Playing tennis and injuries:

Choose appropriate playing equipment

Racquet, ball and footwear selection

• Players, especially those with arm and shoulder problems, should seek professional assistance when selecting a racquet and choosing string tension.

• Players with arm symptoms should avoid playing with wet balls and in windy conditions.

• Limit play with used balls and avoid play with dead balls.

• Players should choose their shoes carefully, preferably with professional advice on the most appropriate shoe for their foot type and for the playing surface on which they mostly play (and use orthoses if recommended).

Modify training and games for children

• Children should be progressively introduced to tennis through the modified games program (Ace Tennis, Pee Wee Wilson, Little Joey, etc) promoted by Tennis Australia and Tennis Victoria.

• Children should play with an appropriate racquet in terms of size and weight.

• As children progress from modified games to regular tennis, parents should consult an accredited coach on a suitable training routine.

If an injury occurs

• Players should not ‘play on’ when injured. They should seek prompt attention for injuries from a sports medicine practitioner.

• Event organisers and tennis clubs should ensure that there are qualified first aid personnel at all events and competition match days.

• Clubs should have a well-stocked first-aid kit and a supply of ice-packs.

• Players with recurrent injuries should seek expert advice on appropriate taping or bracing and rehabilitation.

• Injured tennis players should allow enough time for adequate rehabilitation before returning to their preinjury level of activity.

acknowlegement & link:-       http://www.monash.edu.au/muarc/projects/tennis.pdf