Tennis, like that!

Tennis, a difficult sport. There are very few sports that require as much precision as tennis does. Below you will find some useful tips to start playing the game, or to improve some parts of your game.

Why is tennis so difficult?

Everyone who enters the court for the first time, leaves the court feeling the same way: It turns out to be a pretty difficult game that you don't master that easily. But what makes tennis so difficult? First of all, because it's not a common sport. Everyone has played soccer at school, or maybe floorball, but this is not the case for tennis. Secondly, it's because the game looks relatively easy on television. Ladies and gentlemen easily reach a twenty stroke rally and end the rally with a 'winner.' This makes you think that everyone (on a lower level) is able to play a short rally, but this is often not the case. Additionally, tennis is a highly complicated sport: a ball comes towards you at high speed and you have to react to that with a racket in your hand. Also, the difference between a good ball and a bad ball in tennis is very small. You have to 'time' your actions well, if you want to get the ball across the net.

Equipment

The equipment and material are important factors in tennis. Always make sure you wear good shoes (to reduce the chance of injuries) and use a good racket. Don't be tempted to buy a cheap racket at a normal store, but go to a specialized sports store and be informed well about rackets. It is important the racket suits you! If you buy a bad racket, you will always have trouble hitting a "good" ball. Is the racket too much for you (the frame is too stiff, which requires a maximum of feeling and technique), you will find out that this interferes with your learning process.

Technique

Look for a good trainer, he or she can teach you the basic rules of tennis. I am a tennis trainer myself and I have always taught rest and relaxation. I can't teach you tennis techniques here, obviously, but here's an important tip: make sure you're always relaxed when you hit the ball. Don't make more moves than necessary, create enough space between you and the ball and move your arms up and down in a relaxed way. Stand still when you hit the ball and just let your arm do the work.

Watching tennis is a good way to learn!

If the game is still difficult for you, I suggest you watch tennis. Watch on television, but preferably watch good players at your club. Don't just look at the ball, but look how they hit the ball. You will memorize this (unconsciously) and you will find out this helps when you play tennis next time. 

I wish you a good time on the tennis court!

Sources: www.todio.nl