This year, I embarked on a personal challenge to immerse myself in racket sports, primarily focusing on tennis and padel tennis. Over the course of 2024, I clocked an impressive 200 hours of gameplay, burned 85,611 active calories, and covered 378.97 kilometers on the court. This journey has not only been about physical endurance but also mental resilience, community building, and personal growth.
Why Racket Sports?
Racket sports offer a unique combination of physical exertion, strategic thinking, and social interaction. I was drawn to the challenge of mastering the precise movements, quick reflexes, and tactical decisions these sports demand. The opportunity to meet like-minded enthusiasts and enjoy the camaraderie of the court made it even more compelling.
The Numbers Behind the Journey
Here’s a breakdown of what 200 hours of racket sports meant for me:
- Active Energy Burned: 85,611 kcal Playing tennis and padel tennis consistently pushed my physical limits, contributing to overall health and fitness.
- Distance Covered: 378.97 kilometers From lunging for volleys to sprinting for wide shots, every movement added up, reflecting the intensity of these sports.
- Weekly Commitment: ~4 hours I dedicated approximately four hours per week to practice and matches, maintaining a balanced schedule alongside my professional and personal commitments.
Key Highlights of the Year
- Padel Tennis: A Game of Precision and Strategy Padel tennis emerged as a delightful discovery this year. The smaller court, glass walls, and emphasis on teamwork required me to adapt my skills and develop better communication with my partners.
- Tennis: The Ultimate Test of Endurance Tennis remained my cornerstone, challenging my stamina and strategic thinking. Long rallies and intense matches were both physically demanding and incredibly rewarding.
- Tournament Participation This year, I participated in both tennis and padel tournaments, which were exhilarating experiences. Over a three-hour session during one of the tournaments, I burned 1,500 active calories, showcasing the intensity and effort required to compete at this level.
- Club Recommendations If you’re in Bali and looking to get into racket sports, here are some great clubs to check out:
These clubs offer excellent facilities, vibrant communities, and opportunities to enhance your game.
- Improvement in Metrics Tracking my progress through apps and wearables provided a clear picture of my growth. Over the months, I noticed improvements in agility, shot accuracy, and recovery time between sets.
Lessons Learned
- Consistency Trumps Intensity Committing to regular play was more impactful than sporadic bursts of high-intensity sessions. The steady improvement was a testament to the power of routine.
- The Mental Game is as Important as the Physical Staying focused during long matches and bouncing back from errors were as critical as perfecting my backhand.
- Playing 1:1: Count Only on Yourself One of the key lessons I learned from singles matches is to rely on your own skills and decisions. In such matches, the outcome truly rests in your hands.
- Visualize the Point and Results Before each serve or rally, I found that mentally picturing the point helped improve focus and execution.
- Power in Your Legs! A strong foundation is critical in racket sports. I learned to harness the strength in my legs for better stability and explosive movements.
- In Padel 2:2: It’s a Team Effort Playing doubles in padel taught me the importance of teamwork. Moving together with your partner, staying safe, hitting to the middle, and waiting for the opponent to make a mistake were crucial strategies. I also learned to take smarter risks, cover my territory, and always be ready to support my partner.
- Community Matters Building connections with fellow players enriched the experience. I was fortunate to become part of an amazing community of Ukrainian and international people. Special thanks to Kumi and Kaito from Liga Tennis Umalas for their support and camaraderie. Additionally, all the Telegram groups in the Canggu area were incredibly helpful and made the experience even more enjoyable. Building connections with fellow players enriched the experience. Whether it was celebrating victories or learning from defeats, the social aspect added depth to the journey.
Tools and Apps That Helped
A key part of my progress was tracking performance and staying motivated. The Gentler Streak app became an essential companion, helping me monitor my energy levels and avoid burnout while pushing for consistent improvement.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on this year, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunities racket sports have provided. In 2025, I aim to deepen my skills, participate in local tournaments, and achieve a personal milestone: winning a padel tournament at the Bronze and Silver levels.
As I reflect on this year, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunities racket sports have provided. In 2025, I aim to deepen my skills, participate in local tournaments, and perhaps even inspire others to take up these rewarding sports.
Conclusion
200 hours, 85,611 calories, and 378.97 kilometers later, I can confidently say that racket sports have transformed not just my fitness, but also my outlook on discipline and perseverance. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious beginner, there’s so much to gain from stepping onto the court. Here’s to another year of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments in the game!
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