Falling Into a Tennis Routine

The first day of fall is here and as the seasons change, so can your tennis routine. Gone are the long, easy-going days of summer where you could be out on the tennis court for hours. Now, the fall frenzy is here with its faster pace, back-to-school, back to the office, lot’s on the to-do-list before the end of the year vibe. Your head might be spinning in circles wondering how you’re going to balance it all!

That’s where tennis can come in!

Getting into a routine that consistently includes tennis can help you find balance while gaining physical and social well-being. Fall is a great time to focus on tennis for youth and adults alike.

Here are three easy ways to ensure you and your family are set up for success this fall making tennis part of your life.

Tip #1: Try a New Tennis League Type or One Where You Control the Schedule

In the Mid-Atlantic, if you are into playing organized tennis the fall is a great time to try a different type of USTA League program than what you may have played in the spring or throughout the summer. This time of year you can find league types such as Combo and Tri-Level which are formats that bring different level players together to form a team. This is a fun way to play with different people and expand your tennis community. Not only that, it can be a way to up-level your own game as you pair up and compete with those at different NTRP levels giving you exposure to different styles and levels of tennis play. Plus, this time of year can be a little more low-key and relaxed in these league types, but still with great competition and fun. Find what is being offered in your local area and register now.

When your schedule becomes too hectic, how can you fit in your tennis time? We have the perfect idea for you and that is joining a USTA Mid-Atlantic Flex League!

Flex Leagues provide the opportunity for you to still compete in tennis all the while creating your own schedule to do it! You choose the location, date, and time to play your matches, perfectly crafting all the details to meet your needs. Fall 2022 Flex Leagues have started but you can get involved at any point in time!

If you’ve been hitting around recreationally this past summer or took some tennis lessons and are ready to take the next step, we’ve got you covered. This fall, there are new beginner “mini leagues,” for tennis that are a great next step after taking tennis lessons. This program helps you get acquainted with playing tennis on a League team. We’ve also got different social tennis opportunities too. Check out what’s being offered and sign up!

Maybe this summer you watched some exciting professionals play tennis and you’re ready to become more than a fan. Visit our Welcome to Tennis hub to learn about all the ways you can get into the sport in the Mid-Atlantic.

Tip #2: Find Extracurricular Activities for the Kiddos

Back to school time is always an adjustment for kids. Although they are in school all day, children are still full of energy when they get home from school. Research has shown that getting children involved in extracurricular activities not only helps their social skills but also helps develop them mentally. “Kids do best when they have structure and routine, and those involved in extracurriculars perform better academically,” said Dr. Harpreet Kaur, a licensed clinical psychologist for kids and teens in California.

Getting children involved in youth sports is not always easy for every family. According to a recent study by PEW Research, socioeconomic status plays a role in whether children generally participate in various activities after school. At USTA Mid-Atlantic, our top priority is increasing access to tennis so that ALL people can experience the life-long benefits of the sport. One such program contributing to our mission is Girls Rule the Court™ (GRTC). GRTC is a free to low-cost program that aims to promote health, wellness, and teamwork while building self-esteem through tennis for young girls. Girls find access and connection to the lifelong sport of tennis while growing their technical, tactical, and performance skills. They create meaningful and beneficial connections while engaging in important dialogue about teamwork, empowerment, and the benefits of moving your body. Learn more about this program and how you can get involved.

You can also find an array of fun and developmentally appropriate junior programs offered in the Mid-Atlantic to get kids into tennis this fall.

Bonus Tip: Apply for a USTA Mid-Atlantic Junior Player Scholarship to help with costs associated with tennis for your child. This can be for ANY level player – beginner, intermediate or advanced – and can help with tennis class registration fees, lessons, equipment and more. The Scholarship application is available now and accepting applications until October 17, 2022!

Tip #3: Volunteer with USTA Mid-Atlantic!

