ONE TWO PUNCH FOR TENNIS

P1 HITS AN APPROACH SHOT AND COMES IN. P2 COUNTERS WITH A SHOT AT THE FEET OF P1 WHO HITS A DEEP VOLLEY. P2 TRIES TO PASS P1 AND THE PLAYERS FINISH THE POINT. PERFORM THE DRILL AS FOLLOWS:

1. P1 RECEIVES A SHORT BALL FROM I OR P2.

2. P1 MOVES IN & HITS AS APPROACH SHOT DOWN THE MIDDLE.

3. P2 HITS A LOW SHOT AT P1.

4. P1 HITS A DEEP VOLLEY.

5. P2 TRIES TO PASS P1.

6. P1 & P2 PLAY OUT THE POINT.

THE TENNIS TWO STEP

Do the two-step to improve your footwork and become an aggressive tennis player. Watch your opponent as he moves to get into position to return your shot. If your opponent is struggling to get to a short ball, a wide ball or a deep ball, you should move two or three steps inside the baseline. From your position inside the baseline, you can easily move forward to attack a weak return.

STRENGTHEN YOUR ARM

Use these exercises to strengthen your arm for tennis,

IMPROVE YOUR TENNIS GAME BY PLAYING WITH A WEAKER PLAYER

Take advantage of the opportunity to improve your tennis game when you are playing with a weaker player.

Practice your weaker strokes by changing your game. If you are a baseline player, take every opportunity to come to the net. If you are a serve and volley player, stay back and work on your ground strokes

Improve your control by hitting each ball so that your partner will be able to make a return.

Improve your footwork and conditioning by attempting to play each shot as a half volley during one or two games.

You will be the stronger tennis player more often if you follow these suggestions.

PECK PARK FALL TENNIS CLASSES

Registration for the Peck Park fall classes began on August 18. Classes will begin on Monday, September 15. The tennis class schedule is shown below

