| Those wanting to learn how to play tennis often find | | | | "love" means a score of zero. Therefore, if a score of |
| themselves overwhelmed by the sheer amount of | | | | 15-love is announced, then the server has scored one |
| information to learn. After all, the scoring system is | | | | point, and the other player has none. |
| bizarre, the terms tricky, and the technique difficult. | | | | Technique |
| However, players of all shapes, sizes, income levels, | | | | Obviously, learning how to play tennis involves a lot of |
| and athletic ability can learn this traditional game if they | | | | technical information. Not only does interpreting scoring |
| invest just a little time and energy. Success, however, | | | | require a mini-education, so does actually playing. There |
| lies in understanding its key elements. | | | | are many stances to be considered, many strokes, |
| Basics | | | | and many variations in between. While coaches and |
| Anyone interested in playing has to first understand a | | | | pros claim to have tried and true techniques for |
| few basics of the game, lest they be completely | | | | players to follow (such as only hitting with a closed |
| confused. First, the object of tennis is to keep the ball | | | | stance or holding the racket straight), much |
| in motion once it is served, preventing the opponent | | | | controversy exists as to just how important certain |
| from doing the same. Put simply, try to hit the ball over | | | | techniques are, and to what extent they lead to |
| the net in such a way that your opponent can't do the | | | | success. |
| same. | | | | To begin with, those just starting to play would be well |
| Scoring | | | | served to find a reliable source for basic guidance in |
| This is where the game becomes confusing. However, | | | | hitting, serving, etc. However, it is only through actually |
| anyone wanting to learn how to play tennis must | | | | playing that beginners can see where they need help |
| understand scoring tin order to play. The first point | | | | and what works. Keep in mind that, while much is |
| earned by a player is called "15." The second is called | | | | often made of how technically sound professional |
| "30," and the third is called "40." The fourth point earned | | | | players are, they really aren't. Each player has his or |
| by a player earns "match," and wins the game. | | | | her own unique style that may or may not be |
| However, players generally play a set, which consists | | | | "technically accurate." The key is finding a balance |
| of six games, and winning means beating the other | | | | between theory and application. |
| player (or players, if playing doubles) by a minimum of | | | | Although it can seem daunting at first, tennis offers a |
| two games. | | | | great opportunity for players to combine mental |
| Even more confusing than the scoring system can be | | | | toughness with physical skills in a game that offers a |
| the amount of "love" floating around the court-or the | | | | unique opportunity for players of all ages to enjoy |
| term, at least. Those who have wondered what "love" | | | | physical activity. Taking time to learn its characteristics, |
| means can now rest their weary heads. In tennis, | | | | however, is key to learning how to play tennis. |