Learn How To Play Tennis

Running is good exercise but it can be boring, so if you learn how to play tennis, you can exercise and have fun at the same time. You can join a tennis club, hire a private instructor or learn by studying video lessons. You should buy a decent racket, but not one that is overly expensive, in case you decide tennis is not for you. Play tennis with a friend or your significant other, and you can both benefit from the sport.

1. Learn the rules before you play tennis. You have probably watched tennis on television, but you need to know how to score the game in order to play it right. It is a simple sport to understand, and you will catch on quickly. Once you know how to keep score, you are ready to play tennis.
2. Find a free public tennis court, and take a partner with you. You should both have acceptable attire and footwear, as well as a good supply of tennis balls. Do some conditioning exercises to loosen up, and stretch your lower back and the arm you will use for your serve. If your playing partner already knows how to play tennis, have him give you some pointers before you begin play.
3. Hit a few easy balls back and forth with your playing partner. Notice what happens if you over swing and have the wrong grip. Either the ball goes into the ground or flies out of the court. Adjust your grip so that your forehand swing sends the ball over the net, and do the same with your backhand. If you use two hands for the backhand, it will take some time to get used to switching your grip during a point. Practice until you get the hang of the different grips.
4. Try some serves, and do not swing too hard. You want to keep the ball in the service box, so gradually build up the speed of your serve as your accuracy improves. Experiment with the height of the ball toss on your serve, and remember to keep your feet behind the line to avoid a foot fault violation.
5. Meet with a tennis instructor if you are frustrated with your progress. The tennis pro will correct any body mechanic and swing issues you have, which will instantly improve your game. Most new players have problems controlling the topspin of the tennis swing, and the instructor will be quick to address this if it is a problem for you. Keep practicing and your game will improve making the sport more enjoyable.