What's all the racket about racquets? Well, you can't play tennis without one. If you're buying a junior racquet, choose the longest one that you can comfortably use. Want more information on selecting a junior racquet? If you weigh more than 85 pounds you should look for an adult racquet.
When you have a racquet, you'll need to find a court. Look around at school or at parks in your neighborhood. Then, put on socks (if they're not cotton, they'll help you avoid blisters) and sneakers with good ankle support. Don't forget the tennis balls!
Games
Fish in the Pond: Try tossing the ball onto your racquet or into a hula-hoop on the ground to practice aiming your toss.
Overhead Ball Catch: Toss the ball up like you are about to serve and catch it just above your head.
Two-Handed Alligator Catch: Stretch out your arms straight in front of you like they are the top and bottom of an alligator's mouth. Have a friend throw the ball toward you and slap your hands together to catch it. After each catch, make the alligator's mouth a little bigger.
Tennis is an activity that forces you to turn your body quickly in many different directions, so make sure you warm up and stretch before playing. Wear tennis shoes with good support to protect your ankles and thick (not cotton) socks that fit well to prevent blisters on your feet. To prevent hand blisters, keep your racquet handle dry by using sawdust or hand chalk. Always bend your arm when you swing, or else it might start to hurt — a problem known as "tennis elbow." Clip your toenails and make sure there is extra room in your shoes, because "tennis toe" can be nasty too!
To protect other players, never throw your racquet or tennis balls, and try to keep loose balls off the courts. Be courteous and keep yourself and others safe by staying off courts where other people are playing.
When you're outside waiting to play, sit in the shade and drink lots of water — that way you'll stay cool and won't get sunburned. While you are playing, take a break between games or sets to cool off. And you may want to keep a wet towel around your neck while you wait. Also, you can look and feel cool by wearing a cold, wet bandana on your head while you play. And always wear sunscreen! Want to read more about keeping your cool or how to protect yourself from the sun?