Tennis offers rewarding hours of entertainment, exercise and maybe new social contact to people of all walks. I grew up learning tennis at my local playground. Thanks to public tennis programs this has become a “game for and about life.” For most of my life I have been involved in many facet of this industry. Now I wish to share with you some of my experiences from a low cost perspective. All you first need is a racket and a few old tennis balls. Also if already play yet wish to improve all you need to do is commit some practice time to fine tune your game.
There are three ways to improve your game:
* Observing good technique (effortless and consistent)
* Practicing on both a backboard and specific shots
* Playing
Anyone can learn tennis. Besides learning how to hit the play it just as important to understand strategic play. As I have told countless numbers of my students, ” In worst case you can teach, in the best case, you will play.”
You will find that I have also include in this guide numerous ways to increase your tennis skills: 1) how to toss and hit 2) where to make visual contact 3) where to target your shots 4) other specific exercises to improve your technique 5) mental skills building.
I will attempt to provide you will fun drills, humorous insights and pleasurable exercises so you can excel.
Tennis has been a major force in my life since I was six years old. Besides the opportunities, travel, physical exercise, and enjoyment it has provided me and has taught me many invaluable skills. I have learned how to concentrate, compete, act with grace and have fun.
Tennis has been a guiding light in many dark times. It has helped me overcome many disasters, depression, loneliness, isolation, and self doubt. These many fears I have learned to better cope and accept due to the skills I learned from this wonderful game. In this game of errors the ulitmate challenge is how to best compete with yourself with grace and humility.
From the physical perspective, tennis has always showed me how important keeping my body tuned. If I would get off track with getting exercise, tennis would be a barometer as to my need to get into better shape. Even during many serious physical injuries, this great game, developed the skills to allow me incredible powers of recovery.
At first sight, tennis and I were not a match. However, thanks to my dad and many others who had patience, I learned how to hit that two ounce rubber ball over into the court. Looking back, I learned how to be my own best teacher since at first no one would play with me. Luckily, a great backboard close by became the invaluable first step to me playing tennis. Still, I will return to my “roots” and go to the backboard to polish my skills or get a “mini” workout.
My exposure to great public parks tennis developed my enthusiasm for this game. Also working with World Champion, Pauline Betz Addie profoundly influenced on my entire tennis career. Pauline’s remarkable sensitivity and brilliant instructional approach are due to her inspiring mental perspective of taking the good with the bad. By assisting this exceptional individual, I hope may share the rewards she has provided me.
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