When starting tennis,is it normal to be a lot better on the backhand than on the forhand? I have been playing tennis for about 3 months now, and I notice that hitting backhand is a lot easier than forehand. Has anyone else experienced this?
124252
I'm a 4.5 level player and that's still the case with me. I'm lefthanded but I swing a baseball bat right. So the two-handed backhand is my most natural stroke.  I still hit more winners with it.  So that may be the case with you. If so, you're lucky because most beginners have a terrible backhand.    Check out this site:\nhttp://www.revolutionarytennis.com\nIt explains the theory about the forehand and backhand, and mentions how the forehand is a 'beast' and the one-hand backhand the beauty.
70798
The Origins and Early History of Tennis\nFrom Jeff Cooper,\nYour Guide to Tennis.\nFREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!\nAncient Egypt or Medieval France?\nThe earliest origins of tennis are a matter of some dispute. \n\nOne side believes that the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans played a precursor to tennis. Drawings or descriptions of any tennis-like games have not been discovered, but a few Arabic words dating from ancient Egyptian times are cited as evidence. The theory says that the name tennis derives from the Egyptian town of Tinnis alongside the Nile and the word racquet evolved from the Arabic word for palm of the hand, rahat. \n\nAside from these two words, evidence for any form of tennis preceding the year 1000 is lacking, and most historians credit the first origins of the game to 11th or 12th century French monks, who began playing a crude handball against their monastery walls or over a rope strung across a courtyard. \n\nSponsored Links\nFree Tennis Racquets\nWilson, Prince, Dunlop & more. Limited Time Only. Act now.\nTennis.GiftFiesta.com\n\nNimrod's Legacy\nThe story of Nimrod's modern legacy this week on the WWT.\nwww.wonderfulworldtomorrow.org\n\nDemo Racquets For Sale\nGood to New condition demo tennis racquets for sale.\nwww.justtennis.net/demos.htm\nThe game took on the name jeu de paume, which means "game of the hand." Many who dispute more ancient origins argue that tennis derived from the French tenez, which meant something to the effect of "take this," said as one player would serve to the other. \nAs the game became more popular, courtyard playing areas began to be modified into indoor courts, where the ball was still played off the walls. After bare hands were found too uncomfortable, players began using a glove, then either a glove with webbing between the fingers or a solid paddle, followed by webbing attached to a handle -- essentially a racquet. Rubber balls were still centuries away, so the ball was a wad of hair, wool, or cork wrapped in string and cloth or leather, then in later years, hand-stitched in felt to look something like a modern baseball. \n\nThe nobility learned the game from the monks, and some accounts report as many as 1800 courts in France by the 13th century. The game became such a popular diversion, both the Pope and Louis IV tried unsuccessfully to ban it. It soon spread to England, where both Henry VII and Henry VIII were avid players who promoted the building of more courts. \n\n12Next
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Forehand to Forehand\n\nYour forehand is the hand that holds the bat.  An opponent's shot hit to that side of your body will be returned with your forehand.\n\nIf they aim to the other side of your body, you have to reach across your body and hit a backhand shot.
472223
First of all, do you have any idea how early professional players begin playing?  I understand that if you practice enough, being very, very, very involved in tennis, you could do quite well.  It's very surprising that you could only play one year (and one month) and make your college team.  I guess if you really know you have a chance, you should just make it the biggest part of your life, and go for it!
188795
depends what you're hitting? No but seriously you don't...i'm a tennis coach and I've introduced so many kids around the age of 4 to tennis...on this one...don't listen to your mom and just pick up the racket and do it ....
224006
I'm a nationally certified Tennis Instructor. In the 37 years I've been involved in tennis, I've taught many, many students.\n\nTO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION HONESTLY...\n\nNot only do I not know of a good, cheap tennis camp, but I also do not know of a good, EXPENSIVE tennis camp.\n\nTruly, the best way to improve your tennis game is to take PRIVATE tennis lessons from a well-respected and CERTIFIED Tennis Instructor.\n\nYou see, tennis needs to be learned progressively, one step building upon another. This not only requires a great deal of concentration, it also requires a great deal of TIME.\n\nIn fact, it typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes to make a reasonable advance, and this definitely requires INDIVIDUAL instruction, not group lessons.\n\nSure, group lessons are fun. But, they don't provide you with enough INDIVIDUAL instruction to make a lasting change.\n\nTennis Camps are also fun, but they provide you with even less INDIVIDUAL instruction.\n\nDon't waste your money on a tennis camp. Instead, find a good local CERTIFIED Tennis Instructor, and be prepared to concentrate on technique.
422749
Ya being tall is always helpful in sports!  But im average for the age of 14 and i love tennis1  It's so fun it can be challanging at times but in the end it's worth getting hit in the head with tennis balls, having bruises, and injuries, to get that trophey! So stick with it and you'll be great!
96532
I've known a huge number of players through the years, and I can't think of a pro who started that late.\nOn the other hand, if by successful you mean someone who plays college tennis and does well in open tournaments, then yes there are such players.\nI didn't begin to play until the summer before my junior year in high school, but I was still able to get a scholarship and play #1 at a Division I university, and subsequently win numerous local and even national tournaments. Naturally, I wonder what I might have done had I started earlier, and been given lessons, but you play the hand you're given to the best of your ability.\nYou have raised a good question, and most experts would believe that tennis players would have to start much earlier to become a pro. I'd like to take a top athlete at age 14 and see what he or she could do with intensive training and instruction. I think some could make it in the pro ranks even with such a late start, but they would have to be highly dedicated and have superb coaching.
