Tennis and Its Impact on the Brain

I've played tennis for the last 5 years, so I might be a little biased about the upside of playing. After I played in my matches in high school, I would usually come out of them feeling more focused and light. But this isn't just my opinion -- there's also science to back this up.

Tennis is a relatively fast-paced game that requires you to always be thinking in advance: trying to predict your opponents moves, deciding where you want to hit the ball next, focusing on your swing, and the list goes on. The reacting and strategizing that occurs engages your visual, motor, and prefrontal cortex all at once (Nuvance Health, Tennis for brain health?, 2024). A lot of players enter a "flow state" due to an increased level of focus, which is driven by the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is the feel-good neurotransmitter known for controlling the brain's reward system and pleasure, which explains where the light feeling after comes from. On the other hand, norepinephrine is often referred to as the "fight-or-flight" neurotransmitter, increasing alertness, focus, and heart rate. Other examples of neurotransmitters released when playing are endorphins (mood lifters) and serotonin (a mood stabilizer). All of these play a role in elevating mood and focus in most exercise, not just tennis.

Now that summer is approaching, my tennis lessons will be in full swing. I currently have a couple more spots available, so come try it for yourself!