So, I’ve been trying to get better at tennis lately. Not like, pro-level good, but just, you know, average. Figured it’d be a fun way to get some exercise and maybe smack a ball around without looking like a total goofball.
The Beginning (aka Utter Chaos)
First things first, I needed a racket. Went to a sports store, felt completely lost. So many choices! Ended up grabbing one that looked kinda cool and wasn’t crazy expensive. I also found some old tennis balls that were at my parents’s house.
My first time on the court? Disaster. I spent more time chasing balls than actually hitting them. My serves were pathetic – either straight into the net or flying way out of bounds. I watched some videos, to improve my posture, but It’s not that easy!
Practice, Practice, Practice (and Lots of Failing)
I started trying to go to the courts a couple of times a week. Mostly just hitting against a wall, because, well, finding someone to play with who’s equally bad is surprisingly hard.
- Serving: Still a struggle. I watched some YouTube videos, tried to copy the pros, but my body just wouldn’t cooperate. I did get a few decent serves in, though! Progress!
- Forehand: This one felt a bit more natural. I could actually get some rallies going against the wall, which was super satisfying.
- Backhand: Oof. This one is tough. My swings felt awkward, and the ball usually ended up going in some random direction.
- I start to find a training partner: I convinced my buddy to come alone with me. It was awesome.
Tiny Victories
Even though I’m still far from “good,” I started noticing small improvements. I could keep a rally going for a little longer. My serves were getting slightly more consistent. I even managed to win a few points against my friend. We start to play every weekend.
Still Learning…
So, yeah, I’m still very much an average tennis player. Maybe even below average, to be honest. But I’m having fun, getting some exercise, and slowly but surely getting a little bit better. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll actually be able to play a full match without embarrassing myself. But for now, I’m happy just hitting balls and enjoying the process.