Lets face it, you still might not be able to make it to the courts this season with your busy schedule but there are still ways you can leave your mark on the tennis community year-round! Volunteering is a great way to still be involved with tennis while also making a direct impact on the section. There are many ways to volunteer such as at local events, community events, committees, and more! The best part is, you choose what works best for your schedule. Another way of contributing is through donating. Our USTA Mid-Atlantic Serve Squad is a dedicated and passionate community sustained by supporters on a mission to grow and develop the sport of tennis for all people throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. The Serve Squad continues to give on a monthly basis in hope to ensure tennis is accessible to all.

We sure hope all of these tips help you FALL in love with your new tennis routine!

To stay up to date on all things tennis in the Mid-Atlantic make sure to follow USTA Mid-Atlantic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

USTA Mid-Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.

Rising Up for Parks and Recreation

July marks the celebration of Parks and Recreation Month and recognizes how integral of a role public parks play in our own communities. For many individuals, public parks are places for special experiences and making memories to last a lifetime. They are often gathering places for all ages to get involved in nature, celebrate special events, and take on many new adventures and sports like tennis.

Having access to parks and recreation is a vital part of an active, thriving community. Many people pick up their tennis racquets for the first time on public tennis courts and subsequently fall in love with the sport. Tennis courts in public parks are spaces that welcome any age, ability, background, and income level to the game of tennis. It is where fun tennis experiences happen, from casual hitting around with friends and family, tennis lessons, camps, USTA League matches, tournaments and more, public parks in the Mid-Atlantic Section are where it is at for tennis! In fact, the 2022 Tennis Participation Survey Summary Report created by the Tennis Industry Association reported that 41% of all tennis participants in the Mid-Atlantic play tennis on courts in public parks.

In addition, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is shining light on how parks and recreation professionals have become public health leaders. “They have expanded programming and worked to fill gaps in access to physical activity, healthy food, chronic disease prevention and management, and social connections, as well as support academic and cultural enrichment opportunities,” said the NRPA.

At USTA Mid-Atlantic we believe that tennis should be accessible to all in every community and public parks play a vital role in making this vision come true. We have compiled a few tips on how you can celebrate parks and recreation month and #RiseUpJuly for tennis in your own community so future tennis players prosper for years to come!

Tip #1 Organize a public park tennis court clean up day

Cleaning up your own community can be fun and easy! Tennis courts can get pretty dirty quickly especially due to the outdoor elements. A blower and a broom can get the job done efficiently making an old court look brand new again! Contact your public park and work with them to organize the tennis court clean up day. There may be certain steps you will have to take and talking with your local parks and recreation department should be the first one. Once you are ready to go, they say teamwork makes the dream work so gather your own team made up of friends, tennis teammates, neighbors, and/or even your family can get the job done. Giving your local park tennis courts some TLC is one of the best ways to get out there and help restore your own community park tennis courts.

By spreading the word, this can become an even bigger community event bringing together people from all backgrounds creating new social connections in your own backyard. You can also spark interest for others to try tennis when they see a beautiful, spruced up court to play on!

Tip #2 Spread the word about the USTA Mid-Atlantic Facility Restoration Grant

At USTA Mid-Atlantic we believe tennis creates community, character, and well-being. Having high-quality, well-maintained places to play tennis can improve community well-being and provide access to the benefits of tennis among communities that are underserved. We hope to be a helping hand in fostering social connections and uplifting communities by creating a fun environment and place in every community where all are welcome to thrive with tennis.

Through the Facility Restoration Grant, USTA Mid-Atlantic provides up to $10,000 for tennis court construction and refurbishment. Public tennis courts, especially those in parks, schools, and communities are typically the first place where people are seeking the sport. While the application period is closed for this year, we offer the Facility Restoration Grant every year so make sure you’re on the lookout for when the application reopens! Make sure to tell your local park and recreation department about the grant and encourage them to apply. These grants would not be possible without the support from individuals like you donating and showing support for USTA Mid-Atlantic – a non-profit organization.

