Charles Kimball

    I STARTED taking tennis lessons at an early age, primarily because my father had been playing for years. After my freshman year in college, I taught tennis at a summer camp. I would teach groups of four youngsters. After showing them how to hold the racquet (like shaking hands with it for the forehand and turning it one/quarter turn for the backhand), one would gently pitch tennis balls on one bounce to another who would strike it over the net toward the other two, while I would help the hitter with the swing. After a few minutes of forehands we would rotate positions. Then after everyone hit forehands, we would practice backhands.

    For adults, it’s probably better to use a ball machine combined with a few instructions from a pro or a friend who is good at the sport. For the average beginner it is not necessary to have a great coach, but it is important to keep learning from better players to keep improving. The best video I watched, even as an experienced player, some years ago, was by former Wimbledon champion Jimmy Conners.

    When choosing a tennis racquet, the grip size is very important. Next the weight is important. If allowed, it is good to borrow two or three demonstration racquets to see which feels most comfortable. Finally, the tightness of the strings is important. It is probably best for most beginners to start with a racquet strung at average tension. Then later on, one can try tighter racquets, but strings that are too tight can cause vibrations that hurt the elbow. Too loose stringing can cause players to have difficulty with control. Stretching before playing is important to lessen the chance of an injury.

    I had been playing for about 50 years, when my wife and I arrived in Shenzhen. It was great fun to play with a few co-workers and, of course, the coach on hard courts near my company. My wife and I were also fortunate that courts were available near the apartments where we lived.

    I’m still playing tennis at age 67; in fact I played a singles game just before I started writing this article! I also occasionally play other racquet sports, such as squash and badminton. I really got good instructions from professional badminton players and my strokes, particularly my overhead smash, improved noticeably. I believe that for all racquet sports, even experienced players can benefit from an occasional lesson from a good pro.

    Tennis is a great sport for staying in shape and maintaining good health. Playing regularly, particularly singles, is great exercise, if you are playing against an equally competitive opponent. But unfortunately, it’s not a great sport for socializing, because you’re on the opposite side of the court and trying to beat each other. I’ve found it very good to take time to talk with colleagues after a game of tennis. If I just hurry off and get on with the rest of my busy day, I don’t really meet and come to know the other guy as well. That’s OK with many opponents, but I’m glad that some have become friends over the years.

    For me tennis has been a really great experience. I was captain of the high school team and won the conference championship twice. Did tennis help me get into Harvard? I’ll never know, but that’s where I learned squash which is now the game in which I compete in age-related tournaments (65 and over) on a national level. Playing with/against some of the same fellows in tournaments for over 20 years has resulted not only in another way to keep up my health, but also in another set of friends. When I last saw my doctor for my annual checkup, he said I was the only patient he had on Medicare who wasn’t taking medicine.

    I think racquet sports are great and encourage people of all ages who have the opportunity to try to learn one!

    Tennis facilities

    Luohu Stadium

    Add: 48 Jing’er Road, Luohu District

    罗湖区经二路48号

    2542-8510/2541-6520

    Meilin Culture and Sports Center

    Add: Beside Meilin Reservoir, Xiameilin, Futian District

    福田区下梅林梅林水库旁

    8312-3123

    Shenzhen Tennis Center

    Bijia Mountain, 2012 Nigang Road West, Futian District

    福田区泥岗西路2012号笔架山

    8326-1929

    Xili Gym Tennis Club

    Add: 29 Longzhu Road 1, Zhuguang Village, Nanshan District

    南山区珠光村龙珠一路29号西丽体育馆内

    186-6534-0485

    Shekou Sports Center

    Add: 45 Gongyuan Road, Shekou, Nanshan District

    南山区蛇口公园路45号

    2669-3059