Tennis Players are Social Animals

Okay, in my previous 2 posts, I have listed and discussed some of the benefits of playing tennis as mentioned in an article from Tennis Industry magazine. This week, I want to focus on the social benefits as mentioned in the article. These ideas are included below:

• Tennis develops social skills. You play with others both across the net and on teams and in leagues.  For players of all ages and abilities you can make new friends and expand your social network.
• Tennis time is great family time. It’s a great sport that the whole family can enjoy together.
• Tennis develops teamwork. Whether it’s playing on a doubles team, or on a league or school team, tennis helps to develop your ability to communicate and work together.
• Tennis improves your self-image. Tennis players scored higher in vigor, optimism and self-esteem while scoring lower in depression, anger, confusion, anxiety and tension than other athletes or non-athletes, according to a Southern Connecticut State University study.

I wholeheartedly agree that tennis allows you to make new friends and expand your social network. I have experienced this personally and have seen this same effect with others. During matches and drills, laughter and good natured ribbing is standard fare. After play, I find players lingering to talk with one another and even plan activities outside tennis. It is a wonderful venue for establishing new and continuing relationships with others.

My father was an avid tennis player and that is certainly one of the reasons I began playing the sport. At our club, we see multiple families participating in the drills and match play. It is difficult to determine if the families are strong because they play together or they play together because of the strong relationships. Regardless, tennis is a sport played by the very young to the very old and families can enjoy their time together on the court.

Playing singles can be very lonely. You have to focus totally on the task at hand and develop your own solutions to the problems you face. Doubles is very different. Good doubles players have a good understanding of their partner, solve problems collaboratively and provide continuing support to their teammate. The communication happens both verbally and nonverbally and this ability is something that can be developed with practice.

It does not surprise me that tennis players scored higher in vigor, optimism and self-esteem while scoring lower in depression, anger, confusion, anxiety and tension than other athletes or non-athletes. However, it is not clear if these attributes were developed as a result of tennis or those individuals with these traits were attracted to the game. I have seen players develop confidence as a result of their mastery of the sport and believe that is entirely plausible that tennis helps to enhance their positive self-image.

Do you agree or disagree with my suggestions. If so, please reply.