If you’re starting to feel like you’re mastering tennis after countless hours of tennis lessons, then it might be time to step up your game and join a competitive league. No matter where in the country you live, our partners over at The Tennis League Network have you covered. Whether you’ve just moved to happening Austin, TX or you’re ready to take advantage of the warmer weather in a city like Chicago, IL, Tennis League Network has a league for all skill levels. Here are our reasons to take the next step in your tennis career and put your new found skills to the test.
1. You might be much better than you realize
If you’ve only been hitting with your coach, grinding through drill after drill, you’ve inevitably seen some improvements. Now it’s time to find out just how good you’ve gotten. You may surprise yourself with how nasty that inside out forehand has gotten or how refined that kick serve is.
2. You might be much worse than you realize
On the other hand, this might be the wake up call you need. The game can feel very easy when you’re getting fed balls and they’re right in your wheel house. Unless your instructor has been bombing serves at you or running you around the baseline, then that former DIII player with a beer gut might show you you still have a lot to work on.
3. It’s a great way to make some new tennis buddies
What better way to meet some like-minded people in a new city than by joining a tennis league. Especially if you’re a beginner the only other tennis player you may have interacted with is your tennis instructor. I’m sure he or she is a great person, but it might be nice to have a conversation that doesn’t involve a motivational speech or technical tennis jargon.
4. When was the last time you got your competitive juices flowing?
Besides playing Scrabble with your Grandma, when was the last time you really unleashed your competitive side? Especially if you’re years removed from your high school glory days, a reminder that you still have that killer instinct might help you in other aspects of your life. Don’t however, get too carried away. If you smash that racquet there ins’t a sponsor that will supply you with another one.
5. Figure out exactly what you should be working on in your lessons
If you realize you love doubles then you might want to work on your net game. If you’ve scouted next weeks 6’6″ opponent then it might be time to practice your return of serve. You may soon realize that there is a lot you don’t even know about. Like what a buggy whip shot is and how that was even humanly possible.
6. Cherish the summer weather for as long as you can
It’s so easy to forget how awful winter was until it rears it’s ugly head again. I’m here to remind you that the summer needs to be taken advantage of because before you know it you’ll be getting your sweaters out of storage. There’s no better way to take advantage of the beautiful weather than by doubling down on your tennis consumption.
7. It’s going to be a whole lot of fun
A beautiful day. A challenging opponent. A good-natured doubles partner. A down the line winner. Personal satisfaction. These are just a few of the reasons joining a tennis league would be a genuinely fun experience this summer.
