[KFS]

I played a match with my friend today, and my legs got cramped twice....

Can somebody tell me what to do to avoid cramps when playing tennis?

Thanks a lot!!!

 

[julien]

There is no secret recipe that I know of, but cramping often happens because one doesn't drink enough water.

 

[Minimum_Chips]

You pretty much just have to condition yourself. I presume you cramped at the latter stages of your match. The fitter and stronger your muscles are, the less chance of cramp. That's the best i can come up with. Take Dominik Hrbaty, he doesn't cramp frequently, he cycles up mountains for leisure!

 

[Minimum_Chips]

And drink water

 

[Dina]

players drink the sportsdrinks to prevent them from dehydrating and losing salt

 

[proteus]

All of the above: your body needs sodium and potassium for the conduction of nerve impulses. You'd want to drink water before and during the match, banana's are a good source of potassium, or otherwise (or additionally) get whatever drink Dina's talking about that contains the minerals. But conditioning is very important too: run like Lleyton (for eg. ) and you'll adapt physiologically: your aerobic respiration will improve and you'll be able to overcome a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles, etc.

 

[KFS]

Thanks guys!!

I gotta make sure to drink lots of fluids and bring a banana next time when playing.....

 

[ys]

You can try eating some dried salted herring during the changeover. It is a good source of sodium and potassium. In my younger years that was what mountain climbers were eating to keep themselves going.

 

[Andromeda]

But if you don't like smelly herring, potato chips will work just as well. Its worked for me.