RULES

RULES
Intramural Modifications
A. Matches consist of three sets of six games.
B. Conventional advantage scoring will be used.
C. A set is completed when a player has won six games and leads an opponent by two games.
D. Sets reaching six games apiece will play a 7out-of-12 points tiebreaker.
E. Each player will bring a NEW can of balls to each match. The loser of the match keeps the open can. The winner takes the new can to the next match.
1. The Court
The Court shall be a rectangle 78 feet (23.77 m) long and 27 feet (8.23 m) wide. It shall be divided across the middle by a net suspended from a cord or metal cable of a maximum diameter of one-third of an inch (0.8 cm), the ends of which shall be attached to, or pass over, the tops of two posts, which shall be not more than 6 inches (15 cm) square or 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. These posts shall not be higher than 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the top of the net cord. The centres of the posts shall be 3 feet (.914 m) outside the Court on each side and the height of the posts shall be such that the top of the cord or metal cable shall be 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) above the ground.
2. Permanent Fixtures
The permanent fixtures of the Court shall include not only the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap and band, but also, where there are any such, the back and side stops, the stands, fixed or movable seats and chairs round the Court, and their occupants, all other fixtures around and above the Court, and the Umpire, Net-cord Judge, Footfault Judge, Linesmen and Ball Boys when in their respective places.
3. The Ball
Balls that are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis must comply with the following specifications:
a. The ball shall have a uniform outer surface consisting of a fabric cover and shall be white or yellow in colour. If there are any seams they shall be stitchless.
b. The ball shall conform to the requirements specified in Appendix I (Regulations for making tests specified in Rule 3.), Section iv for size and be more than 1.975 ounces (56.0 grams) and less than 2.095 ounces (59.4 grams) in weight.
4. The Racket
Rackets failing to comply with the following specifications are not approved for play under the Rules of Tennis:
a. The hitting surface of the racket shall be flat and consist of a pattern of crossed strings connected to a frame and alternately interlaced or bonded where they cross; and the stringing pattern shall be generally uniform, and in particular not less dense in the centre than in any other area. The racket shall be designed and strung such that the playing characteristics are identical on both faces. The strings shall be free of attached objects and protrusions other than those utilised solely and specifically to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration, and which are reasonable in size and placement for such purposes.
b. The frame of the racket shall not exceed 29 inches (73.66 cm) in overall length, including the handle. The frame of the racket shall not exceed 121⁄2 inches (31.75 cm) in overall width. The hitting surface shall not exceed 151⁄2 inches (39.37 cm) in overall length, and 111⁄2 inches (29.21 cm) in overall width.
c. The frame, including the handle, shall be free of attached objects and devices other than those utilised solely and specifically to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration, or to distribute weight. Any objects and devices must be reasonable in size and placement for such purposes.
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d. The frame, including the handle and the strings, shall be free of any device which makes it possible to change materially the shape of the racket, or to change the weight distribution in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the racket which would alter the swing moment of inertia, or to deliberately change any physical property which may affect the performance of the racket during the playing of a point. No energy source that in any way changes or affects the playing characteristics of a racket may be built into or attached to a racket.
5. Server & Receiver
The players shall stand on opposite sides of the net; the player who first delivers the ball shall be called the Server, and the other the Receiver.
6. Choice of Ends & Service
The choice of ends and the right to be Server or Receiver in the first game shall be decided by toss. The player winning the toss may choose or require his opponent to choose:
a. The right to be Server or Receiver, in which case the other player shall choose the end; or
b. The end, in which case the other player shall choose the right to be Server or Receiver.
USTA Comment: The toss shall be made before the warm-up. Choices should be made promptly after the toss and are irrevocable, except when the match is postponed or suspended before the start of the match.
7. The Service
The service shall be delivered in the following manner. Immediately before commencing to serve, the Server shall stand with both feet at rest behind (i.e. further from the net than) the base-line, and within the imaginary continuations of the centre-mark and side-line. The Server shall then project the ball by hand into the air in any direction and before it hits the ground strike it with his racket, and the delivery shall be deemed to have been completed at the moment of the impact of the racket and the ball. A player with the use of only one arm may utilize his racket for the projection.
USTA Comment: There is no restriction regarding the kind of service which may be used; that is, the player may use an underhand or overhand service at his discretion.
USTA Comment: In singles, the server may stand anywhere in back of the baseline between the imaginary extensions of the inside edge of the center mark and the outside edge of the singles sideline.
8. Foot Fault
The Server shall throughout the delivery of the Service:
a. Not change his position by walking or running. The Server shall not by slight movements of the feet which do not materially affect the location originally taken up by him, be deemed "to change his position by walking or running".
b. Not touch with either foot any area other than that behind the base-line within the imaginary extensions of the centre-mark and side-lines.
9. Delivery of Service
a. In delivering the service, the Server shall stand alternately behind the right and left halves of the Court beginning from the right in every game. If service from a wrong half of the Court occurs and is undetected, all play resulting from such wrong service or services shall stand, but the inaccuracy of station shall be corrected immediately it is discovered.
b. The ball served shall pass over the net and hit the ground within the Service Court which is diagonally opposite, or upon any line bounding such Court, before the Receiver returns it.
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10. Service Fault
The Service is a fault:
a. If the Server commits any breach of Rules 7, 8 or 9(b);
b. If he misses the ball in attempting to strike it;
