| Some would say the aim of the game is to win a | | | | starting with your racquet in front of you and going |
| match. But others would say the real aim of this game | | | | around 360 degrees, the proper grip, the best stance, |
| is to have fun in the sun! My aim here is to show you | | | | and even the toss. |
| the fundamentals if you are new to it. | | | | No matter where the ball lands on your side you must |
| Fundamentally Speaking | | | | cover the court. Footwork and the ability to stay alert |
| Once on the court you want to hit the ball into your | | | | and move in quickly come into play here. As a |
| opponent's court until they cannot return it (as you've | | | | beginner you won't concern yourself with spin or |
| probably guessed). But to win a game you must score | | | | playing the net. You're doing well if you learn directional |
| two points more. This makes for no such thing as a | | | | control, placing the ball in a certain part of the |
| really close game. Thankfully, picking up a racquet, a | | | | court--you know, that sweet place where your |
| can of balls and a pair of tennis shoes (those that don't | | | | opponent is not! |
| leave marks on the concrete from the soles) are all | | | | When you play a point the ball can bounce only once |
| you need to try it out. | | | | at most. That's why you see players rushing to get the |
| In this sport serious injury is almost nonexistent, | | | | ball. Calling the lines is your responsibility if the ball is on |
| locations to play are often at your local park or school | | | | your side. Touching a boundary line makes the ball |
| and, with only two players needed to get a game | | | | good. Scoring proceeds like this: At the start it is |
| going, you're all set. Speaking of sets....those are what | | | | "love-love"; next point is 15; next is 30; next |
| you need to win the match. The match is the | | | | is 40; next is game won or "add" for the |
| "ultimate goal". It is determined by who wins | | | | player ahead by a point. |
| the most sets. | | | | When you take lessons you will learn by |
| Pay attention to the numbers here. The player winning | | | | demonstration and practice. You will also learn insider |
| the first 2 sets takes the match. Or the player winning | | | | lingo such as: "Put away a lob.", "slice |
| 2 of 3 sets takes the match. Did I mention the player | | | | serve" and "racquet high in the sky". A |
| winning 6 games in a set takes that set? Nobody said | | | | knowledgeable teacher can teach you many sound |
| winning comes quickly! After all, a Wimbledon final isn't | | | | techniques. Remember to win with class and lose with |
| afternoon tea and crumpets. | | | | dignity....I just had to toss that in there too! |
| When you first learn to hit the ball--called a stroke or | | | | Speaking the Language |
| swing--there are two main aspects. | | | | Here is a rundown of common terms: |
| 1. Rally using a groundstroke. It's common practice to | | | | Game: Player must score at least 4 points. If the other |
| improve your skill at this using drills, no matter what | | | | player scores as well then whoever scores 2 points |
| your level. The challenge for you when using your | | | | more (the 4 point minimum still holds) wins that game. |
| groundstroke is to place the ball toward the back of | | | | Serve: Two attempts to land the ball in the service |
| the court-- that is where the baseline is--without | | | | box are given. There is, however, no penalty in using |
| overhitting the shot. | | | | both attempts to serve it successfully. The point is lost |
| Equally as challenging is to place your shot in the | | | | if unsuccessful. |
| forecourt--closer to the net. The forehand and | | | | Let: This happens only during a serve when the ball |
| backhand are the two different groundstrokes. As you | | | | touches the net, but still lands in the service box. The |
| perform these swings you develop the habit of | | | | serve is repeated. |
| rotating back the shoulder holding the racquet; so your | | | | Alley: The court is has two lines forming the left and |
| racquet starts out well behind you before you contact | | | | right boundaries. The inside lines form the boundary for |
| the ball. Just as important is to keep pushing your | | | | singles play. The outside lines form the boundary for |
| racquet forward after hitting the ball. | | | | doubles play. The space between each is the alley. |
| 2. Landing a serve in the crosscourt service box is the | | | | Out: A ball landing outside the court boundaries; or, on |
| goal of serving. The serve is important because it is | | | | the serve, outside the service box. |
| used to start every point, and not landing serves can | | | | Deuce: A tied score at 40-40. A tense moment for |
| cause you to lose games. Receiving serves has | | | | both players! |
| strategy too. You'll learn to hit using a full swing from | | | | |