Tennis for Dummies

Tennis for Dummies
by Patrick McEnroe, Peter Bodo

Tennis for Dummies
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Book Summary Information

Author: Patrick McEnroe, Peter Bodo
Foreword: John McEnroe
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1998-08-11
ISBN: 076455087X
Number of pages: 408
Publisher: For Dummies

Book Reviews of Tennis for Dummies

Book Review: Excellent introduction to the world of tennis
Summary: 5 Stars

Actually i'm fourteen but I bought this book entering my freshman year of high school to get acquainted with the game. It really does a thorough job of introducing one to the tennis world, covering everything from gear, tennis racquets, grips, strings, and the different types of strokes (forehand, backhand, volley, lob, serve, spins), and what the strokes ARE, but does not focus on how they should be implemented during matches. Advanced tennis players will probably already know most of the info in the book, but absolutely superb for beginners. It really helped me get started with tennis and reduced a LOT of beginner's confusion (eg. what stroke is that again... which is my forehand/which is my backhand, and what they should look like, how do i score, what in the world is a volley?? really detailed information on gear, how to score, what the grand slams are, short bios on historical players, and a lot more) really, really helpful and a must read for all beginners, a good reference book for intermediate players. After attending 6 weeks of tennis camp and hard work outside of tennis camp, I got into my school's JV team, muchly thanks to this book but also thanks to the fact that we didn't have cuts this year because too many people dropped out of tryouts.

Summary of Tennis for Dummies

Tennis is a sport for a lifetime. It really is a game that you can enjoy long-term, both as a player and a spectator. Played all over the world on surfaces ranging from concrete to clay the game of tennis is exciting to watch and even more fun to play.

Whether you?re an adult looking for a new challenge or a parent starting your kids off, Tennis For Dummies provides a terrific introduction to the sport. It doesn?t matter if you?re young or old, if you who want to start playing the game of tennis, but don?t have the motivation or information to do so, this book can show you the way. If you?re already into the game, you?ll find out how to take your skills to the next level.

This easy-to-understand guide will introduce you to the basics of the game and show you what it takes to improve each time you step on the court. Tennis For Dummies also covers the following topics and much more:

  • Equipping yours elf with the right apparel, racket, and accessories
  • Polishing your strokes?from your serve to lobs
  • Finding out how the game is scored
  • Shaping up with physical conditioning
  • Dealing with common tennis injuries such as shin splints and tennis elbow
  • Sharpening your mental game
  • Exploring the finer points of tennis etiquette, both on the court and in the stands
  • Discovering how to find the best tennis instructor for you

Whether you?re interested in playing singles or doubles, on hard court or clay, Tennis For Dummies will inspire you get out on a court and play. Featuring detailed photos, illustrations, and court diagrams this book can help you discover how the game of tennis is played and show you how to get the most out of yourself each and every time you pick up a racquet.


Written for tennis newcomers but with enough detail to satisfy seasoned players, Tennis for Dummies offers practical, substantive, and perceptive advice on a subject that the United States Tennis Association describes as a "sport for a lifetime." Patrick McEnroe--little brother of John McEnroe--collaborates with Peter Bodo to provide a wealth of tennis tips, such as the difference between a ball's pace on slick grass courts and the slow, high bounce experienced on clay courts. Useful advice includes such things as how to find a good coach, which Web sites offer the most comprehensive tennis news, and how to respond when your opponent questions a close call: "I'm sorry, but I never had a moment of doubt. That ball was clearly out." Sprinkled throughout the book are interesting anecdotes about McEnroe's career, including an amusing exchange with his fiancée during a match, in which she eagerly and innocently advised him to just "get it over the net, Pat!" Those keen to take up a new hobby or to simply learn more about the sport they already love will appreciate everything this book has to offer--game, set, and match. --Jeremy Storey

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