How to dress for lessons in the summer

Starting in May and throughout September, the temperature in many parts of the U.S can be very hot. This is especially true for states like Texas, Nevada, Arizona, and Florida. Throughout our tennis lessons and pickleball programs in the Dallas Fort Worth areas students are always asking us how to better manage the heat to have an enjoyable session. These are our best tips:

- Avoid layering, and use light fabric clothing. Shorts, T-Shirts, and low socks will make a big difference.

- If it's sunny, wear a hat or a visor and sunscreen.

- Wear light colors in your clothing to avoid sun reflection.

- Make sure you hydrate before, during and after the lesson. Hydration is not only done on the court, you have to be hydrated before going to the court and make sure you are drinking liquids consistently. Don't let the thirst get to you, if it does it means you are already less hydrated than you should.

- When not playing try to look for shade, better yet if it's outside the court. Being under the shade makes the temperature feel like 10F degrees less at times. Furthermore, the tennis courts feel usually 5 to 10 F more hot, since the windscreens limit air circulation and because the material from which the surface of the tennis court is made captures heat.

- Take plenty of water with you. Being in the court for 2 to 3 hours you can easily drink a gallon of water. It's better to take more water than you need.

- Try to limit play to before 10 AM and after 5 PM the months of July and August.

- Know your limits. Playing at a time when it feels like 110F is different from what you play year round, make sure to pace yourself, limit your efforts and know when to stop.

- Make sure you get extra breaks and longer breaks during lessons. Ideally some activities are done in the shade or outside of the court in the grass.