Introduction

This self-instruction handbook is designed to help players improve their strokes and strategy in tennis. It is a companion book to TENNIS FOR TEACHERS and emphasizes the same instructional points. The author believes that pupils will understand their tennis goals and will practise more efficiently if they study this manual in addition to receiving instruction from their tennis coach. Thus we hope that tennis coaches will welcome TENNIS SELF-INSTRUCTOR as a helpful aid in the teaching of tennis, so that their pupils learn the fundamentals faster and more soundly.

Beginners in tennis who do not have a coach may follow the step-by-step procedures in this book with full confidence in its advice. Stroke descriptions and court strategy, as well as learning progressions, are based upon the most successful methods of tennis championships and coaches over a thirty year period — The Golden Age of Tennis in the United States. R. Norris Williams, 2nd, former U. S. Champion in both Singles and Doubles, endorsed TENNIS FOR TEACHERS (from which materials in this book were taken) as follows:

"The method has been to analyze all the great drivers, -the great servers, the great volleyers, break down the stroke of each individual, study the mechanics, the rhythm, the results, and from this prodigious amount of material the author has worked out with interesting simplicity a method of teaching and council which, in my estimation, is eminently sound . . . it is exceptionally well written and easily followed, and it constitutes a valuable guide for prospective teachers and for individuals desirous of improving stroke production."

The beginner, following directions in Tennis Self-Instructor, is able to practise championship form even though he has no access to a tennis court. Long hours of diligent practise against a background can give him skill in stroking which carries over onto the tennis court. Practise with a friend on a court, followed eventually by playing with tennists who are willing to put up with the awkwardness of a beginner for a few sets — these are steps in learning to emulate the style of champions.

Years of practise are essential to the beginner whose goal is to become "a good player." However, improving one's game is in itself an enjoyable activity. The thrill of a sizzling drive that creases the sideline or baseline is similar to the thrill of a fine golf drive or bowling strike. The beginner, achieves this satisfaction only once in a while, but it encourages him to continue practise on placement shots. A true tennist never stops his practise during his entire tennis career. King Gustaf of Sweden continued practise and play until he was eighty-seven years old.

We Americans should follow the example of the hardy Swedes, Australians, and British, who play tennis all their lives. Especially in Great Britain, tennis is a family pastime. Tennis parties are like picnics and extend over a long afternoon or evening, with the whole family and their friends participating. Plenty of wholesome exercise without over-exertion is provided in the matches which include men's doubles, women's doubles, mixed doubles, and singles. Grandfather's cut serve can be far more effective than Johnny's erratic cannonball serve. Mom and Aunt Carrie sometimes win a set from Pop and Uncle Charles.

"Spectatoritis," the American malady which stifles active participation in sports, is easily cured when the whole family recreate together in a wholesome sport such as tennis.

Thus tennis is a sport for young and old; for fun and for socializing; for healthy outdoor exercise; and for strenuous competition. It can be gentle exercise when mediocre players engage in doubles. It can be a battle-to-the-death when expert players compete for tournament honors. Beginners may hitch their racquets to the sky, hoping to achieve stardom, or they may be content to learn tennis just for fun. Preparing for stardom means many years of grueling practise for a player who is endowed with a strong competitive spirit. Preparing for social tennis can be accomplished in a year or two. In either case, the primary purpose of tennis is enjoyment. It is truly an American sport, appealing both to the rugged individualism and the gregarious nature of Americans. We hope that tennis will become a pleasant adult recreation in our country also.

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