Strength Training for Tennis

Tennis players at every level know that being able to run down a cross-court volley, smash a lob, or serve an ace like the pros requires strength as well as skill. Strength Training for Tennis video, produced by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), shows coaches, instructors, and players how to set up a safe and effective strength program that will help players increase performance and minimize injuries.

Dr. Don Chu, a member of the USTA Sport Science Committee and noted expert on strength training and plyometrics, begins the video by showing viewers how to establish a player's baseline strength level. This vital first step is the building block for developing a personalized strength program. Next, he explains the three basic principles of a complete strength program:

- Overload--adds resistance to the exercise
- Adaptation--increases the weight and repetition
- Periodization--varies the year-round intensity of the program

The video demonstrates a variety of sport-specific exercises in many different settings, from hotel rooms to weight rooms. Coaches and players will appreciate the emphasis on using body weight and simple props such as stretch cords and phone books to maintain strength and flexibility while on the road. And to help players improve match performance, the video covers quick exercises that can be done between sets. The video also demonstrates proper techniques and provides safety tips for exercises performed on weight machines.

Strength Training for Tennis video is a complete guide to establishing and maintaining a safe and effective strength program for tennis.