Tip #3 Organize your own tennis meetup or tennis social

There are many people who want to get involved with tennis but don’t know where to start or who to contact. All it takes is a few tennis enthusiasts to help grow the sport in your own community! You can organize a tennis meetup among the community to encourage people interested in playing to meet other tennis players, find other interested players, and get to know any community tennis associations, providers, or organizers. Now this may sound like a daunting task but there are many resources available for you to be successful! Contact your local Parks and Recreation Department and discuss your idea for a tennis meetup or tennis social with them. Once you are ready to move forward, see if you can post a local event listing on their website. You can also ask if you can hang up your own posters at the local park so more people can spread the word.

Looking for more ways to grow the game of tennis? There are many ways you can get involved and leave a lasting impact. Make sure you continue to celebrate and #RiseUpJuly for your local Parks and Recreation Departments by showing your appreciation in any way you can!

To stay up to date on all things tennis in the Mid-Atlantic make sure to follow USTA Mid-Atlantic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. USTA Mid-Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.

3 Quick and Easy Ways to Refresh Your Tennis Life

Tennis is an ever evolving sport and whether you’re new to the courts or have been serving up aces for years, it’s never a bad time to go back and brush up on your knowledge and skills. At USTA Mid-Atlantic Section (USTA MAS), we want to be the one stop source so you can get the most out of what you are putting into your tennis game. USTA MAS has many resources and platforms to help you in your tennis journey. With that being said, we’ve compiled a list of three quick and easy ideas to help you refresh and enrich your tennis life so you can rock the courts all year long!

Tip #1 Refresh your Skills

“Practice makes perfect” is what they say and it’s true! Tennis is one of the most dynamic sports where you have to be sharp in your mental game as well as your physical game. During National Tennis Month, USTA Mid-Atlantic created a weekly series of one-minute video clips to demonstrate different techniques and tennis strokes that you can practice right on your local courts! Stroke of the Week is a great way to launch yourself into new heights gaining new tennis skills to know or perfecting and refining mastered tennis skills along the way.

Tip #2 Refresh your knowledge about your Tennis Community

Though you may know a little bit about USTA Mid-Atlantic Section and the tennis community we are creating together, there is always so much more to learn! As a nonprofit organization, we strive to grow tennis and make the sport accessible so that ALL people can experience the benefits. This is the heart of everything we do at USTA MAS and we truly believe that through tennis, we can create character, community, and well-being for all. Did you know that USTA Mid-Atlantic provides:

Scholarships to youth players with financial need so they can stay in tennis and gain the character building benefits of the sport;
Grants to help build or refurbish tennis courts that stimulate communities and increase access to quality tennis infrastructure; and
Financial and other resources to community tennis providers and organizations that support tennis programs that build community, character, and well-being?

In fact, in 2021, we were able to fund programs that helped 800 people find their community through tennis! And that’s just one example of the ways tennis is making a difference and changing lives – there’s more in the 2021 Annual Report. It is really special when you are a part of something that helps others; learn more about how you can make a difference in the community her e .

Tip #3 Refresh your knowledge of tennis rules and tennis lingo!

Rules and regulations are one of the most important aspects of playing tennis. It is perfectly okay to not know every single rule during a tennis match, but it is important to try and understand as much as possible and learn the rules of tennis. The rules and regulations can vary based on the match such as a singles match or doubles match. Luckily, USTA has compiled numerous resources all in one place that detail every single tennis rule you could possibly have a question about! Plus the more you become acquainted with – or refresh your memory on – certain rules, it can help enhance your experience on the tennis court. Plus, when you know the rules and are confident, that can encourage more sportsmanship and that always makes tennis great!

Another big confidence booster in tennis is knowing the right lingo! There are a lot of acronyms and terms that get thrown around while you are on the tennis court. If you are just starting in tennis you may be wondering what terms you should know so you can keep up with everyone else on the court. And learning how to speak the tennis language can be pretty fun! Knowing what to say and how to talk about tennis can give you a leg up on your competition. We have a full list of every tennis term and the definition of each tennis term you need to know!

And that’s it! Refreshing your tennis life doesn’t take long at all and as always, USTA Mid-Atlantic is here to help you along your journey. Put these three tips in your tennis bag and you’ll be able to ace any match that serves up your way!

