Tennis - any players ?

TimmyO

I have decided to learn how to play tennis.

I've never really done it - other than to try and whack a ball on a court in a municipal park once or twice as a teenager.

I did try to get in to it a few years ago, but after 2 lessons I had my eye incident (old news now - I had a burst blood vessel in my retina and it ruined most of the sight in my right eye - won't recover) and stopped. 

For the first time in years I have some time, so am signing up for lessons at a place nearby.

Made me wonder who else plays, or indeed has learned as an adult. 

fob

Probably my favourite sport to play and second to watch, after football. I'd recommend finding a mate (or your partner) and spend the time hitting to each other rather than trying to win games off each other; progress will be much quicker. Don't rule out one of tennis' greatest training aids - the brick wall. Sad as it sounds, I still get as much pleasure out of doing this as I did when I was a kid although I don't do it nearly as much. Every tennis player you can name has spent a lot of time hitting against the wall.

I'd also say that you should invest in the best trainers you can afford over spending that much on a racket. I've known two people get shin-splints when playing in casual trainers - you do a lot of sharp impact turns.

Most of all, just enjoy the process of learning. It's a very technical sport - I've heard the serve is the most complex move in sport - but very rewarding when you get the basics down, which won't take nearly as long as you might think while you're swinging-and-missing.

TimmyO

Cheers fob :-) 

Yep I have purchased some actual tennis shoes (Nike ones, they were not expensive), and a racket (went into a specialist tennis shop while I was in London earlier in the week - told them I am a beginner and will be having lessons and took their advice on a few) 

I think Wednesday next week is the first lesson I am free for locally (waiting to hear back) 
Looking forward to it

TimmyO

Have had a couple of group lessons locally, and a 1-to-1 with a different bloke who was recommended - the 1-to-1 was amazing, made so much progress, really enjoying it. 

randella

Good man. I always fancied being able to play, but memories of my efforts at school which basically involved accidentally swatting the ball over the chainlink fence, and not much else, put me off. 

Back injury precludes trying again unfortunately. Glad you're enjoying it though, keep up the good work!

ennspek

I started playing again afterwards very long break. It's great fun and can be good socially too.

Iamnobody

I haven't played tennis for years but you have reminded me that should get back into playing badminton. 

Good luck with the lessons.

mike_l

Used to, had I been bothered I'd have probably got to a reasonable standard (county level, according to the teacher). Same with athletics (javlin/discus/shot put). Problem was at 15 all the sport I wanted to play was rugby.


Good luck with it Timmy, it'll be a fun experience learning.

57Deluxe

bet there are plenty of elbows....

TimmyO

57Deluxe said:

bet there are plenty of elbows....

I don't get it... 

guitars4you

dabbled at it - to old now to get back into it - mainly played squash and badminton in the past

I think an element that tennis, golf and playing guitar are similar in that you'll never be as good as you want to be - But can have great fun trying