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
Latest News
 Oneindia | Exercise, sleep help women fight cancer WRAL.com, NC - I started swimming, and I exercise five times a week," Nemcheck said. Through her cancer battle, Nemcheck said she learned that exercise and sleep are keys ... Weight-Bearing Exercise Throughout Pregnancy Boosts Heart Health Why You Need to Exercise, Sleep Well, and Brush Your Teeth Regular Exercise Helps Elderly Cancer Survivors |
Exercise Keeps the Brain Young U.S. News & World Report, DC - 21 (HealthDay News) -- In experiments in mice, exercise appears to reverse the decline in the production of brain stem cells usually seen with aging, ... |
 Telegraph.co.uk | Water aerobics help delivery go swimmingly Los Angeles Times, CA - Although more and more doctors recommend moderate exercise during pregnancy, studies have shown that expectant mothers usually fall short when it comes to ... Exercise 'helps women in labour' Aquarobics May Help Ease Labor Aquarobics 'eases birth pain' |
 Los Angeles Times | Personal trainers choose favorite exercise videos and books Los Angeles Times, CA - The exercise programs are very straightforward, and he gives you options. You can start off with the basics, or if you're already exercising, ... |
4 Simple Steps to Start the Exercise Habit Planet Thrive, NY - by Leo Babauta I have to admit that I have my ups and downs with the exercise habit. So I know that it's not the easiest habit for most people, ... |
Health Department Sets Record For Mass Dispensing Flu Exercise Today's THV, AR - The Arkansas Department of Health set a new record for its Mass Dispensing Flu Exercise and immunized 123172 Arkansans against influenza last week. ... |
Exercise pays dividends for older adults Indianapolis Star, United States - But mostly we want to be fit and healthy to avoid diseases that are associated with poor diet and lack of exercise. Studies have shown that lack of exercise ... |
Exercise During Pregnancy May Improve Perimenopausal Fitness Medscape - Compare exercise and fitness levels at long-term follow-up in perimenopausal women who exercised during pregnancy vs those who did not exercise during ... |
Exercise caution to prevent hunting mishaps Wausau Daily Herald, WI - Deer hunting season is here. Look in the woods and among the bare trees and falling leaves and you are likely to see a tree stand. ... |
Navy, Air Force link up for training exercise at Misawa Stars and Stripes, DC - "I’ve been involved in a lot of drills and exercises," the equipment operator said in a Navy news release, "but I’d never seen anything like this before. ... |
Resources
-
Golf Fitness Book - Golf Exercise Guide - Golf Training Workouts
Golf fitness Exercise training book providing golf workouts,golf stretches,golf exercises and golf swing tips to improve golf swing.
-
The Five Tibetan Rites: Chet Day's Annotated Version of Peter Kelder's Classic Tibetan Rejuvenation
The Five Rites: Chet Day presents an Annotated Version of Peter Kelder
-
Index
Lose 10lbs in just 10 days without starving, pills or complicated Exercise routines.
-
Building Muscle - The Truth
Top muscle building program available. Learn the truth about building muscle from a muscle gain expert.
-
Pilates Exercise Book, Instructions
Pilates Book, Pilates Download, Pilates Workouts and Pilates Instruction
-
Recreating Menstruation - PMS Symptoms Can Be Eliminated!
Gives women who suffer from PMS and other menstruation problems a simple Exercise they can do that will ELIMINATE their symptoms. Described in detail in the book,
-
Creatine: A practical guide.
Explode muscle growth with smart creatine use while avoiding adverse consequences
-
Melt The Fat - An Interactive Step-by-Step Exercise, Nutrition & Health Program
Melt the Fat & Gain a Life- A Total Life Makeover In 1 Complete & Interactive Program. Personal Trainer & Nutritionist Explains It All In Total Detail. Walk Away With A Fitness Routine & Eating Plan
-
Health-E-Meals.com - Quick and Healthy Recipes, Snacks, Fitness Tips, Motivation, Links.
Healthy Solutions for Your Busy Life. Health-E-Meals.com offers a free healthy cooking newsletter as well as other practical resources for making healthy living, eating and Exercise a part of your busy life.
-
Home Gym Shopping Secrets
Home Gym Shopping Secrets