Advice For Any Tennis Player

It will be helpful to players of all standards to read and6. Play and practise with good men players whenever
take heed of the following advice. Every game can bepossible.
improved!7. Play in at least one serious tournament a year. This
Advice To Playerswill show up your weak points and indicate the kind of
A. For beginners in tennispractice you need.
1. Learn the correct strokes and stick to them.8. Enjoy your tennis always. Make friends and develop
2. Practise against a backboard every spare minute,good sportsmanship and social qualities through the
trying to improve the rhythm and timing of yourgame.
strokes, until they are machine-like.Tennis Etiquette For The Player
3. Work for smoothness. If you use a full swing withA. How to start the match
good body action, accuracy and speed will develop1. The serve or choice of ends is determined by the
naturally.racquet toss. One player twirls his racquet while the
4. Never take your eyes off the ball until it leaves yourother calls "rough" or "smooth." If "smooth" was called,
racquet.and the smooth racquet face is uppermost the caller
5. Never be hurried.wins choice of serve or end.
6. Keep racquet's reach away from the ball at allB. Be friendly to your opponent
times. Practise, practise, PRACTISE!1. Before the match starts greet your opponent in a
7. Attend the best tournaments and observe the bestfriendly manner.
players, then practise, practise, PRACTISE.2. When passing your opponent to change ends,
B. For intermediates in tennisspeak a friendly word to him.
1. Follow the advice for beginners.3. At the end of the match shake hands with your
2. Practise weak strokes rather than strong ones, untilopponent and thank him for the match, or congratulate
you are sure of them. Try to hit as many backhandshim on the victory.
as forehands.4. Never make excuses for your poor playing if you
3. Admit your own weaknesses of form. Be willing tolose.
correct them patiently and persistently, even thoughC. Be thoughtful of your opponent
your game goes to pieces for a while.1. If there are no ball boys be sure to keep your
4. Never settle back on your heels on the court;opponent supplied with balls when he serves.
perfect your footwork; always have your side to the2. Do not return his first serve if it is a fault, or interrupt
ball.the sequence of his serves in any way.
5. Concentrate on correct court positions.3. When you are serving be sure that your opponent is
6. Play for practice and not for score.ready before starting each point.
7. Always expect your balls to be returned, and try for4. Play your best at all times, remember careless
every ball.playing is an insult to your opponent.
8. Never give up.5. Wear an all white costume that will not distract your
9. Always try to place your ball, not just get it over theopponent.
net.6. Do not delay the game by fussing over clothing,
C. For advanced playersracquet, hair, etc.
1. After making your strokes automatic, concentrate onD. Treat the officials with respect
tactics.1. Never question a decision.a. Never throw a point.b.
2. Keep a balance of accuracy and speed, neverDo not argue with the umpire.c. Do not show by your
sacrificing one for the other.manner that you disapprove of a decision.
3. Use your head to save your heels.2. Thank the umpire for officiating your match after it is
4. Never throw a point or be indifferent. Play your bestfinished.
at all times, and be courteous and thoughtful of your3. In case of inability to play a match, default graciously
opponent.without argument or plea for postponement.
5. Practise as much as you play, and with some oneFollow the above advice and you will always be
who will give you the kind of shots you need.welcome at a tennis match!