Hype Flex
general | May 13, 2026

Does tennis require a lot of running?

No matter what level of tennis you play, you absolutely must have a good level of cardio if you hope to compete. Of all the different types of running training for tennis players, the long slow run is one you cannot do without.

How much running should tennis players do?

In 2020, Fitbit reported that according to their user data, an hour of singles tennis generates around, on average, 10,680 steps, while an hour of doubles tennis generates, on average, 7,980 steps. That's an equivalent of about 4 to 5 miles of running and 3 to 4 miles respectively depending on your stride length.

How often should tennis players run?

Training Typically lasts 20-30 minutes. There should be a 15 to 20 minute warm up and warm down. Should not be carried out more than 2 to 3 times week as any more would compromise recovery (and the refilling of glycogen stores) and place the player at risk of over-training.

Do you need a lot of stamina for tennis?

As we all know, tennis success requires a lot of stamina and endurance. The sport requires hundreds of explosive moves over the course of a few hours of play.

How much cardio do you need for tennis?

Whether you're ready to get on the court or you've been playing tennis for years, it's important to incorporate endurance training into your workout routine. In this way, you can reduce injury risk and get the most out of any tennis conditioning you do. Start by doing about 30 minutes of cardio three times a week.

33 related questions found

Are tennis players good runners?

Tennis is a unique mix of anaerobic bursts of speed and aerobic movements that last a long time. If you think about the top tennis players, they are able to mix the explosive pace of a 100-metre sprinter with the endurance of a marathon runner to keep going for the duration of a full three- or five-set match.

Is tennis better than running?

Calories Burned

According to the Mayo Clinic, a singles tennis match burns 584 calories for a 160-pound person, while high-impact aerobics burns 533 during that same time. Tennis also provides a longer post-workout calorie burn.

How many hours a week should I practice tennis?

Anywhere between three to six times a week is a good start, no more than two hours per day, either in a group or private lesson. If you practice about 10-12 hours per week in total, that would still leave you ample time to work on academics and have a normal childhood.

Is a tennis player an endurance athlete?

Tatuí According to many pros, tennis is an endurance sport and you should train for endurance to be at your best. Understand that many tennis matches go well over three hours and require a great number of repetitions, not only in hitting groundstrokes and serves but also in movement on the court.

How do I get fit for tennis?

Do some simple drills like you hit down the line whilst your partner hits cross court. Warm up and cool down every time you play. This is the most missed opportunity not only will it help to prevent injury but it will also improve your fitness if you add it to your tennis sessions.

Do tennis players do cardio?

Tennis is a calorie-crushing, high intensity cardio workout. After just a few minutes of chasing balls, your heart rate increases and you burn more calories. Cardiovascular exercise is typically divided into three levels — low, moderate, and vigorous intensity.

How many miles run in a tennis match?

Tennis: 3 miles per game

It might be the smallest court, but it's normal for players to run about 3 miles per match. In fact, it's often more, depending on the style of the particular match.

Can tennis players run a marathon?

#1 Caroline Wozniacki

She was probably the first active tennis player to run a marathon when she crossed the finish line at the New York City Marathon in 2014, ranked eighth in the world at that point in time.

How far do tennis players run in training?

Speed training should be done at distances of 35-45m for tennis players because they hit top end speed (max running velocity) sooner and can't hold it for longer than 10m (like more advanced athletes who are more accustomed to this type of training).

How important is fitness in tennis?

Good fitness is important in tennis because it allows you to maintain your focus throughout and can give you the mental edge. In addition, a good level of tennis fitness will help you to avoid picking up injuries.

Do you have to be athletic to play tennis?

To have fun with tennis you don't need to be a great athlete. But to get anywhere substantial, lessons and practice aren't enough, you have to have some athletic ability. Probably becoming a 4.5 weekend player isn't going to happen, unless you've always been good at sports.

How many times a week can I play tennis?

So if you're in good health, and under age 30, you can safely play at a high level 3-4 times per week. If you're between 30-50, 2-3 times per week is a good number. After age 50, you might not want to play competitive tennis more than twice a week, and if you must exceed that number, keep the 3rd match friendly.

Do tennis players train everyday?

Most professional tennis players spend about four hours training per day.

How do I know my tennis talent?

The International Tennis Federation's Doug MacCurdy recommends six areas for coaches to consider when identifying tennis talent: physiological, physical, psychological, technical/tactical, results and intangibles. Physiological attributes include parameters such as height, weight and arm span.

How does Novak Djokovic train?

In terms of exercise, Djokovic starts his day with around 20 minutes of yoga or tai chi, after which he eats breakfast. He'll then take to the court to with a training partner for an hour and a half, and does some stretching to cool down.

Is tennis the healthiest sport?

Healthy heart — Playing just three hours a week will reduce your risk of heart disease by 56 per cent (according to a 2016 Harvard University study). Compared to other sports, tennis players have the lowest incidence of cardiovascular disease (40-year study conducted by Johns Hopkins University).

Is tennis cardio or HIIT?

Since tennis matches incorporate a lot of bursts of energy coupled with moments of rest and subtle contemplation of your opponent it's considered an HIIT or “high-intensity interval training.” This kind of work-out boosts cardiovascular health because you engage your core, upper and lower-body muscle groups.

What are the disadvantages of tennis?

Disadvantages of Tennis

  • Potential for serious injuries.
  • Tennis equipment can be costly.
  • Not a team sport.
  • Tennis cannot be played alone.
  • Lack of tennis courts.
  • Tennis takes some time to learn.
  • Motivation might be a problem.
  • Tennis may be time-consuming.

How do you sprint faster in tennis?

Set up hurdles a few feet apart across the length of the court, and sprint over them as fast as you can. “The hurdle is for explosiveness, or how fast you can get your feet off the ground,” Badillo says. This particular drill will help you achieve maximum speed over a short distance, Badillo says.