Things You'll Need:
- Tennis Racquet
- Tennis shoes
- Internet access
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Step 1
Check with your local parks and recreation organization for information regarding tennis lessons. Most offer this information on a website, but you can call a tennis center or drop by and pick up a flyer. Local organizations like this usually offer the best rates on lessons. Try to get in a group class. This will lower the rate because it is spread over several players. Classes are generally offered in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Choose the one that most suits your playing experience. Group lessons are generally less intensive because the instructor is not just focused on you and you get small rests between hitting the ball during drills. If you live in a less metropolitan area then you may just have to check with a private tennis center. This will probably require more investment in the lessons and may require a membership in the club. Some multi-use clubs offer memberships that just include use of the tennis center.
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Step 2
Purchase a quality racquet that is the right size for you and matches your playing experience. I suggest either visiting a pro shop or reading another article on eHow about choosing a racquet. Even if you cannot afford the racquet at the pro shop, they will tell you what grip size you need and the type of head that best suits you. Most pro shops, even the online shops, offer a demo program. You put down a small deposit, usually about $5, and they let you take a demo racquet for a couple of days to try out. Your money goes towards the purchase of your new racquet. You can demo several racquets, but you must pay the fee each time. This is a great way to find the right racquet. Many tennis centers have loaners for players that have not found a racquet yet.
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Step 3
Invest in some shoes that are designed for tennis. These shoes will make a difference when the action gets fast. They have been specially designed for the sport and tested by the pros. I would never suggest wearing the average sneaker to play tennis. There is too much of a chance of turning an ankle.
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Step 4
Regarding attire, check with the tennis center where you will be playing for the dress code. Most public tennis centers do not have special requirements, but private clubs generally have some rules.
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Step 5
After taking some lessons, you'll be ready for some competitive playing. That's right, even beginners can play competitively. The USTA has developed a ranking system that matches players' abilities on the court. Most communities have a local tennis association that provides USTA league play. You will need to join the USTA. Go to www.usta.com/membership to join. Check with the local tennis association for time frames that league membership is open. They will assist you in joining a team. There is also much information on www.usta.com including a list of league coordinators for each state. Costs will include the USTA membership fee, a league fee, and then generally there is a court and ball fee that the team must pay. The court and ball fee is usually divided among the team members, unless the team is sponsored by their club or someone else.
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Step 6
Team play usually consists of 3 doubles matches and 2 singles matches at the scheduled play time. Some may be 2 doubles and 1 singles. Teams have a minimum number of players required to register to be put on the schedule in the league. The team captain will give you the information required to join the team through the USTA's website. When you register you will be required to NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) self rate the first time you enter the system. For the rules about how to self rate, check out the NTRP Rating Help link on tennislink.usta.com or go to http://www.usta.com/LeaguesAndTournaments/AdultLeagues.aspx and click on Self Rate or NTRP. Warning: Once you self rate, it is very difficult to appeal the rating. Make sure you get it right the first time and be conservative. After you are in the system and playing, you will be computer rated each year.
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Step 7
After you have registered for a team, you will be placed on a schedule. Some players register for several teams that play on different days, because they don't play every week since there is a rotation of the team players and sometimes you are listed as a sub. If you have the time and want plenty of play time, this is the way to go.
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Step 8
Get active and have fun playing some competitive tennis and remember to be good sport whether you win or lose. Tennis can be a fun!
