The Importance of the Abs in Tennis:

What is the role of the abdominal muscles and the back muscles in tennis?
The role of the muscles of the abdomen and back (trunk) is to develop rotational forces and to transmit power from the feet and legs to the racquet. Therefore, these muscles become very, very important for a power game.

How should you strengthen them to improve your game?
To strengthen these muscles, you need to use a weight training program that uses approximately 85% of your maximum strength levels. Do these exercises 2-6 times. If you can do more than 6 repetitions, use a heavier weight. For the front of the abdomen, do sit-ups. For the sides of the abdomen, do trunk twisting and for the back do seated rowing and latissimus pull-downs.

What are the most common injuries?
The most common injuries are muscle tears, ligament strains, and disc problems. To minimize disc problems, you need to walk 30 minutes a day. This will help maintain the cartilage in the back. For muscles and ligaments, you need to be as strong as possible in a symmetrical fashion. One of the major reasons for injuries to muscles are imbalances in strength. You need to do a strength program. You also need to do a muscular endurance program -- more repetitions and lighter weight. Injuries occur most frequently when athletes become fatigued. You can protect from muscular fatigue by doing a muscular endurance program.

Treatment of injuries requires the involvement of an athletic trainer, physical therapist or orthopedic surgeon and will depend on the exact nature of the injury.