In tennis, is being tall an advantage or a disadvantage?

I think it can be a bit of both.

I think the advantages of height is the fact that you can clear the net easier, your serves will be better, you can do "smashes" better because you can reach it, and also because your opponents are smaller it can also be used as an intimidation thing.

As for the disadvantages I think the main one could be that you may be a bit "clumsy" due to having to run from one side of the court to the other fast. Smaller people that are closer to the ground can move quicker than say someone alot taller. But I also think that taller people are able to take less strides than the smaller.

It is an advantage for the most part but can be a small disadvantage. In terms of generating power this will help him immensely, further more it is harder to get a ball past a tall guy because of the ground he covers. It is very hard to lob because he can make an overhead of it easily if it isn't done exactly right and since the ball has to go so high to go past him in a lob situation he can easily get to base line and return. The same applies for net situations. The problem arises with low balls, he can easily lose balance in such a situation and returning slices and drop shots isn't very enjoyable with that height. In terms of his service game, that amount of power should allow him keep service very easily. I realize that these answers might be a bit beyond his level now but if he keeps playing tennis and plays USTA tournaments or any real matches for that matter, this advantage will become apparent. There is also a certain intimidation factor that exists when playing an opponent that large. So yes, his height is a blessing more than a curse.

Advantages:

BIG serve. Toss htat ball high and you have a good chance of getting more hard low serves in. Especially when you snap your wrist.

You can take a couple of steps to get to a ball, when your opponent may have to take a lot to get across the court.

Disadvantages:

You don't have to have any disadvantages if you don't want to. Low balls? Take them earlier or slice. You should really concentrate on your footwork and coming to the net. You will get your opponents so intemidated if you come to the net! You, being 5' 11" , have long arms... Great for the net! Good luck!

Yes, it can be a bit of both ! In serving, hight would give u an edge, like Sharapova (the tallest tennis player in women), BUT as of agility, mobility & speed, hight will hinder u. That is why Henenne is the best tennis player, regardless of her hight. Usually tall women tennis player, have a short tennis career cuz once their youth runs out, their are a lame duck. I would give Sharapova 2 more years in fame & good tennis, then she will be aint good no more. All tall players, have advantaje in serve ONLY. The best hight for women, would be between 5 7" & 5 11" , that would make u a complete player ,as of serve & mobility. Example : Stefi Graff.

It is an advantage in the serve. teh middle of the net is exactly 3 feet high, it is easier for you to reach up and angle it down over the net in a serve. Now someone shorter needs to literally jump and still manage to come up and then bring the ball down over the net. Also in overheads you most definetly have the advantage. I am taller than my husband and I have found it to be a great advantage. Most pro's are tall. Not all but most, Maria Sharapova (as much as I dislike her) is 6 feet tall, most of the women are in the upper 5 to lower 6, and most of the men are 6 feet plus. Good luck

At that range is not to important, height is an advantage for the serve and to cover the net. But being your height gives you more mobility and you are quicker than your opponents this is a great advantage good luck

ADVANTAGE.. you can cover the court easily, and you can do more powerful serve because you can have a good angle.

you have more of an angle when you are taller but i guess being tall can also slow you down too

You are not a giant or anything ,but you should have a bigger serve. They will have an easier time getting down to low balls.

Yes,your is an advantage.It becomes easy to hit the ball by diving towards it.