learning the sport of tennis
by: Mike Sprouse/TennisCT
So, you’re a fan of tennis. A beginner. You think the sport is cool, fun to watch, and maybe you have family or friends that like to play. There are still so many questions you have…namely, where do I learn? How do I learn? Why should I go through the trouble of learning? And maybe more importantly, will I ever be as good as the players I see on the web or TV or even at my local club?
The last question is the least important to answer right now. The key is to just get started by getting a racquet in your hand under the guidance of someone who is an expert at the sport.
We have a ton of resources for beginners on this very website to prepare you with knowledge about the sport (right down to the fundamentals of how to hold a racquet or how to keep score). But until you actually take the plunge and step onto the court, all the knowledge in the world won’t provide you with the hours of fun the sport provides.
Take it from me that the first few times you try tennis, it’s likely you’ll be frustrated. You might swing and miss. You might make contact and have the ball either dribble into the net or hit the back fence. Who knows. That’s not the point, though.
The point is that, like anything, there will be some people who try to play tennis - and maybe even take a lesson or two - and become so frustrated they quit. Don’t quit. Put in the time to actually see yourself improve, however little. Once you get to the point where you are actively maintaining a rally (exchange of shots) with an opponent, you start to feel the sport’s health benefits. You’ll also make friends with people who are also trying to learn the sport. Eventually, you’ll find yourself wanting to play in beginner or intermediate-level leagues or matches. After a while, you’ll welcome any opportunity to play tennis with anyone.
Throughout the process of going through early growing pains, you’ll start to eventually see that tennis is the sport of a lifetime that gives back (in health) what you put into it (in effort).
The answer to the question of when to learn tennis is: now. Most people think that you have to be under 10 years old to learn the sport, but that’s not true. It’s a great sport for people to learn later in life as an alternate to health clubs or other recreational activities. Even if you’re interested in competing, there are leagues to play in - around the world - for people in their 70’s, 80’s and above.
The answer to the question of where to learn is: here, at any of the places listed on this page if you’re in Connecticut or New York. If you don’t, do a quick search for clubs and search out beginner lesson deals.
The answer to the question of how to learn is: read this website (the “Tennis 101” section is a good start) and get to know a bit more about the sport. That way when you step onto the court, your brain will be armed with basic knowledge about how to swing, make contact, grip the racquet, and more.