Wimbledon is upon us again and doesn't it all look so easy? The good news is that Tennis can be enjoyed at any standard or level. It can be as strenuous or as relaxing as you want it to be. The game combines mental and physical demands which will build general fitness and co-ordination.

Burn Rate

Depending on your weight and exertion level you'll burn about 100-150 extra calories* in a half-hour session. 30min Tennis:

Recreational 93kcal
Moderate 127kcal

*Extra calories are those you burn on top of the calories you use for basic day-to-day living. Inputting your exercise into your exercise diary will calculate the number of calories you will burn, based on your weight.

Getting Started

Tennis can be a social occasion or it can be played against a brick wall. The key to getting started is to find players of your own ability to play with. Start off playing for 15-30 mins two or three times a week and build up gradually. Just playing two hours a week can lead to you playing a decent level within three months. There are many courts (local sports centres, etc) to hire - give them a call and book one, or there are courts you can use for free (public or council run courts), just look for them. Remember enjoy it!

Kit Bag

There are many outfits suitable for tennis available and they do not have to be expensive.

You need to wear shoes that have a support system that cradles your foot.
You can spend as much or as little on a racquet as you want to get you started. There are many decent racquets available for under £30.
4 Slazenger balls can be purchased for £8. Oversized balls may help beginners to rally and hone in to improve their game.

Safety

Pressure on your ankles, elbows and knee joints can make them prone to injury. You need to check with your GP if you feel that you may have a weakness or be prone to joint problems.

Helpful Sites

www.LTA.org.uk
The Lawn Tennis Association is the governing body for the game of tennis in Great Britain. This site offers information on local clubs, news, articles and an on-line shop which offers a 20% discount to LTA members.

www.pro-tennis.co.uk
This is the site of tennis coach David Sammel. It helps players at every level to build the game and enjoy it. It offers coaching videos and CDs.

www.gbtennisgirls.com
With the 'Hitting Zone' section of this site, players of all standards around the country can find a partner for games.

www.tennis.com
This site has '101 Tips' section for those looking to improve their game.

www.totaltennis.net
Lists clubs in your county.

www.lta.org.uk/playtennis
Play Tennis 2002 runs from April to July 13th and offers free day(s) tennis at clubs, parks and ITI centres. Its aim is to make the sport more accessible by giving people of all ages and abilities the chance to play.