The racket sports of pickleball, padel, and tennis each offer their own unique benefits, yet also face competition from one another. Judy Murray, former professional tennis player and mother of tennis star Andy Murray, has firsthand experience with pickleball.

Left-handed players possess key advantages when facing right-handed opponents. The lefty spin patterns and serve can frustrate righties who are used to standard patterns of play.

Mini tennis is an excellent introduction to the sport for young children between 4 and 10 years old. It features a smaller court, lower net, and lower bouncing balls, making it easier for kids to learn and play.

There are different grips for different strokes but the most common grips are the Eastern, Western and Continental and several variations within these three basic grips. Closeup of unknown mixed race tennis player getting ready to serve on court.

'The more spin the less pace, and vice versa'', so wrote Bill Tilden in his famous book ''Match Play and the Spin of the Ball'' published in 1925. The maxim was true then and is today, a century later! There are three main types of spin  -  topspin, slice or underspin and sidespin.

Tennis requires the technical ability to hit a variety of strokes, as well as the tactical knowledge of which shots to play when. This article covers the key tennis strokes that make up the foundation of the game, as well as some of the most tactically used tennis shots that can dictate the flow of a point.

With lots of opportunities to get lessons from a tennis professional that has to be a good way to make a start on your tennis journey. If you don't know of a particular coach have a word with Tim Lee at Baseplay, or any one of the Baseplay coaches.

When starting a Singles match, first decide who serves in the opening game. Do this by spinning a racket or tossing a coin.