c. If the ball served touches a permanent fixture (other than the net, strap or band) before it hits the ground.
11. Second Service
After a fault (if it is the first fault) the Server shall serve again from behind the same half of the Court from which he served that fault, unless the service was from the wrong half, when, in accordance with Rule 9, the Server shall be entitled to one service only from behind the other half.
12. When to Serve
The Server shall not serve until the Receiver is ready. If the latter attempts to return the service, he shall be deemed ready. If, however, the Receiver signifies that he is not ready, he may not claim a fault because the ball does not hit the ground within the limits fixed for the service.
USTA Comment: This rule applies to the first and second serve. The Receiver, having indicated he is ready, may not become unready unless some outside interference takes place. If the Receiver claims to be not ready and does not make any effort to return a service, the Server’s claim for the point may not be honored even though the service was good.
13. The "Let"
In all cases where a let has to be called under the rules, or to provide for an interruption to play, it shall have the following interpretations:
a. When called solely in respective of a service that one service only shall be replayed.
b. When called under any other circumstance, the point shall be replayed.
14. The Let in Service
The Service is a let:
a. If the ball served touches the net, strap or band, and is otherwise good, or, after touching the net, strap or band, touches the Receiver or anything which he wears or carries before hitting the ground.
b. If a service or a fault is delivered when the Receiver is not ready (see Rule 12).
In case of a let, that particular service shall not count, and the Server shall serve again, but a service let does not annul a previous fault.
15. Order of Service
At the end of the first game, the Receiver shall become Server, and the Server Receiver; and so on alternately in all the subsequent games of a match. If a player serves out of turn, the player who ought to have served shall serve as soon as the mistake is discovered, but all points scored before such discovery shall stand. A fault served before such discovery shall not stand. If a game shall have been completed before such discovery, the order of service shall remain as altered.
16. When Players Change Ends Arizona Intramurals * Student Recreation Center, Room 122 * Tennis Rules - Page 4 of 10, Updated: 9/29/2004 4:41 PM * Imsports@email.arizona.edu * (520) 621-8723
The players shall change ends at the end of the first, third and every subsequent alternate game of each set, and at the end of each set unless the total number of games in such set is even, in which case the change is not made until the end of the first game of the next set. If a mistake is made and the correct sequence is not followed the players must take up their correct station as soon as the discovery is made and follow their original sequence.
17. The Ball in Play
A ball is in play from the moment at which it is delivered in service. Unless a fault or a let is called it remains in play until the point is decided.
USTA Comment: A point is not decided simply when, or because, a good shot has clearly passed a player, or when an apparently bad shot passes over a baseline or sideline. An outgoing ball is still definitely in play until it actually strikes the ground, backstop, a permanent fixture (other than the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band), or a player. The same applies to a good ball, bounding after it has landed in the proper Court. A ball that becomes imbedded in the net is out of play.
USTA Comment: When a player hits a ball into the net and the opponent, thinking the ball is coming over, strikes at it and hits the net , the opponent loses the point if the opponent touched the net while the ball was still in play.
18. Server Wins Point
The Server wins the point:
a. If the ball served, not being a let under Rule 14, touches the Receiver or anything which he wears or carries, before it hits the ground;
b. If the Receiver otherwise loses the point as provided by Rule 20.
19. Receiver Wins Point
The Receiver wins the point:
a. If the Server serves two consecutive faults;
b. If the Server otherwise loses the point as provided by Rule 20.
20. Player Loses Point
A player loses the point if:
a. He fails, before the ball in play has hit the ground twice consecutively, to return it directly over the net (except as provided in Rule 24(a) or (c)); or
b. He returns the ball in play so that it hits the ground, a permanent fixture, or other object, outside any of the lines which bound his opponent’s Court (except as provided in Rule 24(a) or (c)); or
USTA Comment: A ball hitting a scoring device or other object attached to a net post results in loss of point to the striker.
c. He volleys the ball and fails to make a good return even when standing outside the Court; or
d. In playing the ball he deliberately carries or catches it on his racket or deliberately touches it with his racket more than once; or
USTA Comment: Only when there is a definite "second push" by the player does the shot become illegal, with consequent loss of point. The word "deliberately" is the key word in this rule. Two hits occurring in the course of a single continuous swing are not deemed a double hit.
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e. He or his racket (in his hand or otherwise) or anything which he wears or carries touches the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, or the ground within his opponent’s Court at any time while the ball is in play; or
USTA Comment: Touching a pipe support that runs across the Court at the bottom of the net is interpreted as touching the net. See USTA Comment under Rule 23 for a ball which hits a pipe support.
f. He volleys the ball before it has passed the net; or
g. The ball in play touches him or anything that he wears or carries, except his racket in his hand or hands; or
USTA Comment: This loss of point occurs regardless of whether the player is inside or outside the bounds of the Court when the ball touches the player.
h. He throws his racket at and hits the ball; or
i. He deliberately and materially changes the shape of his racket during the playing of the point.
21. Player Hinders Opponent
If a player commits any act which hinders his opponent in making a stroke, then, if this is deliberate, he shall lose the point or if involuntary, the point shall be replayed.
USTA Comment: "Deliberate" means a player did what he intended to do, although the resulting effect on the opponent might or might not have been what he intended. Example: a player, after returning a ball advises the player’s partner in such a loud voice that their opponents are hindered. "Involuntary" means a non-intentional act such as a hat blowing off or a scream resulting from a sudden wasp sting.
22. Ball Falls on Line
A ball falling on a line is regarded as falling in the Court bounded by that line.
