How Does Video Game Tennis Compare To The Real Thing?

The rise of video game tennis has seen a surge in the popularity of the sport, being able to grace the centre court from the warmth and comfort of your front room has never been more appealing. But, how does playing a video game compare to actually playing the real thing.

Realistic Graphics

The video game has been programmed to be as life-like as possible to a real event. The court is designed exactly like a real court, the rules are identical and the sounds of the ball hitting the racket are almost pitch-perfect. In essence there is no discernible difference to what happens when you hit a real ball, to what happens when you swing a computer controller in your living room. The video game immerses you into the game and makes your brain think that you are really playing tennis. The almost life-like graphics of modern computer games can only help to trick your mind even more.

Health Benefits

The benefits of leaving the house and going to the court to work up a sweat are clear for everyone to see. But not only is the physical exercise great for you body, smashing a few balls at the net and beating your friends is great for the soul too – the endorphins and sense of achievement will always put you in a good mood! And then there’s the social benefits, catching up with your friends with a post-match chat could even outweigh the physical benefits. But these advantages are is not just confined to the actual court. Playing video game tennis will still get you up and out of your seat, moving around and swinging your arms furiously trying to catch up with the ball which seemed out of reach, all whilst still allowing bragging rights to the victor and the chance for all players to relive their past glories over a drink afterwards.

Sportsmanship

It’s the inherent sportsmanship which is taught at tennis clubs that can break down with video tennis. The old pros who have played at the club for many years manage to keep the manners and traditions alive. Ensuring everyone is ready to play in the correct kit, which will work in harmony with the court, match fees are paid and the changing rooms are respected. These may seem like little quirks of a bygone era, but they become ingrained in club members, who pick up the sportsmanship and direction of the more experienced players. There is no basis for this with video tennis. Players can jump up off the sofa in a dressing gown and play a match whilst eating their toast. They can even win matches just by wafting their hand whilst lying down on the sofa covered in their duvet. The traditions of a real sport are completely lacking from the video version.

All Weather Games

Being able to play in the rain and thunder is a great advantage of video tennis, but it does not make up for the extra life skills which you learn by playing at a club or on a real tennis court surface. And many tennis clubs maintain indoor tennis courts that allow you to do just the same in the comfort and shelter of a sports hall. So, whilst video game tennis has earned a place in the living rooms of many gamers, if it’s a taste of the real sport that you want – you won’t get it anywhere but on the court. Recovering between sets, learning the strengths of your opponent and planning a strategy to beat them, and of course the inherent sense of sportsmanship, are all things that video game tennis can never match.