USTA Guidelines for Playing Tennis Safely

COVID-19 has had a different effect on many areas of the country. As some cities and counties emerge from sheltering in place and relax stay-at-home orders, people are considering returning to their previous hobbies and workouts, when and where appropriate. Fortunately for tennis players, tennis is a sport that doesn’t involve any direct contact with other people, making it an excellent activity for those looking for an acceptable way to stay active while also practicing social distancing.

Tennis is a great way to get exercise, relieve stress, socialize, and get some fresh air. If you live in an area where tennis courts have opened back up, check out the USTA's recommended precautions below!

BEFORE PLAYING

The very first thing you should do before heading to the court is check to make sure that your state and local governments allow you to play tennis. If you are unclear on this at all, don’t risk it! Reach out to a local representative with any questions and get as much clarification as you can on the matter. It’s not worth putting the health and safety of yourself and others at risk.

If possible, only play with family members, people in your household, or individuals who are otherwise considered low-risk (people who have been practicing social distancing and who are in low-exposure jobs).

Do not play if you or your partner: have symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or have been in close proximity to someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.

Do not play if you or your partner is a member of a vulnerable population such as the elderly or people with a serious underlying health issue like high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, compromised immune systems, etc.

Ways to Minimize Infection Risk Before Gameplay:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds before going to the tennis court. If soap and water are not available, you can use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol.
  • Thoroughly clean and wipe down your gear, such as racquets, bags, water bottles, and any other high-touch equipment.
  • Bring a full water bottle (or two) so you don’t have to drink from a fountain or touch tap handles at the court.
  • Use new balls and new grips, if possible.
  • Wearing disposable gloves may add an extra layer of protection if you don’t mind the potential discomfort. Be sure to properly remove and throw them away before leaving the facility to avoid contaminating your method of transportation.
  • Be sure to sneeze and cough into a tissue or your upper sleeve.
  • Don’t show up too early; plan to arrive as close to your scheduled game time as possible.
  • Avoid touching gates, fences, benches, and so on at the court whenever possible. You can use a tissue or paper towel to shield your hand, or you can use your feet, elbows, etc. to open doors and gates.

WHEN PLAYING

Don’t go full throttle on the court straight away. You may have become somewhat deconditioned during sheltering in place, so it’s important that you not go too hard too fast.

If possible, take some time to do some drills to work on your strength and stamina so you know what to expect from your body during your first match back. This is a great way to avoid injuries. USTA recommends that competitive players engage in three weeks of conditioning exercises prior to playing again, so base your reconditioning efforts around how much time you were previously spending on the court and how much time you’ve been away, plus how sedentary you’ve been.

Ways to Minimize Infection Risk During Gameplay:

  • Do your best to stay at least six feet away from other players. Avoid physical contact with others, including shaking hands, hugs, high fives, fist bumps, etc.
  • Consider not playing doubles tennis, which is likely to lead to incidental contact and close proximity. If you do play doubles, try your hardest to avoid any contact. And under no circumstances should you whisper to one another about game strategies!
  • Avoid touching your face as much as possible, especially after handling a ball, racquet, or other equipment. Wash your hands promptly if you have touched your eyes, nose, or mouth or a surface that other players have touched.
  • Do not share any equipment, including racquets, sweatbands, grips, headwear, and towels. Do not share food or beverages.
  • Avoid using your hands to pick up tennis balls whenever possible. Use your racquet or your foot to pick up tennis balls and hit them to your opponent. If a ball from another court comes to you, kick it back or flick it with your racquet.
    • As an additional precaution, you and your partner can each bring your own tennis balls to the court, making sure that you each have a different number. Throughout gameplay, be sure to only touch your own tennis balls, returning your partner’s to them with your foot or racquet.
  • Stay on your side of court and avoid changing ends of the court.
  • Maintain at least six feet of distance from other players when taking a break.

AFTER PLAYING

While it may be tempting to stick around after the game to chat and socialize, it’s best to leave the court as soon as you can once you’re done playing.

 

Ways to Minimize Infection Risk After Gameplay:

  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol as soon as you get off the court.
  • If possible, don’t use the locker room or changing area. Instead, wait to change and shower when you get home.
  • Thoroughly clean and wipe down your gear, such as racquets, bags, water bottles, and any other high-touch equipment.
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