6 tips on how to play tennis

Tennis can be played indoors or out — on clay, grass or a synthetic surface, or simply for fun on a paved court at your local park or club.

• The aim of tennis is to hit the ball into the opponent's court in such a way that it can't be returned.
• The court is a large area to patrol, so good players require stamina, agility and cunning.

• A match is scored as a series of duels.
• Players must win four points: 15, 30, 40 and "game'" to win a game.
• A 40:40 tie is called "deuce" and a player must then win two consecutive points ("advantage" and "game") to win the game.
• Service alternates with each game and the first to six games or more, with a two-game advantage, takes the "set."
• Most matches are played to the best of three or five sets.
• If, in any set other than the decider, the score reaches six games each, a "tie breaker" is played, which is won by the player who scores seven or more points with a two point advantage.

• In a long rally, you'll use forehand and backhand shots, lob high balls over your opponent's head and fire back quick volleys.
• Practise these basic shots, then master the service, which must open each point.
• A good serve puts your opponent on the defensive.

• Stand at the baseline with your body sideways to the net, and transfer some of your
• weight to your back foot.
• With a straight arm, toss the ball up and slightly forward, and bring your racquet arm back into a throwing position.
• As the ball reaches its highest point, bring your racquet arm forwards, overhead.
• Aim to strike the ball at as high a point as possible, as this maximizes the power of the impact and the angle of the bounce, making the serve harder for your opponent to reach and return.

• As the ball approaches you on your racquet side (your right, if you're right-handed), bring the racquet head back in a loop, so that it reaches head height.
• Turn your body away, so that you put all the muscle power of your legs and torso into the shot.
• Bring the racquet around, aiming to make contact in front of the body as the ball bounces up to waist height.
• Follow through, so that your racquet arm comes across your body, finishing high.

• If the ball is coming to your non-racquet side (your left, if you're right-handed) draw the racquet across your body, so that it lies horizontally across your midriff.
• Step up to meet the ball in front of the body, and strike it (double-handed style) as your weight comes onto your front foot, so that your forward momentum adds power to the shot.
• Push with your legs as well as your arm at the moment of impact, finishing high.