The Retreat at Sunterra will be an action-packed amenity village where families can engage in their favorite activities. We’re especially looking forward to the tennis courts, currently under construction. Tennis is a great way to have fun, get some exercise and meet your neighbors. Never played? Here’s what you need to know.
Starting Equipment
You’ll need a tennis racquet, tennis balls and appropriate footwear (usually tennis shoes) to play. Racquets come in various sizes and weights. It’s best to talk to a pro at a sports shop who can fit you with a good beginner’s racquet.
What About the Court?
Tennis is typically played on a court with a net dividing it into two halves. The court is 78 feet long and 36 feet wide for singles matches, and 78 feet long and 78 feet wide for doubles matches. The court is further divided into service boxes and a center service line.
Keeping Score
Tennis uses a unique scoring system. A match is typically played as the best of three or five sets. Each set consists of games, and each game consists of points. Players start at “love” (0), then score 15, 30, 40, and finally win the game. If both players or teams reach 40, it’s called “deuce,” and a player must win by two consecutive points to win the game.
Start With a Serve
The game begins with a serve. The server stands behind the baseline and serves the ball diagonally across the net into the opponent’s service box. The server gets two attempts to make a legal serve. If they fail both times, it’s called a “double fault,” and the point goes to the opponent.
Hit the Groundstrokes
After the serve, players hit groundstrokes to keep the ball in play. The most common groundstrokes are the forehand (hit with the racquet’s face toward the net) and the backhand (hit with the back of the hand facing the net). Players aim to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court.
Before the Ball Bounces
Volleys are shots hit before the ball bounces on the player’s side of the court. They’re typically executed near the net and require quick reflexes. Volleys are often used to finish points at the net or to counter opponents’ shots.
Fabulous Footwork
Good footwork is essential in tennis. Players need to move quickly and efficiently around the court to reach the ball and set up for shots. Proper footwork allows players to maintain balance and generate power in their shots.
It’s All About the Strategy
Tennis is not just about hitting the ball hard; it’s also about strategy. Players need to think about where to place their shots to keep their opponents off balance and set up winning opportunities. Strategy includes using different shot angles, changing the pace of the ball, and exploiting opponents’ weaknesses.
Be a Good Sport
Tennis has a strong tradition of sportsmanship and etiquette. Players are expected to show respect for their opponents, the officials and the game itself. This includes shaking hands at the end of the match, calling your own shots and refraining from unsportsmanlike behavior.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any sport, practice is essential to improve in tennis. Whether you’re working on your serve, your groundstrokes or your footwork, regular practice will help you develop your skills and become a better player. Wouldn’t it be handy to have a tennis court in your neighborhood? Stop by Sunterra soon — our builders are ready to “serve” you a fantastic new home!
