heat tollerance to be your advantage.

 

[jbravo]

A friend of mine turned me on to pickle juice to prevent cramping and restore electrolytes. If you can get beyond the taste it works well in addition to drinking water before, during and after the match.

 

[supineAnimation]

Well, Jack, it sounds like you might need to work on your conditioning, but you also wanna make sure you're replacing water, salt, electrolytes and potassium. Salt is probably the most commonly overlooked aspect. I drink V8s, but anything with salt will work.

 

[xFullCourtTenniSx]

Other than the basic physical things you need to do, take balls on the rise, hit more kickers, and really let the ball fly. You get more pop and kick during high temperatures, so use it. I love everything about playing in the heat except for the physical aspects. The tennis is great, but the discomfort isn't.

 

[mikeler]

Other than the basic physical things you need to do, take balls on the rise, hit more kickers, and really let the ball fly. You get more pop and kick during high temperatures, so use it. I love everything about playing in the heat except for the physical aspects. The tennis is great, but the discomfort isn't.

I love the fast conditions in the summer. Since I play almost exclusively on clay, hitting winners is definitely easier in the summer. When I find myself struggling in the heat, I just try and shorten the points by getting to net.

 

[Lefty5]

Keep a towel at the back fence and do your best Nadal impression by using it every single point (whether its short or long), walk slow, serve big, and go for winners. Don't run like an idiot for that ball you "might" get, just let it go. It will hurt you in the end by going for it, even if you win that point. Cooling towels during changeovers, ice, water, and gatoraid.