Getting into Tennis

Are you interested in learning how to play tennis, but aren't quite sure where to start? If your answer to this question is yes, you're in luck! For the last seven years of my life I have played a very active role in the tennis community (participating in USTA events, teaching summer tennis camps, playing on my highschool/college team, etc etc) Interestingly, when I ask my non tennis playing friends and family why they never really gave this fabulous game a shot the most common answer I receive is, "I don't exactly know how/where to start." If you can sympathize with this response I think you will find the following tips on how to become a tennis player to be very helpful.

1. Go to Your Local Tennis Club

The USTA has done an incredible job in facilitating a person's introduction to tennis. There are numerous tennis clubs in our country with USTA certified tennis pros. Such individuals are not only knowledgeable in the many intricacies of tennis; they also know the best and most efficient way to get you started on the court in a both fun and safe fashion. If you are looking to start playing tennis, the first step you should take is finding how close your nearest tennis club is, and going in to meet with the tennis pro. This person will be able to instruct you as to what racquet you may want to purchase, as well as tell you about the many number of classes that are available to beginners.

Now, if you are reading this article you're probably thinking to yourself, "Why can't I just go to Walmart, buy a cheap racquet, and practice against the wall or with my other friends?" Although it is true that such a method of picking up tennis would be a good bit cheaper, the result will most likely be a great deal of frustration and the possibility of injury. Unless you have an experienced tennis instructor (NOT player) showing you the proper ways in which you can hit a tennis ball, you will most likely start swinging the tennis racquet incorrectly. Over time, having improper form can result in injury (tennis elbow, rotator cuff problems, etc. etc.) as well as frustration due to your inability to be able to hit the ball over the net consistently. Thus, I would highly recommend spending the extra money, and learning how to play tennis in a safe and fun environment.

2. Find a Hitting Buddy : )

Once you take a couple of lessons (which can be either group or private), and feel as though you can hit the ball of the net in a somewhat consistent fashion, you should start practicing with people outside of your tennis clinics. These people can either be friends of yours that play tennis, or people that you have met in your clinic that are just as interested in improving their game as you are. Playing tennis outside your clinic is an important step in improving your game for a number of reasons. Firstly, as the old saying goes, "Practice makes perfect." If you really want to improve your game, I highly recommend playing with a friend for at least six hours a week in addition to your clinics. Also, playing outside of your clinic is a good opportunity for you to pinpoint what aspects of your game need improving, which is something you can bring up at your next clinic.

3. Don't Give Up

Even though my hand eye coordination was always good, it took me a solid two years before I felt like a somewhat competent tennis player. By this time, I could play a tennis match without worrying about whether or not I would be able to get my serve in or if my ground strokes would be able to go over the net. I think the best piece of advice I can give you is to not give up. I know it may be a bit frustrating when you are learning how to play tennis and are unable to put the ball where you want to put it. However, I promise you, if you keep with the game you will get better. Also, the better you get at tennis, the more fun tennis is to play.

4. Don't Overdo It

However, giving up does NOT mean playing eight hours a day seven days a week! Depending on your age and physical health, a tennis pro should be able to advise you on the maximum amount of tennis you can play without the high risk of getting seriously injured. The result of playing too much too soon could be getting severe tendonitis in your elbow and/or wrist, as well as having rotator cuff problems... : )

Well! That's about it for now! Just remember, it's never too late to learn how to play this wonderful game : )