The Fundamentals Of Tennis

Some Fundamental Issues Of The Game Of Tennis

I trust this first attempt of mine in the world of writing will find a spot amongst both beginners and experts in the world of tennis. I am attempting to interest the student of the game by a somewhat extensive discussion of match play, which I believe will shed light on the game. May I turn to the novice at first and talk of various issues which are second nature to the advanced player?

The best tennis gear is not too good for the beginner who truly wishes to be successfull. It is worth it on balance, as good quality material commonly far outlasts poor.

Regularly dress in tennis clothes when playing the game. The question of selecting a racquet is a much more severe matter. I do not suggest forcing a particular racquet upon any player. All the well-known brands are suitable. It is in the weight, balance, and the size of handle that the real value of a racquet frame depends, while good stringing is, essential to obtain the best results.

After you have got hold of your racquet, make a firm decision to use good tennis balls, as a consistent bounce is a good aid to progress, while a ball with no "bounce" is a waste of time.

If you really want to succeed at the game and make quick progress, I strongly urge you watch all the high quality tennis you can. Study the play of the leading players and strive to copy their strokes. Read all the tennis instruction books you can find. They can be of great assistance.

More tennis can be learned off the court, in the study of theory, and in watching the best players in action, than can ever be learned in actual play. I do not mean miss opportunities to play. Far from it. Play whenever possible, but strive when playing to put in practice the theories you have read or the strokes you have watched.

Never be discouraged at slow progress. The trick over some stroke you have worked over for weeks unsuccessfully will suddenly come to you when least expected. Tennis players are the product of hard work. Very few are born geniuses at the game.

Tennis is a game that pays you dividends all your life. A tennis racquet is a letter of introduction in any town. The brotherhood of the game is universal, for none but a good sportsman can succeed in the game for any lengthy period. Tennis provides relaxation, excitement, exercise, and pure enjoyment to the person who is tied hard and fast to his or her business until late afternoon. Age is not a drawback. The following order of development produces the quickest and most lasting results:

1. Concentration on the game.
2. Keep the eye on the ball.
3. Foot-work and weight-control.
4. Strokes.
5. Court position.
6. Court generalship or match play.
7. Tennis psychology.

Tennis is played primarily with the mind. The most perfect racquet technique in the world will not suffice if the directing mind is wandering. There are many causes of a wandering mind in a tennis match. The chief one is lack of interest in the game. No one should play tennis with an idea of real success unless he cares sufficiently about the game to be willing to do the drudgery necessary in learning the game correctly. Give it up at once unless you are willing to work. Conditions of play or the noises in the gallery often confuse and bewilder experienced match-players playing under new surroundings. Complete concentration on the matter in hand is the only cure for a wandering mind, and the sooner the lesson is learned the more rapid the improvement of the player.

The surest way to hold a match in mind is to play for every set, every game in the set, every point in the game and, finally, every shot in the point. A set is merely a conglomeration of made and missed shots, and the man who does not miss is the ultimate victor.