Tennis For Dummies [Paperback]

Written for tennis newcomers but with enough detail to satisfy seasoned players, Tennis for Dummies offers practical, substantive, and perceptive advice on a subject that the United States Tennis Association describes as a "sport for a lifetime." Patrick McEnroe--little brother of John McEnroe--collaborates with Peter Bodo to provide a wealth of tennis tips, such as the difference between a ball's pace on slick grass courts and the slow, high bounce experienced on clay courts. Useful advice includes such things as how to find a good coach, which Web sites offer the most comprehensive tennis news, and how to respond when your opponent questions a close call: "I'm sorry, but I never had a moment of doubt. That ball was clearly out." Sprinkled throughout the book are interesting anecdotes about McEnroe's career, including an amusing exchange with his fiancée during a match, in which she eagerly and innocently advised him to just "get it over the net, Pat!" Those keen to take up a new hobby or to simply learn more about the sport they already love will appreciate everything this book has to offer--game, set, and match. --Jeremy Storey

Tennis is a sport for a lifetime. It really is a game that you can enjoy long-term, both as a player and a spectator. Played all over the world on surfaces ranging from concrete to clay the game of tennis is exciting to watch and even more fun to play.

Whether you’re an adult looking for a new challenge or a parent starting your kids off, Tennis For Dummies provides a terrific introduction to the sport. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, if you who want to start playing the game of tennis, but don’t have the motivation or information to do so, this book can show you the way. If you’re already into the game, you’ll find out how to take your skills to the next level.

This easy-to-understand guide will introduce you to the basics of the game and show you what it takes to improve each time you step on the court. Tennis For Dummies also covers the following topics and much more:

• Equipping yours elf with the right apparel, racket, and accessories
• Polishing your strokes—from your serve to lobs
• Finding out how the game is scored
• Shaping up with physical conditioning
• Dealing with common tennis injuries such as shin splints and tennis elbow
• Sharpening your mental game
• Exploring the finer points of tennis etiquette, both on the court and in the stands
• Discovering how to find the best tennis instructor for you

Whether you’re interested in playing singles or doubles, on hard court or clay, Tennis For Dummies will inspire you get out on a court and play. Featuring detailed photos, illustrations, and court diagrams this book can help you discover how the game of tennis is played and show you how to get the most out of yourself each and every time you pick up a racquet.

"Tennis For Dummies is an invaluable guide for anyone looking to improve their game." —Pete Sampras "Patrick McEnroe guides you through the tactics and strategies that will make you play like a pro." —Monica Seles

Features Photos, Illustrations, and Court Diagrams!

Tennis … Everyone?

• Find out why "Love" means nothing — how the game is scored
• Equip yourself with the right apparel, racket, and other accessories
• Polish your skills — from your serve to overhead shots and lobs
• Shape up with expert advice on physical conditioning
• Bounce back from common injuries like shin splints and tennis elbow
• Sharpen your ‘mental game’ and keep the edge on the competition
• Exercise the finer points of tennis etiquette — on the court and in the stands
• Discover how to find the best tennis instructor for you

Ace the fundamental strokes — with step-by-step instructions and illustrations

About the Authors Patrick McEnroe is a top-ranking ATP tour singles and doubles player. He has earned 16 career titles, was selected to the Davis Cup team three times, and has competed in every Grand Slam tournament. When he's not playing professional tennis, McEnroe is a tennis commentator for ESPN and CBS. Peter Bodo is a senior writer for Tennis magazine and has covered professional tennis for more than 20 years. As an award-winning journalist, he has written two books about the sport and is an "Outdoors" columnist for the New York Times.