USTA Comment: In a non-officiated match, each player makes the call on any ball hit toward the player’s side of the net. If a player cannot call a ball out with certainty, the player should regard it as good. In doubles, normally the Receiver’s partner makes the calls with respect to the service line, with the Receiver calling the side and center lines, but either partner may make the call on any ball clearly seen.
23. Ball Touches Permanent Fixtures
If the ball in play touches a permanent fixture (other than the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band) after it has hit the ground, the player who struck it wins the point; if before it hits the ground, his opponent wins the point.
USTA Comment: A ball in play that strikes a pipe support running across the Court at the base of the net is treated the same as a ball landing on clear ground. See USTA Comment under Rule 20(e) for a player who touches a pipe support.
24. A Good Return
It is a good return:
a. If the ball touches the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, provided that it passes over any of them and hits the ground within the Court; or
b. If the ball, served or returned, hits the ground within the proper Court and rebounds or is blown back over the net, and the player whose turn it is to strike reaches over the net and plays the ball, provided that he does not contravene Rule 20(e); or
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c. If the ball is returned outside the posts, or singles sticks, either above or below the level of the top to the net, even though it touches the posts or singles sticks, provided that it hits the ground within the proper Court; or
d. If a player’s racket passes over the net after he has returned the ball, provided the ball passes the net before being played and is properly returned; or
e. If a player succeeds in returning the ball, served or in play, which strikes a ball lying in the Court.
USTA Comment: Paragraph (e) of the rule refers to a ball lying on the Court at the start of the point as a result of a service let or fault or as a result of a player dropping it. If a ball in play strikes a rolling or stationary "foreign" ball that has come from elsewhere after the point started, a let should be played.
25. Hindrance of a Player
In case a player is hindered in making a stroke by anything not within his control, except a permanent fixture of the Court, or except as provided for in Rule 21, a let shall be called.
USTA Comment: See Rule 13 and its USTA Comments regarding lets.
26. Score in a Game
a. If a player wins his first point, the score is called 15 for that player; on winning his second point, the score is called 30 for that player; on winning his third point, the score is called 40 for that player, and the fourth point won by a player is scored game for that player except as below: If both players have won three points, the score is called deuce; and the next point won by a player is scored advantage for that player. If the same player wins the next point, he wins the game; if the other player wins the next point the score is again called deuce; and so on, until a player wins the two points immediately following the score at deuce, when the game is scored for that player.
b. Optional Alternative Scoring System
The No-Ad System of Scoring may be adopted as an alternative to the traditional scoring system in paragraph (a) of this Rule provided the decision is announced in advance of the event. In this case, the following Rules shall be effective:
If a player wins his first point, the score is called 15 for that player; on winning his second point, the score is called 30 for that player; on winning his third point, the score is called 40 for that player, and the fourth point won by a player is scored game for that player except as below: If both players have won three points, the score is called deuce; one deciding point shall then be played. The receiver shall choose whether he wishes to receive the service from the right-half of the court or the left-half of the court. The player who wins the deciding point is scored the game.
USTA Comment: In a non-officiated match the Server should announce, in a voice audible to the Receiver and spectators, the set score at the beginning of each game, and point scores as the game goes on. Misunderstandings will be avoided if this practice is followed.
27. Score in a Set
a. A player (or players) who first wins six games wins a set; except that he must win by a margin of two games over his opponent and where necessary a set shall be extended until this margin is achieved.
b. The tie-break system of scoring may be adopted as an alternative to the advantage set system in paragraph (a) of this Rule provided the decision is announced in advance of the match.
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USTA Comment: USTA Regulation I.V.3. requires that a Tie-Break be played in all sets. In this case, the following Rules shall be effective:
The tie-break shall operate when the score reaches six games all in any set except in the third or fifth set of a three-set or five-set match respectively when an ordinary advantage set shall be played, unless otherwise decided and announced in advance of the match.
USTA Comment: USTA Regulation I.V.4. authorizes the use of the Set Tie-Break or the Super Tie-Break in lieu of the third or final set in selected tournaments.
The following system shall be used in a tie-break game.
Singles
i. A player who first wins seven points shall win the game and the set provided he leads by a margin of two points. If the score reaches six points all the game shall be extended until this margin has been achieved. Numerical scoring shall be used throughout the tie-break game.
ii. The player whose turn it is to serve shall be the Server for the first point. His opponent shall be the Server for the second and third points and thereafter each player shall serve alternately for two consecutive points until the winner of the game and set has been decided.
iii. From the first point, each service shall be delivered alternately from the right and left Courts, beginning from the right Court. If service from a wrong half of the Court occurs and is undetected, all play resulting from such wrong service or services shall stand, but the inaccuracy of station shall be corrected immediately it is discovered.
iv. Players shall change ends after every six points and at the conclusion of the tie-break game.
v. The tie-break game shall count as one game for the ball change, except that, if the balls are due to be changed at the beginning of the tie-break, the change shall be delayed until the second game of the following set.
Doubles In doubles the procedure for singles shall apply. The player whose turn it is to serve shall be the Server for the first point. Thereafter each player shall serve in rotation for two points, in the same order previously in that set, until the winners of the game and set have been decided.
Rotation of Service The player (or pair in the case of doubles) whose turn it was to serve first in the tie-break game shall receive service in the first game of the following set.
28. Maximum Number of Sets
A match can be played to the best of 3 sets (the player/team needs to win 2 sets to win the match) or to the best of 5 sets (the player/team needs to win 3 sets to win the match).