To stay up to date on all things tennis in the Mid-Atlantic make sure to follow USTA Mid-Atlantic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The Ultimate Summer Guide to Tennis

In the Mid-Atlantic

USTA Mid-Atlantic’s Summer Guide to Tennis

Here in the Mid-Atlantic, you can tell summer is right around the corner. The weather is heating up and that means the tennis courts are getting busier than ever. We know you’re lacing up your sneakers and popping open a fresh can of tennis balls to get to the action this summer, but first, we want to ensure you are prepared for the conditions. Tennis is tough enough without the sun beating down on you during your match, so we’ve got some tips and tricks on how to properly prepare to beat the heat and make the most of your tennis experience with the ultimate summer guide to tennis in the Mid-Atlantic.

Hydration is Number One:

Staying hydrated is going to be a major factor in your performance and health this summer. If you’re going to be playing out in the heat, make sure to start drinking water at least 24 hours before your match for peak hydration and to stay cool during your match. We recommend you to bring at least a quart (32 ounces), if not more, to your match to make sure you don’t lose your edge.

USTA Mid-Atlantic’s Summer Guide to Tennis - player returning a forhand

Don’t forget to replenish those electrolytes after those grueling games… Drinking during the changeover is also crucial to prevent getting sick or cramping. We recommend bringing Gatorade, Pedialyte, or something similar during a match because these drinks offer the perfect balance of sugar, sodium, and electrolytes. Another helpful summer guide to tennis in the Mid-Atlantic is to be prepared with snacks! Make sure you have enough fuel to keep your body healthy during those long matches under the hot, hot sun.

USTA Mid-Atlantic’s Summer Guide to Tennis Insider Tip:

Pack your tennis bag the night before, this way you can rest easy knowing that you are prepared with water, Gatorade, and yummy, healthy snacks for your important match the next day. Plus when you prepare the night before there’s no additional stress or rushing around before your match!

Clothing and Apparel to Wear in the Heat

What you wear can be just as important as what you put in your body. When playing in the heat, you need to make sure you stay dry and cool with light-weight, moisture-wicking fabrics. Additionally, consider wearing wristbands to keep your hands and racquet dry from sweat, allowing your grip to stay firm. Finally, wear during your match is a hat or visor to keep the sun out of your eyes and keep your head and face cool. Keeping the sun out of your face helps you keep your head in the match.

If you’re interested in what local tennis shops in the Mid-Atlantic specialize in for types of tennis equipment and apparel, make sure to check out our blog on preparing for the season in fresh new gear. Take it from the experts who specialize in making sure you get out and play with the right equipment.

USTA Mid-Atlantic’s Summer Guide to Tennis Insider Tip:

Don’t forget the sunscreen when you are getting ready for your match! Make sure to apply sunscreen generously and often before and after your matches to keep from burning.

Tennis Events to Get Excited about When You’re Not Playing

Summer 2021 tennis events are back and we are so excited to celebrate tennis with you. As you are planning your summer vacation or weekend getaways, make sure you take note of the high-level events that are taking place in the Mid-Atlantic. There are some great professional and recreational events taking place right in your backyard.

Citi Open (July 31- August 8) – Secure your tickets today! The tournament is operating at 50% capacity this year, so make sure to act quick.

USTA Mid-Atlantic League Championships

Goucher College (July 30- August 2)
Columbia Association (July 23-26) , (August 20-23)
More dates are being added, so make sure to bookmark this link and check back in.

Don’t forget youth tennis this summer

There are plenty of opportunities for Juniors to be a part of team events here in the Mid-Atlantic. We encourage your junior player to sign up for a Team Up event. With this event, junior players have fun while playing competitively on a team. Plus, juniors can nab a free USTA membership now. So grab that deal to kick off their summer of tennis right!

How to Get Involved:

There are so many ways for you to get out and play this summer in the Mid-Atlantic region. If you are looking to uplevel your tennis game and satisfy that competitive edge, we highly recommend you participating in USTA Mid-Atlantic Leagues. Here you will be able to play on a team for a chance at a National championship. Now if that doesn’t sound like the best summer ever, we don’t know what does.

