Jake Rowland 
A tennis camp can be a brilliant way to sharpen your game, but long days on court are more enjoyable when the practical details are handled before you arrive. A little preparation helps you get more from coaching, avoid preventable aches, and settle into an unfamiliar place without scrambling for a spare grip or a … Read more
A court can look close to regulation and still play strangely if a baseline is a few inches out of place. Whether you’re laying out a new court, checking an old one, or marking temporary lines, the key is to measure from consistent reference points and square the corners before you paint or tape anything … Read more
A court can look nearly right and still produce awkward calls if the service lines sit a few inches off or the sidelines are not square. The reliable way to mark one is to set out the full rectangle first, check it carefully, then add the service boxes and paint lines to a consistent width. … Read more
A can of tennis balls can go from lively to lifeless faster than you expect—especially once it has been opened and left in a hot car or damp garage. The good news is that a few simple habits can help opened balls keep their bounce longer. The key is to manage pressure, temperature and wear, … Read more
The first time someone calls “15-love” or “deuce,” tennis scoring can sound like a code. The system is easier once you separate a match into three parts: points make games, games make sets, and sets decide the match. The basic scoring ladder Within a standard game, points are called in this order: Points won Score … Read more
You can hit for hours and still feel stuck if every practice session is just a collection of random rallies. The quickest way to improve is to identify one or two weaknesses, train them with purpose, and then learn to use your stronger shots to make matches simpler. That works whether you are picking up … Read more
The first step toward an ATP ranking is not getting into a major tournament. It is earning a ranking point—and for many players, that starts on a modest court at an ITF event, far from the television cameras. You do not apply for an ATP ranking or need a special ranking membership: your results in … Read more
A WTA ranking does not come from applying to the tour or collecting results at a certain age. It starts when a player earns ranking points in an eligible professional tournament. The hard part is usually not understanding the rule; it is finding a realistic route into events, winning enough matches, and managing the cost … Read more
You can rally comfortably with a friend, but matches feel much harder. Or you’ve just started playing and want to join a league without getting badly mismatched. Finding your tennis level is less about how hard you hit the ball and more about how reliably you can use your skills under pressure. A useful level … Read more
After a hard tennis match, it’s tempting to shake hands, pack your racquet and head straight for the car. But stopping suddenly while you’re hot and breathing hard can leave you feeling light-headed or stiff—and you may miss a useful chance to start recovery. A simple cooldown takes about 10 to 20 minutes and helps … Read more