Summer tennis and signs of heat exhaustion

Kristianne Bontempo | Towpath Tennis Employee  | Online Store Manager

'Tis the season of the Akron Open Championships, the largest adult USTA-sanctioned tournament in Northeast Ohio! This year we celebrate 10 years of competitive tennis with over 180 players competing this weekend at Towpath Tennis Center and Hyre Park in Ellet. We applaud those that brave the unpredictable summer conditions that affect us every year indoors and out. We may have flood water up to our knees, tornados ripping through our backyards, or pulling out our fall gear a couple months too soon, so it's not a surprise that we jump for the chance to play during those 80+ degree days. And though there's nothing wrong with playing tennis in hot weather, we want you to do it smartly because the threat of heat exhaustion is dangerously real.  

Checking the temperature is one thing, but you need to also take into account the humidity. In the following chart by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, we need to be aware of the heat index and how unsafe conditions can be on certain days. A relative 60% humidity or more can hinder the body's ability to cool itself, and just because you head indoors to get out of the sun doesn't mean you're necessarily safe. Even the best ventilated facilities can get a little stuffy so you'll want to look out for signs of heat exhaustion and how best to treat it. 

Most common signs of heat exhaustion:




Confusion
Dizziness
Feeling faint
Fatigue 
Headache
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Pale/clammy skin
Profuse sweating
Rapid heartbeat

Treatment options:

Drink plenty of water (avoid soda drinks)
Cool yourself with a fan, ice towel, or a cool shower
Remove any layers or tight clothing
Avoid any hot weather activity for at least a week to fully recover

If you don't feel any improvement within 30 minutes or if symptoms get worse, seek immediate help or call 911 because you may be suffering from heat stroke, a severe heat-related injury that can cause major organ damage. 

 The best treatment for heat exhaustion is always prevention. We encourage everyone to get out and play as much tennis as humanly possible on those beautiful summer days (because we know how rare they can be), but next time you head out for a game of tennis, be smart, check the heat index and plan accordingly.

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Switching from indoor to outdoor tennis

Dallas Aleman | Towpath Tennis Owner | Tennis Guru

Niya Fried at the JTT Championships in Indianapolis, IN.

 This is the time of year when you'll get the chance to play outside and practice. However, the first time out will be a shock to your game because conditions are so different. You'll feel like you've never hit a ball with any power and it'll feel like an eternity for the ball to travel over the net. That is the beauty of tennis, you have to be able to play through many types of elements; indoors and out, day and night, sun and wind. Those that are adaptable usually play well. Those that can’t adjust fall by the wayside.

Your first time out is going to be a setback. You will probably have a bad day, and so what! You can use a bad day as a springboard for a good day tomorrow. Depending on what the main culprit was that affected you game, follow the tips below to start your outdoor transition on the right swing. 

Sun - Bring a visor/hat/sunglasses. While serving, use your hand to block the shine as you toss the ball or toss the ball where the sun isn't as bright.

Wind - If coming behind you, use more top spin (low to high swing) to prevent a total blowout shot. If facing the wind, step into the shot with a more aggressive swing. However, if the wind is blowing lateral, adjust the direction of your shot by guiding it into the wind. 

Night - Whether it's getting dark or you're playing under the lights, the ball is going to play tricks on your eyes. Sometimes instead of one ball, it looks like 5 are coming at you at once! Keep your eye on the ball when it hits the ground and recite "bounce_hit" to find a rhythm. So when you see 'multiple' balls coming at you, you'll know which one to swing at. 

Noise - You might have already adjusted to the sounds of drills and lessons going on the next court over, but have you played with kids screaming, sirens blaring and a dog let loose beside you? Tuning out the sights and sounds of outdoor playing is a tall order but it can be done! Try humming to yourself and paying particular attention to the ball to keep your mind focused in the point. In between points, look at your strings or the ground to keep your eye from wandering.  

Rain - Depending on the surface, you might be able to play through a light shower because surfaces like har-tru and clay absorb the rain slower making them less slippery. However, whenever heavy rain (or fog) is in the forecast, it's best to avoid playing altogether. Not only will the courts be slick, but there's the danger of lightening as well. 

Remember, your first day out might be an ugly one, but follow these tips and you'll find yourself adjusting to Mother Nature before your opponents know what's what!

For those interested in getting a lesson from staff pro Alvin to prepare for the upcoming high school and/or match season, text TENNIS4 to #81680 and you will get this mobile coupon:

"Show the text and get $20 off a lesson with Alvin when you book a lesson with him on Fri, Sat, Sunday, or Monday during the month of April."

*Follow us on Facebook to get a first look at new posts, pictures and on-going events or visit us at towpathtennisshop.com and check out the latest arrivals in the shop!