PAIN MANAGEMENT

This guide will help you to classify the level of pain you experiencing and to determine the action you should take.

BUY A RACKET

I buy my rackets at The Racket Doctor, http://www.racketdoctor.com/aboutus.html. Twice a year they have a blow out sale during which they offer great savings on most of their stock.

USTA RATING

USTA TENNIS RATING PROGRAM
Rating
1.0
This player is just starting to play tennis.
1.5
This player has played a limited amount but is still working primarily on getting the ball over the net; has some knowledge of scoring but is not familiar with basic positions and procedures for singles and doubles play.
2.0
This player may have had some lessons for one or two years but needs on-court experience; has obvious stroke weaknesses but is beginning to feel comfortable with singles and doubles play; may be a member of a junior high or junior varsity team; may have played in novice tournaments.
2.5
This player has more dependable strokes but is still unable to judge where the ball is going; has weak court coverage; is still working just to keep the ball in play with others of the same ability; many junior high and junior varsity players with two or three years experience play at this level.
3.0
This player can place shots with moderate success; can sustain a rally of slow pace but is not comfortable with all strokes; lacks consistency in serving; can keep the ball in play for six to ten shots or more without missing; plays well enough to make an average high school team.
3.5
This player still lacks stroke dependability, depth and variety but has improved ability to direct shots away from opponent; rarely double faults but does not usually force errors on the serve; hits forehand and backhand volleys consistently; and has often played for several years.
4.0
This player has dependable strokes on both forehand and backhand sides; has the ability to use a variety of shots including lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys; can place the first serve and force some errors; is rarely out of position in a doubles game; plays tournaments and is good enough to compete at the higher positions on most high school teams.
4.5
This player has begun to master the use of power and spins; has sound footwork; can control depth of shots and is able to move the opponent up and back; can hit first serves with above average power and accuracy and place the second serve; is able to rush net with some success on serve against players of similar ability; can compete evenly with top players on good high school teams that are advancing beyond regional play to the state tournament.
5.0
This player has good shot anticipation; is able to overcome some stroke deficiencies with outstanding shots or exceptional consistency; will approach net at opportune times and is often able to force an error or make a winning placement; can execute lobs, drop shots, half-volleys, and overhead smashes with above average success; is able to vary the spin on the serve; plays well enough to reach the high school state tournament (beyond sectional tournaments) in singles or doubles; is skilled enough to compete on many Division III college teams.
5.5
This player is able to execute all strokes offensively and defensively; can hit first serves for winners and second serves to set up an offensive situation; plays well enough to be a top performer at the state high school championship level; is skilled enough to play college tennis on top Division II & III teams.
6.0
This player has mastered all of the above skills; is able to hit both slice and topspin serves; can vary strategies and styles of play in competitive situations; plays well enough to be a state high school champion, hold a national ranking, and be offered a Division I tennis scholarship.
.

HOW TO SCORE A TENNIS MATCH

To put the tennis scoring system as simply as possible, one must win:
· four points to win a game
· six games to win a set
· two (or, more rarely, three) sets to win a match
We'll call the players A and B.
By winning a coin toss or a spin of the racquet, A gets to choose one of the following:
· serve
· receive serve
· choose an end of the court
· have B choose
Let's say A chooses to serve. B then gets to choose an end of the court. A may serve from anywhere behind her baseline between the right singles sideline and the center mark. The serve must be struck before the ball bounces, and it must land in the service box diagonally opposite her. She gets two chances to get a serve in. If she misses both, she loses the point. If a serve that is otherwise good nicks the net on its way in, it is redone.
If A gets her serve in, B must return the ball, after exactly one bounce, into any part of A's singles court. A and B must then return the ball, after no more than one bounce, into one another's singles court until one of them misses.
A will serve from the left side of her baseline for the second point of the game, and she will continue to alternate right and left for the start of each point of the game.
Let's say A wins the first point. At the start of the next point, she must announce the score, her point total first: "15 - love." (Love = 0.)
B wins the next point: "15 all."
B wins the next point: "15 - 30."
A wins the next point: "30 all."
A wins the next point: "40 - 30."
If A wins the next point, she wins the game.
If B wins the next point, the score is "40 all," which is called "deuce." At deuce, one player must win the next two points to win the game. If, at deuce, A wins the next point, she has the advantage, and the score is called "ad in," which means server's advantage. If B had won that point, the score would have been "ad out." If the player having the advantage wins the following point, he or she wins that game. If the player with the advantage loses the point, the score returns to deuce.
With traditional scoring, games can go back and forth from deuce to ad over and over. The "No Ad" variation on the scoring within games allows for a game to be won by a margin of one point. Instead of "15," "30," and "40" used to note points, players may use "1," "2," and "3." At "3 all," the receiver may choose whether to receive in the left or right service box. The winner of that point wins the game.

At the end of the first and every odd-numbered game, the players switch ends of the court, and the player who served the previous game now receives serve. The server always begins a game by serving from the right. At the start of each game, she announces the number of games each has won, starting with her own score, for example, "3 - 2."
Once a player has won six games by a margin of two or more, he or she has won the set. If the score within a set reaches 6 - 6, the players may either continue to try to reach a margin of two (such as 8 - 6 or 9 - 7), or they may play a tie-break to decide the set. In tournament play, this choice will have been determined in advance, but recreational players often choose whichever option appeals to them at the moment.
In a standard "12-point tie break" (best of 12), one player must win seven points by a margin or two or more. The player who received in the game preceding the tie-break serves the first point of the tie-break, starting from the right. The other player then serves the next two points, the first from the left, then the second from the right. Each player continues serving two points per turn. Points are scored with counting numbers ("1, 2, 3 . . ."). When the point total reaches six and each multiple of six, the players switch ends of the court.
Starting a New Set
If the previous set ended with an odd-numbered total of games, the players switch ends to begin the new set. (A tie-break counts as one game.) They will switch ends after every odd game through each set.
At the start of a new set, the player who received in the last game of the previous set (or received first in the tie-break) now serves.
Completing a Match
In most tournaments, the first player to win two sets (best of three) wins the match. In a few events, such as men's Grand Slam tournaments, one must win three sets (best of five). Where time or fitness impose limits on the length of matches, a tie-break is sometimes used in place of a third set.
Recreational players often keep going until they're exhausted, even if one of them has won four sets in a row.

