Tennis: a sport for life

IF water sport is not your cup of tea, why not try your hand at a sport bound to increase vigour, optimism and self-esteem?

Scientists and physicians around the world view tennis as the healthiest activity to participate in, making this fast-paced game an ideal sport to learn.

Tennis is believed to have originated from a 12th century French game called paume, which was played on a court where a ball was struck with the hand.

Over time paume evolved into jeu de paume and rackets were used.

This game spread and worked its way to Europe where in 1873, Major Walter Wingfield invented a game called Sphairistike (Greek for ‘playing ball’) from where modern tennis evolved.

Today the sport is played throughout the world and it’s never too late to take up the game, no matter one’s age.

The human body can be trained and improved at any stage of life.

The key is to start playing now to get the most out of these benefits throughout one’s lifetime. Tennis is truly the sport for a lifetime! The proof is in the playing.

If you would like to try your hand at tennis locally and have a fun-filled time on the court, then you can make your way to Richards Bay Country Club on Saturday afternoons for a social afternoon from 2pm onwards.

Mtunzini Country Club also offers tennis facilities with social games and private coaching available.

Details can be obtained from the Mtunzini Country Club on 035 340 1779 or Richards Bay Country Club on 035 753 2441.

You will not regret the decision to take to the courts as there are many benefits associated with the age-old game.

A study done by the late Dr Ralph Paffenbarger, showed that people who participated in tennis for three hours per week at a moderately vigorous intensity cut half their risk of death from any cause.

Other scientists at the University of Illinois stated that since tennis required alertness and tactical thinking, it may even generate new connections between nerves in the brain and promote a lifetime of continuing development of the brain.