Bookmark Website  | Free Registration  | The Team
The Lounge  | Champions  | The Wire |  Schedule |  Audio  |  Arcade  |  The Top Ten  |  Historical  |  Email  |  Video

An Introduction to Tennis


Is tennis good for you?

Absolutely - tennis is a gentle way of exercising for beginners, and for more advanced players is a very thorough workout. Physical activity increases energy and also helps you to stay healthy, fending off germs and infections. Playing one set of tennis would give you thirty minutes moderate physical activity, not to mention plenty of fresh air!

How old do I have to be to start?

Obviously you have to be able to hold a tennis racket, but there are plenty of opportunities for youngsters. Mini Tennis is an excellent game for starting off young players under eight. Played with a scaled down racket, foam balls and a small court the game is a fun introduction to the full game.

How much will it cost?

Prices for coaching vary from club to club, but we always recommend keeping your lessons to half an hour or an hour, and to have group coaching.How can I develop my game?

One way is to go for an intensive week of tennis, or a break where you can play tennis at your leisure, there are tennis holiday companies offering holidays both in the US and abroad. You can see a list of these in Clubs and Camps.

Once you have found a court to play on and you start to play tennis with your friends, family or other players, you will naturally start to get a feel for the game. A way to develop your hand-eye co-ordination is to practice throwing and catching the ball either against a wall or with a partner. Your tennis coach will have many other games and exercises to help develop the correct movement, co-ordination and dexterity for tennis.

If the full court seems too big at first, play a scaled-down version of the game in the four service boxes of the court. As you start to become more confident you will start to use tactics. Hitting a ball that comes near to you is easier than running to hit a ball - therefore you'll soon realise that one aim is to try to make your opponent move in order to hit the ball. You will be better placed to hit each ball if you maintain a good position on the court before and after each shot, and you'll begin to understand the importance of good positioning. Don't get caught out of position to one side of the court or stuck half way between the baseline and the net.

Once you have mastered these basic principles, try to play to the weakness of your opponent. This might be their forehand, backhand, volley, smash, or perhaps running to the ball. Exploiting your opponent's weaknesses will help you to start controlling the game. Also, remember to use your own strengths as much as possible. You may enjoy serving, have a strong cross-court backhand, love to volley and play from the net - try to do more of what you enjoy!

And keep at it! The world's best players spend many hours training and improving their game. Success may not come immediately, so don't get downhearted if you don't always play at your best.

'Tennis is a battle of minds, just as much as it is a battle of playing ability. Trying to expose your opponent's weaknesses is one of the most vital and fascinating facets of tennis'

Gavin Dye Author and Webmaster at http://www.tennis-supply.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Los Angeles Times

Diamondbacks exercise option on Brandon Webb
Los Angeles Times
"Since Brandon has recovered well from his surgery, we have decided to exercise his option," General Manager Josh Byrnes said. "His accomplishments for our ...
D-backs exercise 2010 club option on WebbMLB.com
Diamondbacks exercise $8.5 million gamble on WebbReuters
Diamondbacks exercise option on WebbMiamiHerald.com
Bleacher Report -AZ Snake Pit (blog) -AZ Central.com
all 124 news articles »


TSN.ca

Twins exercise 2011 option on Michael Cuddyer
MLB.com
The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have exercised the 2011 club option on right fielder Michael Cuddyer. Cuddyer batted .276 (162-for-588) with ...
Twins exercise 2011 option on CuddyerKansas City Star
Twins exercise 2011 option on CuddyerThe Associated Press

all 216 news articles »


The Inquisitr

Exercise Cuts Prostate Cancer Risk
Food Consumer
A new study suggests that men who get moderate amounts of exercise regularly may reduce their risk of prostate cancer including the types of aggressive, ...
Moderate exercise may lower prostate cancer riskReuters
Red, processed meats linked to prostate cancerTehran Times
Radiation can prevent cancer relapse after surgeryGaea Times

all 59 news articles »


SportsBlogs Nation (blog)

Manny exercises 2010 option to return to Dodgers
Reuters
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Slugger Manny Ramirez will exercise his $20 million option to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers for the 2010 season, ...
Manny Ramirez will remain with DodgersLos Angeles Times
Ramirez to return to DodgersAFP
Manny Ramirez To Remain With Los Angeles Dodgers In 2010USA Online Gambling News
Associated Content -Los Angeles Dodgers -Tot Holmes (registration)
all 329 news articles »


New York Times

Afraid of Flying? There's An App for That (Kinda)
New York Times
If that doesn't do the trick there's a ā€œFear Attackā€ button that gives tips and a soothing breathing exercise. Just one catch. If your terror is induced on ...

and more »


Globe and Mail

Phils exercise Lee's option; Feliz may go
The News Journal
PHILADELPHIA -- With their first move of the offseason, the Phillies did what was expected: They ...
Phillies consider changes at third basePhiladelphia Inquirer
Lawrence: Amaro not afraid of change for PhilliesDelaware County Daily Times
Myers out as changes beginPhiladelphia Daily News
The Express Times - LehighValleyLive.com -Philadelphia Daily News
all 234 news articles »


Fort Hood Massacre Prompts Airbase Training Exercise
WYTV
In light of the Fort Hood base shooting, the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna is holding a special training exercise Sunday. ...

and more »


hellomagazine.com

Winslet on exercise: Why would she lie?
Kansas.com
... actress has accepted 25000 pounds (more than $40000) in damages after the London Daily Mail falsely reported that she lied about her exercise regime. ...
Winslet Exercises Her Right to Kick AssE! Online
Kate Winslet awarded damages in exercise suitWiredPRNews.com (press release)
Kate Winslet accepts damages from UK newspaperThe Associated Press
AFP -AHN
all 610 news articles »


Even a Little Exercise Fights Obesity
WebMD
6, 2009 -- While frequent exercise is known to fight obesity and improve mental health, as little as 30 minutes of physical activity one or two days a week ...

and more »


Exercise keeps your brain in top shape
Buffalo News
We all know the benefits of exercise: health, body image, athletic ability, endurance. But new research links physical activity to ...


Google News


Advertisement



Section Site Map - Submit News - Feedback - Comments - Advertise with Us

Copyright © 2006 Luminati Inc. All rights reserved.