GRIP SIZE

CHOOSE A JUNIOR RACKET

General Guidelines

Tennis racquets come in a wider variety of shapes, lengths, weights, materials, head sizes, thicknesses, and stringing patterns than anyone could have ever imagined thirty years ago in the age of the woodies. Making a choice amidst all of these options can be a real challenge, but the first step in narrowing down your choices is clear: You need to decide on the correct length, which will be our focus here. In future articles, I'll address the other factors you need to consider.
The question of length has become considerably more complicated than it was just a few years ago. Virtually all adult tennis racquets used to be 27" long, but now lengths are available up to 32", although lengths greater than 29" are illegal in most competition. Whether to choose an "extra long" or standard length adult racquet is a complicated question, involving the player's stroking style at least as much as her physical traits. We'll take that up in another discussion. For this article, we will focus on choosing between the various junior lengths on the one hand and any adult length on the other.
As a general principle, a junior should use as long a racquet as she can comfortably handle. This will encourage her to develop smooth strokes that utilize good weight transfer and her larger muscles. Too small a racquet encourages excessive wrist and elbow action, which, in the long run, will harm both her strokes and her arm. Once a junior weighs at least 85 pounds or so, she is usually ready for an adult racquet.

The standard guidelines for age and racquet size are charted below, but you should adjust for several additional factors. If an 8-year-old is the size of an average 10-year-old, choose for a 10-year-old. You should move up one size, possibly two, to adjust for exceptionally high physical strength, but adjusting down for lack of strength is almost never necessary. Modern junior racquets are extremely light, and even a total couch potato should be able to wield the racquet designed for her age. Experience is also a factor. The chart assumes a beginner player. An experienced player will often do best with a size or two larger than the chart indicates. Experienced players will have enough feel for their strokes to be able to conduct a meaningful demo.
Age: Racquet Length
0-4: 19"4-6: 21"7-8: 23"9-10: 25"10-12: 26"12 up: adult size
You will notice overlaps in the above chart at ages 4, 10, and 12. At these ages, either size is equally likely to be suitable, but as a general rule, when in doubt, go with the bigger racquet.
If a junior is just barely big enough for an adult racquet, he's probably better off with a standard 27" racquet than with an extra-long. Despite all of the recent advances in reducing the swing weight of extra-long racquets, they still tend to play heavier than shorter racquets of the same weight.
Adult racquets come as light as 8 ounces these days, but racquets lighter than 10 ounces start approaching too small a multiple of the weight of the ball. I find that an average 12-year-old hits quite comfortably with a racquet weighing 10-11.5 ounces.
Beginners won't have enough feel for tennis strokes to be able to make a firm decision based on an on-court demo, but if a junior is completely torn between two sizes of racquets, here's a test that might help him decide. Have him hold the racquet behind him so that the tip touches his lower back and his elbow is the highest part of his arm. Have him raise the racquet overhead, much as if he were serving, but with a slow swing. If the racquet is going to be too heavy for him, this is where he'll feel it.
Juniors can outgrow racquets quickly, but it helps a lot that junior racquets tend to be inexpensive. Very nice junior racquets at a pro shop will run roughly $20 to $50, and some of the $10 racquets at the big discount chains are quite good, too. When you look at the least expensive racquets, one crude test is to bang the strings on the butt of your hand to get a feel for their solidity. Avoid racquets that seem lighter or more flexible than the others in the bottom end of the price range.

THE COURT

A tennis court is where a game of tennis is played. It is a firm rectangular surface with a low net standing across the center.

Dimensions

Tennis is played on a rectangular flat surface, usually of grass, clay, concrete (hard court) or a synthetic suspended court. The court is 78 feet (23.77 m) long, and its width is 27 feet (8.23 m) for singles matches and 36 feet (10.97 m) for doubles matches. Additional clear space around the court is needed in order for players to reach overrun balls. A net is stretched across the full width of the court, parallel with the baselines, dividing it into two equal ends. The net is 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) high at the posts, and 3 feet (914 mm) high in the center.

The court on the right side of each player is called the deuce court, while the left side is called the ad court (short for "advantage court").

Types of tennis courts

There are four main types of courts depending on the materials used for the court surface: clay courts, hard courts, grass courts and indoor courts. Each playing surface has its own unique characteristics which affect the playing style of the game.

Of the Grand Slam tournaments, the U.S. Open and Australian Open use hardcourts (though both used grass courts in the past, and the U.S. Open also used clay courts), the French Open is played on clay (though it too was played on grass before 1928), and Wimbledon is played on grass.

