1. Consult a physician before you pick up tennis.

2. Take at least 24 lessons per year for a period of three years.

3. Find an instructor who understands WHY you are playing tennis. (For fun, health, results, etc.)

4. Pick a racket that's about 320 grams (11.3 ounces) and is handleweight. (Heavier at the handle.)

5. Buy your shoes from someone who knows what the words 'pronation' and 'supination' mean...

6. Always do a warm-up before play. If it's very hot at least loosen-up and start easy. (No sudden movements...)

7. Play with pressurized balls rather than pressureless. Its easier on the arms.

8. Have your rackets re-strung about as many times a year as you play a week.

9. Play mini tennis the first 5 minutes you are on court. This will help you to get in the 'Tennis Mode' and is very good for your high-to-low swing.

10. Try to hit the ball as it comes down after the first bounce.

11. As soon as you see the ball coming take position near the spot where the ball would bounce for the second time. (Of course you're not going to let it bounce twice...)

12. When the ball is so fast you can't get to the second bounce you take the ball on the rise.

13. Usually try to hit the ball when it is about at 'hip height'.

14. Every time the opponent is going to hit the ball, get into a 'ready position'.

15. In the 'ready position' you hold your racket slightly in front of you with the racket pointing up.

16. In the 'ready position' you take a stance with your feet a bit wider apart than shoulder width.

17. In the 'ready position' you have your knees slightly bent and the weight on the balls of your feet.

18. Around your opponent's point of contact you take a slight 'hop' (the so-called 'split step'). When you come down from that split step you have to know where to go.

19. As soon as you see the ball coming you turn your shoulder to the net.

20. Let your racket go with that first shoulder turn to start a compact backswing.

21. Whenever you see the ball coming (and know where it is going...) turn your shoulder first.

22. One of the few exceptions to #21 is when your opponent hits a drop shot. Then you don't turn, you RUN!

23. When the ball goes to your backhand, change your grip WHILE you are turning. This is especially important when you hit a one-handed backhand.

24. Hitting a one-handed backhand using a forehand grip can lead to serious injury.

25. Imitate the trajectory of the incoming ball with your backswing. (e.g. When the ball goes down, your racket goes down.)

26. Take your racket back until the hand holding it is about in line with your shoulders. (The hand can be a little lower.)

27. As you start turning you try to get about 1m (3 1/2 ft) between you and the ball, sideways.

28. Before the ball bounces your arm should still be bent.

28. Take a big last step around the time the ball bounces, either forward or sideways.

29. Immediately after the big last step you 'drop' your racket by relaxing the elbow. (Your arm will start to stretch.)

30. On the forehand and the two-handed backhand you start to bring your back hip forward just prior to your racket reaching the lowest point of your backswing.

31. On the one-handed backhand you keep the back hip back.

32. To help you stay turned on the one-handed backhand you can move the 'other' hand back when your racket swings forward.

33. During baseline rallies you drop your racket face a bit below the point of (anticipated) contact.

34. When your racket is dropping you start your forward swing. First by turning that back hip, then by swinging your arm forward.

35. Swing your arm forward and upward, relaxed in the direction of the ball and then in the direction of your goal.