Breaks in tennis are very important. Here are the official rules from USTA but when playing recreationally the changeover is a good time to take a break. Changeovers are when you change sides at the end of each odd game. This is to even out any perceived or real advantages or disadvantages like the sun in your eyes or a poor court surface. If you sit, be aware of your muscles getting tight especially if the weather is cold so maybe do a little stretching before playing again. Take as long a break as you need but get back on the court before your opponent gets impatient. Hydrate. When sitting, you are not just resting but analyzing your game and your opponents game. Think about:
- What are you doing well?
- What can you improve on?
- What are my opponents strengths?
- What are my opponents weaknesses?
So if your opponent has a strong forehand but a weak backhand, make a mental note to hit to their backhand when possible. If you have something that’s not working well, say your backhand, then go back to the basics of GPS make sure your grip is correct, that your footwork is sound so your body is in a good position to hit the ball in your hitting zone, and verify your stroke is correct. Don’t try to hit the ball hard, just hit it properly.
Specifically if the ball is going into the net, verify your grip is correct and if so angle the racket face up just slightly. If the ball is going long, angle the racket head down slightly.
If you are experiencing any pain, pay attention to it since it will only get worse by playing more unless it’s pain due to tight muscles that you can stretch and alleviate.
How long should you be able to play? A good goal is to be able to finish 3 sets with someone of your level. That way you can play an entire 3 set match. This can take 1.5-3.0 hours. There are of course so many variables, temperature, level of opponent, how much they make you run, are they having a good game, are you having a bad game, etc, but 1.5-3.0 hours of playing tennis with breaks is a good goal. Work up to it. Don’t over do it and get injured.
When you start to get fatigued you’ll notice balls going shorter than usual, hitting the net or just coming up short. Footwork can also be sacrificed so instead of taking the required steps to get to the ball beginners often over stretch so the racket reaches the ball. This is a recipe of a poorly struck ball. Be aware of this and compensate until you can take a break.
Energy Conservation decisions – When the set drags on and you start getting tired, evaluate tough to get balls. Is it worth it to run from the add side baseline to get a deuce side drop shot if you can barely reach it and get it back over the net setting up an easy winner for your opponent? Maybe not. Conserve your energy.
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