| I think most people would agree that tennis is a sport | | | | correct movement, coordination and dexterity for |
| which is good for you in many ways. | | | | tennis. |
| It is a gentle way of exercising for beginners, and for | | | | If the full court seems too big at first, play a scaled |
| more advanced players can be a very thorough | | | | down version of the game in the four service boxes |
| workout. Physical activity increases energy and also | | | | of the court. As you start to become more confident |
| helps you to stay healthy, fending off germs and | | | | you will start to use tactics. Hitting a ball that comes |
| infections. Playing one set of tennis would give you | | | | near to you is easier than running to hit a ball, therefore |
| thirty minutes moderate physical activity, not to mention | | | | you will soon realise that one aim is to try to make |
| plenty of fresh air! | | | | your opponent move in order to hit the ball. |
| How old do I have to be to start? | | | | You will be better placed to hit each ball if you maintain |
| Obviously you have to be able to hold a tennis racket, | | | | a good position on the court before and after each |
| but there are plenty of opportunities for youngsters. | | | | shot, and you will begin to understand the importance |
| Mini Tennis is an excellent game for starting off young | | | | of good positioning. Don't get caught out of position to |
| players under eight. Played with a scaled down racket, | | | | one side of the court or stuck half way between the |
| foam balls and a small court the game is a fun | | | | baseline and the net. |
| introduction to the full game. | | | | Once you have mastered these basic principles, try to |
| How much will it cost? | | | | play to the weakness of your opponent. This might be |
| Prices for coaching vary from club to club, but we | | | | their forehand, backhand, volley, smash, or perhaps |
| always recommend keeping your lessons to half an | | | | running to the ball. Exploiting your opponents |
| hour or an hour, and to have group coaching. | | | | weaknesses will help you to start controlling the game. |
| How can I develop my game? | | | | Also, remember to use your own strengths as much |
| One way is to go for an intensive week of tennis, or a | | | | as possible. You may enjoy serving, have a strong |
| break where you can play tennis at your leisure, there | | | | cross court backhand, love to volley and play from the |
| are tennis holiday companies offering holidays both in | | | | net, so try to do more of what you enjoy! |
| the US and abroad. You can see a list of these in | | | | And keep at it! The worlds best players spend many |
| Clubs and Camps. | | | | hours training and improving their game. Success may |
| Once you have found a court to play on and you start | | | | not come immediately, so dont get downhearted if you |
| to play tennis with your friends, family or other players, | | | | dont always play at your best. |
| you will naturally start to get a feel for the game. A | | | | 'Tennis is a battle of minds, just as much as it is a |
| way to develop your hand to eye coordination is to | | | | battle of playing ability. Trying to expose your |
| practice throwing and catching the ball either against a | | | | opponents weaknesses is one of the most vital and |
| wall or with a partner. Your tennis coach will have | | | | fascinating facets of tennis. |
| many other games and exercises to help develop the | | | | |