Tennis Basics

     If you are thinking about being a tennis player, I highly suggest that you do so.  It is very easy to start getting into tennis lessons and groups at a beginning level for fun.  If you are thinking about this, their are some basics that you need to know.  When you start a game against someone you spin the racquet to see who serves.  For example, on a Wilson racquet on the cap (bottom) there is an W or M.  If you call M and  when the opponent spins it and it lands on W then they get to decide if they would like to serve or receive.  If your opponent wins the call then you decide which side you go on. In most women matches you play 2 out of  3 sets to 6 and if you switch sets determining on the tournament, you either play a third set or a tiebreaker to ten points.  Also, to win a game you need to win four points. You start from love meaning zero then it goes 15-30-40-game.  Nobody knows why tennis score is kept like that but it can become confusing if you do not confirm that you know the score.  So therefore, 40-40 is deuce and from there you need to win two more points in a row to win that game.  Every game that you play you switch off serves, you get two serves, if you miss the first serve you get a second serve then if you miss the second serve it is considered a "double fault" which confirms that you have lost the point. 

     Always remember to display good sportsmanship during a match. As there are most likely many parents, other tennis players, and coaches watching you.  In addition, there are also officials walking around and can call points on you if you are not displaying good sportsmanship. It is always important to remember this because even if you do not win the match, you can still win the sportsmanship award for that tournament which is still considered winning!  Its always good to keep a good reputation when it comes to your sportsmanship in tennis. Lastly, remember to always shake your opponents hand when you're done with your match and keep a smile on your face no matter what the results! Tennis is all about the fun.