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Depends on your level of play. Beginners/intermediates usually use a larger racquet size b/c the sweet spots are larger along with a compromise between less power but more accuracy. \n\nAs you become better, you'd probably want a racquet with a smaller head size because as the racquet size gets smaller, the acceleration of your racquet would be greater. There's will be an immediate difference of feel once you change racquet, you'd feel more power on the groundstrokes/serves but slightly less accuracy. \n\nOverall, I'd say go ahead. It won't make such big difference as long as you play with the same style as usual. But if you have just began playing tennis for a short time, stay with the larger racquet.
354549
Go to a large sporting goods store, one that has a good selection of racquets and someone knowlegeable about tennis working there. A tennis pro shop (usually in tennis centers) is also a good place to go. You DO NOT have to purchase your racquet there, but you will have the advantage of having someone who is very used to helping players choose a racquet to help you and to make sure you get one that 'fits'. Basically, the grip should be comfortable. The right size is one that your hand wraps around almost completely.
609302
Yes!! I love to play tennis.  I have even started my own team at school becuase we didn't previously have one.  With a little more practice I believe we will be ready to compete and I am seriously considering joining a community team for the coming year.  So while I don't currently compete I hope to in the future.
171423
Practice is the first component to improving your roundoff backhand spring. If you are going sideways that often means that you are pushing more with one hand than you are the other. Try evening out your force by pushing more with the other hand. Also try making it tighter by visualizing putting your feet in the exact place where your hands just were. Visualization is often just enough to help you get the outcome you want. Good luck!
606570
When  I played baseline it was The Black Dahlia Murder. Since I've started playing a serve & volley game I've changed to  OK Go. Kinda calms me down which is what I need for net, smooth and solid.
629245
Tennis is a GREAT sport! I love playing. I love the fact that you can be at any level and still really have a great time. When I played high school tennis, we had several players who were able to make the team without prior experience. We also had players who had never played before who made the JV and freshman teams. Is that an option for you?\n\nIf you really want to make the team, this is what I suggest: find a place that offers lessons in your area--this could be a local club or a your city's park and rec department--and spend a few months getting the basics down. Also, find someone to hit with regularly. Growing up, my best friend was a guy who I hit with every day after school. We were able to progress as players because we spent so much time on the court. If you're able to find someone to hit with and spend a lot of time on the court before try-outs next spring, then you'll find that you're more than likely in a good position to make the team. \n\nAnyway, I'll give you a link to help you track down places to play, to learn the game, and to find players to hit with. I hope that helps. Good luck!
579355
I have coached tennis at the highscool level, college level, private club players etc.  I have even taught a group of 4 which consisted of a 12 year old boy, a 17 year old girl, her 42 year old mother, and a 65 year old man.  Now that is about as diverse a group you can get, but they were all relatively close in skill level.  The most important thing above all else, #1 on the priority list...i think you get the idea, is that you are receiving quality instruction!  That you are being taught the correct way.  You need to talk to experienced players and learn as much as you can as far as what grip to use for each stroke, how to impart spin on your strokes, how to follow through with your stroke to make your shot fluid and add depth to your shot.  How to properly position yourself in lining up for your shot.  Proper footwork from the ready position, split step, moving effieciently on the balls of your feet, making a full shoulder turn, stepping into the shot, moving forward through the stroke, and completing the follow through.  A lot of this will become second nature after you practice the techniques and form good habits but this is learned at a little more advanced stage.  I am sometimes asked to do clinics where I teach these fundamentals to players early in their development.  I even do volunteer clinics, if you live in the Northern CA area, or if you have a specific question that you would like answered, feel free to ask me, I sometimes take a few days to get back to you because I am away for awhile.  If you are looking for an answer as to what group you should be in, ask yourself which group will be best for my development as a player, and will I be able to give a full effort out there.
385554
i play varsity tennis at school; the main thing i do in the first set is to get the ball in, even if it means taking some power off your shots; like your problem, you don't want to get behind, so think accuracy, not power
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Without having seen you play, it's a bit hard to suggest. Obviously you'll want to play to your strengths. Also, try a variety of shots in warm-up to see how he responds. I usually hit very heavy topspin...but if my opponent can't handle low slices as well then I'll hit those all day. \n\nA few things to check:\n\n1. Footwork. This is the first thing I ever watch. I'm sorry, you can hit like a cannon but I'm gonna pound winners on you all day if your feet are cemented down. If he doesn't move (and some people will disagree with me on this) then I suggest a few deep topsin balls and then a dropshot if you can do it. Basically, make him run!!! And on that note, make sure you are moving. Solid footwork can save you when you're tired. The more tired you are, the better your footwork has to be!!!\n\n2. Stroke. Of course you'll want to check which side is weaker for them.\n\n2.Serve. You'll want to decide how far back or forward to stand. If has has a very fast serve and you need time, then move back. If it's somewhat slow or has a huge kick, catch the ball early. But you always want to be moving into it on the return.\n\n2. Rally ability. Obviously if he can't hit more then 2 balls back in a row, you don't need to do anything fancy. You should figure this out early.\n\n3. Spin. Figure out how he hits!!! If he slices alot does the ball sit up? Does it skid low? What about topspin? Does he use alot or hit flat? \n\n4. Volley ability. How is he at net? If he's bad, purposely hit some short balls if you can to draw him up. I love playing people who are horrible at net.  A drop volley up close, then an easy topspin ball at their feet.\n\n\nAlso remember to go crosscourt when you can. I'm a big believer in changing the direction of the ball, but sometimes you just can't beat good low error tennis across the middle.\n\nI kinda wrote this in a rush if anyone has any additions or feels I said something wrong, I really won't be offended. Always fun to hear different viewpoints.\n\nHope this helps!