Clay courts

Clay courts are made of crushed shale, stone or brick, and are either red or green. The red clay is slower than the green, or Har-Tru(c) "American" clay. Clay courts are considered "slow", because the balls bounce relatively slowly with less forward motion, making it less difficult for a player to hit an unreturnable shot. Points are usually longer as there are fewer winners. Therefore, clay courts heavily favour baseliners who are consistent and are generally more defensive. These clay courters hit shots with heavy spin, which makes the ball travel with a forward motion, this results in a higher bounce due to the "kick" of topspin. Clay courts are more common in Europe and South America than in the United States. In the U.S., courts made of rubico are often called "clay". This is not the same as clay used in most European and South American countries. The French Open uses clay courts.The killer of the clay court is Rafael Nadal.

Hard courts

Hard courts, usually made of cement or plastic, are considered "fast" surfaces, where fast, low bounces keep rallies short, and powerful, hard-serving players have a slight advantage. Hard courts can vary in speed, but they are faster than clay and slower than grass courts, which allow the ball to slide. These courts are considered the most equal for all playing styles. The US Open is played on DecoTurf, an acrylic hard court, while the Australian Open is played on Rebound Ace, a synthetic hardcourt.

The main difference between Rebound Ace and true hardcourt surfaces is the level of hardness. Rebound ace is softer (more spongy) . Consequently, when the ball bounces on this surface a large part of the ball's momentum is absorbed by the surface and reduces its speed. On a hard surface the loss of momentum is negligible because the surface provides less cushion to the bouncing ball.

The amount of sand used in the top paint also determines the speed. More sand means less speed. The amount of friction can also be altered and more friction will produce a clay court effect, where topspin is magnified. The extra grip/friction will resist the sliding effect of the ball and the resistance will force the ball to change its rotation. The extra grip provided by the surface is also dangerous because it can resist the movement of the player and can cause injury.

The ITF classifies Rebound Ace as a type two category (medium/medium fast) hardcourt.

Grass courts

Grass courts are the fastest type of tennis court in common use (AstroTurf which is rarely used for tennis is faster). They consist of grass grown on very hard-packed soil, similar to golf greens , which adds an additional variable: bounces depend on how healthy the grass is, how recently it has been mowed, and the wear and tear of recent play. Points are usually very short and the serve plays a more important role. Grass courts tend to favour serve-and-volley tennis players, such as John McEnroe, Pete Sampras and as of late, the dominant grass courter Roger Federer. The most famous grass tennis court in the world is Centre Court at Wimbledon. The surface is less firm and more slippery than hard courts, causing the ball to slide and bounce lower, and so players must reach the ball faster. Serve and volley players take advantage of the surface by serving the ball(usually a slice serve because of its effectiveness on grass) and then running to the net to cut off the return of serve, leaving their opponent with little time to reach the low-bouncing, fast-moving ball. Players often hit flatter shots to increase power and allow the ball to travel faster after and before the ball hits the ground. Due to high maintenance costs however, grass courts are now rare as they must be watered and mowed often, and take a longer time to dry after rain than hard courts. For a more extensive discussion of the skills most advantageous on grass court, please see Grass Court Specialist.

Suspended courts

Synthetic suspended courts are usually made of a polypropylene plastic interlocking tile. They are placed on top of a hard surface such as asphalt or concrete. They are suspended approximately 3\4" above the hard surface allowing water and air to flow under it. The Flex Court has shock absorption for vertical and lateral forgiveness. This surface is generally cooler than a hard court surface and players can play longer on it without getting as tired. These USTA approved playing surfaces such as Flex Court are generally considered a “medium speed" surface where the ball bounces similar to a clay court but the player has much better foot traction. World premier doubles player Jonas Bjorkman prefers to practice and play on the Flex Court suspended court because it “has absolutely wonderful stress relief on ankles, knees and legs.” These suspended courts play similar to clay courts but the sliding foot shots are not made because of the great foot traction. This surface is less expensive than clay because it requires almost no maintenance once the court is in place.

Indoor courts

Special surfaces can only be used indoors. Most commonly carpet surfaces, carpet courts vary in playing characteristics due to differences in thickness, texture, and materials used in the base and yarn. Suspended surfaces may be used indoors. The ATP tennis tour also considers rubber surfaces as carpet. While being the most common surface for real tennis, wood is the rarest surface for tennis. It is also the fastest surface, which bounces faster and lower than grass.

WHY PLAY TENNIS

Health Benefits of Tennis: Why Play Tennis?







Its historic moniker has been the “sport for a lifetime”. But is this really true? According to world-renowned scientists from a variety of disciplines, there is no doubt that tennis is one of the best sports for you to play.

Here are the facts:

1. People who participate in tennis 3 hours per week (at moderately vigorous intensity) cut their risk of death in half from any cause, according to physician Ralph Paffenbarger who studied over 10,000 people over a period of 20 years.

