So, I’ve been trying to get into this whole “active lifestyle” thing, and tennis seemed like a fun way to do it. I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of smacking a ball around, right? Plus, I heard it’s a good way to meet people. With all that in mind, I decided to give it a try and signed up to be a part of the Rider tennis group.
First things first, I needed to find a group to play with. I’m not exactly a pro, so I was looking for something casual, more about having fun and less about becoming the next tennis superstar. I stumbled upon this group at Rider University that’s all about students getting together and playing tennis. It sounded perfect! They’re all about helping people improve their game and have a good time doing it.
Getting Started:
- Joining the Group: I reached out to the Rider tennis group. They were super welcoming, and it seemed like a good mix of people who were just starting out and those who had been playing for a while.
- First Time on the Court: Okay, let me tell you, my first time on the court was… interesting. I felt like I had two left feet, and my coordination was, well, let’s just say it was a work in progress. But hey, everyone starts somewhere, right?
The Learning Curve:
- Hitting the Ball: Seems simple enough, but there’s definitely a technique to it. I spent a good chunk of time just trying to make decent contact with the ball. Sometimes it went over the net, sometimes it went into the net, and sometimes it went… well, let’s not talk about where it went.
- Figuring Out the Rules: Tennis scoring is weird! Love, 15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage… It’s like a whole different language. I’m still not 100% sure I’ve got it down, but I’m getting there. Luckily the other players have helped a lot with understanding everything.
- Moving Around: Tennis is a lot more running than I expected! I’m not the most athletic person, so I was definitely feeling it after a few games. But I have to say, it’s a fun way to get some exercise, and I can feel myself getting a bit fitter with each session.
The Social Side:
- Meeting New People: This was one of the best parts of joining the group. Everyone was really friendly, and we had a good laugh about our (many) mistakes. I’ve already made some new friends, which is awesome.
- Team Spirit: Even though we’re not a competitive team, there’s still a sense of camaraderie. We cheer each other on, offer tips, and generally just have a good time together.
The Results:
- Am I a Tennis Pro Yet?: Definitely not! But I’m actually starting to get the hang of it. My hits are getting more consistent, I’m (sort of) understanding the scoring, and I’m not tripping over my own feet as much. It’s a slow but rewarding process for sure.
- Having Fun?: Absolutely! It’s been a blast learning a new sport, meeting new people, and getting some exercise. I’m definitely going to keep playing and see how much I can improve.
Overall:
My Rider tennis journey has been a mix of fun, frustration, and a whole lot of learning. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth it. If you’re thinking about trying tennis, I’d say go for it! Just be prepared to laugh at yourself a lot, and don’t expect to be amazing right away. It takes time and practice, but it’s a great way to get active and have some fun. You don’t have to be at Rider University to join a tennis group though. If you’re not sure where to start, just do a quick search for tennis groups in your area. It will change your life!
The Benefits
Besides the social aspect that I mentioned, I’ve noticed that tennis is kind of like dancing in a way. There is a constant rhythm that’s involved when playing, and it really helps you improve your timing. Tennis has also helped me improve my coordination and increase my energy levels, which is something I’ve struggled with in the past. I’ve noticed it even helped with my obesity just a little bit. It’s nice knowing that I’m doing something that’s not only fun but is also good for me.