Plus, make sure to stay connected with USTA Mid-Atlantic on social media and follow our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to join the tennis conversation and engage with other players in the area.

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USTA Mid-Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps people and communities grow stronger, healthier, and more connected through tennis. Learn about our impact in the Section and how you can help bring tennis to more communities throughout the region.

By Patrick Twomey: an intern with USTA Mid-Atlantic. Patrick is an upcoming sophomore at the University of Tennessee

Tennis Creates Well-Being

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For both your physical and mental health

Putting an emphasis on self-care, in any form, has been a priority for most during the COVID-19 pandemic. But have you thought about fortifying your mental health lately? An easy and fun way to prioritize your mental health is by picking up a tennis racquet. Tennis unlocks many benefits for you physically, socially, and emotionally. With a racquet in your hand, you can gain more self-confidence, while reducing stress.

Now you may be thinking, how do tennis and mental health go hand in hand? Well, you’d be surprised to know that tennis is one of the leading sports that benefit your mental well-being.

“Since tennis requires alertness and tactical thinking, it may generate new connections between nerves in the brain and this promotes a lifetime of continuing development of the brain,” according to scientists at the University of Illinois. In turn, advancing your brain function helps reduce stress which supports your mental health.

The mental and social challenges involved with tennis can increase your capacity to deal with stress.¹ The best part is, there is no time limit on when you can take advantage of the psychological benefits the sport has to offer. Whether you are a brand new player or someone who used to play tennis and is ready a get back out on the court, tennis creates well-being at any stage.

Tennis helps strengthen your mental health by²:

Developing a work ethic: Improvement through lessons or practice reinforces the value of hard work.
Managing mistakes: Learning to play within your abilities and realizing that managing and minimizing mistakes in tennis or life is critical.
Managing adversity: Playing tennis enables you to learn to adjust to the elements (e.g. weather, a hard match, tiredness) and still be able to compete tenaciously.
Learning to solve problems: Since tennis is a sport based on angles, geometry, and physics you learn to anticipate certain scenarios in order to play out a point during a match.
Accommodating stress effectively: The physical, mental, and emotional stress of tennis will force you to increase your capacity for dealing with stress. It will also help you learn how to recover from a stressful situation.

We can’t forget about the social benefits tennis has to offer. Tennis will help you³:

Develop performance rituals before serving or returning to control your rhythm of play and deal with pressure. These skills can transfer to taking exams, conducting a meeting, or making an important sales presentation.
Learn sportsmanship since tennis teaches you to compete fairly with opponents.
Learn to win graciously and lose with honor. Gloating after a win or making excuses after a loss doesn’t work in tennis or in life.
Learn teamwork since successful doubles play depends on you and your partner’s ability to communicate and play as a cohesive unit.
Develop social skills through interaction and communication before a match, while changing sides of the court and after play.

And most important, when you play tennis you will have FUN… because healthy feelings of enjoyment, competitiveness, and physical challenge are inherent in the sport.

At USTA Mid-Atlantic, we believe tennis creates well-being. Playing tennis an hour a day may improve your physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Get out and play today so you can maximize those benefits on and off the court. During Mental Health Awareness Month, inspire yourself and others to make tennis a part of your mental health journey.

Let’s strengthen our mental health together. Meet us out on the tennis court to take advantage of the lifelong benefits the sport has to offer. To access more resources from USTA and to participate in webinars on Physical Wellness and Enhancing Your Child’s Well Being Through Competition, click here.

And don’t forget to catch up on the endless physical health benefits tennis has to offer by reading our Improve Your Overall Health with Tennis article.

We can’t wait to see you out on the courts!

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¹USTA.com, Tennis Makes You Happy and Healthy, Study Shows, 2019

²Health Benefits of Tennis: Why Play Tennis by Dr. Jack Groppel

³34 Reasons to Play Tennis, Webinar Series with Dr. Jack Groppel

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation

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Category: Tips and Tricks