2. Tennis players scored higher in vigor, optimism and self-esteem while scoring lower in depression, anger, confusion, anxiety and tension than other athletes and non-athletes according to Dr. Joan Finn and colleagues at Southern Connecticut State University.

3. Since tennis requires alertness and tactical thinking, it may generate new connections between nerves in the brain and thus promote a lifetime of continuing development of the brain, reported scientists at the University of Illinois.

4. Tennis outperforms golf, inline skating and most other sports in developing positive personality characteristics according to Dr. Jim Gavin, author of The Exercise Habit.

5. Competitive tennis burns more calories than aerobics, inline skating, or cycling, according to studies on caloric expenditures.

With these results in mind, let’s take a look at 34 specific reasons why you should consider playing tennis regularly!

Physical Reasons to Play Tennis

Tennis helps your:

1. aerobic fitness by burning fat and improving your cardiovascular fitness and maintaining higher energy levels.

2. anaerobic fitness by offering short, intense bursts of activity during a point followed by rest which helps muscles use oxygen efficiently.

3. ability to accelerate by practice in sprinting, jumping and lunging to move quickly.

4. powerful first step by requiring anticipation, quick reaction time and explosion into action.

5. speed through a series of side-to-side and up and back sprints to chase the ball.

6. leg strength through hundreds of starts and stops which build stronger leg muscles.

7. general body coordination since you have to move into position and then adjust your upper body to hit the ball successfully.

8. gross motor control through court movement and ball-striking skills which require control of your large muscle groups.

9. fine motor control by the use of touch shots like angled volleys, drop shots and lobs.

10. agility by forcing you to change direction as many as 5 times in 10 seconds during a typical tennis point.

11. dynamic balance through hundreds of starts, stops, changes of direction and hitting on the run.

12. cross-training by offering a physically demanding sport that’s fun to play for athletes who are expert in other sports.

13. bone strength and density by strengthening bones of young players and helping prevent osteoporosis in older ones.

14. immune system through its conditioning effects which promote overall health, fitness and resistance to disease.

15. nutritional habits by eating appropriately before competition to enhance energy production and after competition to practice proper recovery methods.

16. eye-hand coordination because you constantly judge the timing between the on-coming ball and the proper contact point.

17. flexibility due to the constant stretching and maneuvering to return the ball toward your opponent.



Psychological Reasons to Play Tennis


Tennis helps you:

18. develop a work ethic because improvement through lessons or practice reinforces the value of hard work.

19. develop discipline since you learn to work on your skills in practice and control the pace of play in competition.

20. manage mistakes by learning to play within your abilities and realizing that managing and minimizing mistakes in tennis or life is critical.

21. learn to compete one-on-one because the ability to compete and fight trains you in the ups and downs of a competitive world.

22. accept responsibility because only you can prepare to compete by practicing skills, checking your equipment and during match play by making line calls.

23. manage adversity by learning to adjust to the elements (e.g. wind, sun) and still be able to compete tenaciously.

24. accommodate stress effectively because the physical, mental and emotional stress of tennis will force you to increase you capacity for dealing with stress.

25. learn how to recover by adapting to the stress of a point and the recovery period between points which is similar to the stress and recovery cycles in life.

26. plan and implement strategies since you naturally learn how to anticipate an opponent’s moves and plan your countermoves.

27. learn to solve problems since tennis is a sport based on angles, geometry and physics.

28. develop performance rituals before serving or returning to control your rhythm of play and deal with pressure These skills can transfer to taking exams, conducting a meeting or making an important sales presentation.

29. learn sportsmanship since tennis teaches you to compete fairly with opponents.

30. learn to win graciously and lose with honor. Gloating after a win or making excuses after a loss doesn’t work in tennis or in life.

31. learn teamwork since successful doubles play depends on you and your partner’s ability to communicate and play as a cohesive unit.

32. develop social skills through interaction and communication before a match, while changing sides of the court and after play.

33. have FUN… because the healthy feelings of enjoyment, competitiveness and physical challenge are inherent in the sport.


Summary and Reason #34

Is it any wonder that scientists and physicians around the world view tennis as the most healthful activity in which you can participate? There may be other sports that can provide excellent health benefits and some which can provide mental and emotional growth. But no sport other than tennis has ever been acclaimed from all disciplines as one that develops great benefits physically, mentally and emotionally.

Tennis is a sport for kids to learn early in life. What parent wouldn’t want their children to get these benefits through their growing years?

It’s not too late for adults and seniors too! The human system can be trained and improved at any stage of life.

Here’s the key… you must begin playing tennis now to get these benefits throughout your lifetime. And that brings us to reason #34: Tennis is truly the sport for a lifetime! It’s been proven.

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SUMMER TENNIS CLASSES

The Peck Park LEARN TO LOVE TENNIS classes will begin today, 6/23/08. I will post information that will be of interest to the students.