"Physical Problems" by Bianca A.

Dear Grade 7 student,

I am a year 9 student and I'm writing to you aiming to give one piece of advice to myself regarding a problem that I'm facing with my favorite sport, tennis.

Since I came back from the holidays, my physical condition and my level of tennis aren't the same as before. And this is harming me a lot because I get anxious inside the court, and I have tournaments to play that I don't feel prepared for. Consequently, this ends up changing my whole life because I think about it all the time and I just want to play like before.

I would really like your help with this issue and I would like your advice as soon as possible.

Best regards,

Year 9 student

Dear Y9 student,

Thanks for sharing your problem. Having problems with physical condition is something that can happen with everyone and I can see that it‘s affecting your tennis games. It's ok, a lot of people have these problems especially after vacation and there‘s nothing to be ashamed of. The most important thing to do is  exercise more by going to the gym or playing more tennis.

Having a bad physical condition can interfere in your tennis practice and games, but it doesn‘t mean that you can‘t solve it.One idea  is that you can practise other sports, go to the gym and play more tennis. If you are having problems with physical condition do a routine exercise that can make you feel better and keep your weight under control. Try to be active for 30 to 60 minutes about 5 times a week. Why don‘t you check the site Health benefits because they say that tennis is a good sport to maintain your health, and fitness. People have calculated that one hour-long game of singles tennis burns around 600 calories for men and 420 calories for women. If you go to the gym or practise more, you will manage to recover your physical condition. You should follow my advice because most people go to the gym to have a better physical condition, to lose weight or to be stronger. Sports also help because it‘s an exercise and you lose calories with them so I think that after a time, you will be better

Getting anxious when you are going to play tennis must be hard because it makes your head with a lot of things inside making you unable to concentrate. If you practise more, you will be less anxious, making you concentrate more. My advice to you is put the pressure off and think that you are playing because it is fun. If I were you, I would focus a little bit on myself before playing so I could calm down because it is essential to be in good mental condition to express yourself fully and enjoy playing, so it means taking the pressure off by putting the upcoming match into perspective and setting attitude and tennis skills goals, rather than just looking for a victory at all costs. Have you thought about saying these things to your tennis teacher, he or she can help you with this problem. My advice is good because if you play tennis, it‘s because you like it and it is fun, so you don‘t need to think that it‘s an obligation to win. Don‘t put all this pressure on your back, play for fun!

Don‘t forget that It‘s normal having these difficulties after a long time not playing or doing exercises. After a time when you get back in your routine, it gets easier. It would probably work if you did more exercises and practise more. Thanks for opening up to me. I really hope that I helped you and I really wish that you have a quick recuperation in your physical condition! 

Sincerely,

Y7 - Bianca A.