Rafael Nadal's Soccer Practice
One of the most popular “off-court areas” for the players at the BNP Paribas Open is the grassy field. Players do some easy running and warm-up exercises on the grass. At the same time, there are some competitive soccer/football games taking place. Rafael Nadal
has been among the players “on the pitch” and even showed off his “scissor-kick” during one soccer game!
Soccer is definitely great exercise, fun and a diversion from the pressure of the tennis matches. However, even if a player doesn’t “try too hard”, there is always the risk of injury when a tennis player “plays” other sports. As a result, Roger Federer no longer skis and other players have given up some favorite off-court activities in order to avoid the possibility of getting injured. In the end, despite the worries of agents, coaches, trainers, family and friends, it’s ultimately the player who has to find that balance between protecting his/her body and enjoying himself/herself in the breaks between matches and tournaments.
Soccer is definitely great exercise, fun and a diversion from the pressure of the tennis matches. However, even if a player doesn’t “try too hard”, there is always the risk of injury when a tennis player “plays” other sports. As a result, Roger Federer no longer skis and other players have given up some favorite off-court activities in order to avoid the possibility of getting injured. In the end, despite the worries of agents, coaches, trainers, family and friends, it’s ultimately the player who has to find that balance between protecting his/her body and enjoying himself/herself in the breaks between matches and tournaments.
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