The ability to change direction quickly and under control is called agility. It is required by many sports, but especially in the sport of tennis.
But, let’s go to another level; tennis not only requires that one have agility to perform at high levels, it will also help to develop agility for someone learning the game. Tennis improves agility because it forces you to change direction as many as five times in 10 seconds during a typical point. When playing a point, you must constantly change direction. Imagine if you do this over and over for the duration of an entire match or tennis workout, which could be well over an hour.
The overall agility gained from playing tennis is great for your body. Also, coaches in other sports are always looking for ways to vary their practices and workouts. Cross-training has become a huge part of what athletes do, both for the improvement and/or maintenance of all forms of fitness as well as the improvement of general skills that will benefit them in their specific activity. Tennis provides great cross-training for others sport that require rapid changes in direction, including football, basketball, soccer, baseball and volleyball.