One of my happiest memories from junior tennis was sitting around on the floor of pro shops playing the card game Uno with other players. It was a great way to pass the time and build off-court relationships. Nowadays, players at tournaments retreat into their own isolated world of smartphones. I think the tennis community has lost a lot.
Playing Uno actually provides benefits beyond mere entertainment. In Episode 1 of Season 2 of the Netflix docuseries “Break Point,” Aryna Sabalenka is shown playing the card game Uno with the members of her team prior to a match at the Australian Open. I believe this was an intentional cognitive warm-up exercise intended to create a calming effect similar to the activities described in Iga Swiatek’s Brain Games. The Polish player is known to work on crossword puzzles and sudokus. Swiatek sometimes assembles Lego kits before competing. I think Uno is better suited to Sabalenka’s personality.
Uno is a game of strategy, quick thinking, and memory. Players must keep track of the cards played, anticipate opponents’ moves, and plan their strategies accordingly. Those cognitive demands closely mirror the mental agility required on the court. Tennis involves anticipating the opponent’s shots, deciding on the placement, and quickly adapting strategy. Regularly playing Uno primes the same neurons required to compete successfully in the sport.
Tennis, particularly at the junior level, can be isolating. Young athletes often spend hours practicing alone or with a coach, which can limit their social interactions. Playing Uno offers a fun and engaging way for junior players to bond with their peers. The game fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork as players engage in a friendly competition where the stakes are lower than on the court.
Playing Uno can also help reduce anxiety. The playful banter and laughter accompanying the card game can elevate mood and foster a positive mindset. While this stress relief is a great primer when preparing for competition, it is also essential for maintaining mental health.
Playing Uno immediately before competition can enhance one’s ability to stay calm and composed, even in high-pressure match situations. That can significantly improve performance on the court.
UNO Card Game (<-Sponsored Link)
It brought me great joy to see Sabalenka playing Uno with her team. It is too bad that card games no longer spontaneously break out like they used to on the sidelines of tennis tournaments. I still carry a deck of Uno cards in the back of my car, just in case.
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I carry Left Right Center in my bag, for rainy day amusement. It doesn’t have the same strategic benefits that Uno does, but we do laugh a lot.