Tennis is truly an international sport and many of the world's best started as soon as they could hold a racket.

The sport uses every aspect of fitness and develops players as powerful as Andy Roddick through to the agile Justine Henin-Hardenne.

What's in the kit bag?
Trainers and PE kit are fine. Clubs and schools often have rackets that kids can use. Prices in the shops start around £15.

Second hand balls can be bought at sport shops for as little as 50p. You can buy tennis kit and trainers as they become more skilled.

Top tip
It's a great time to try out tennis.

The Lawn Tennis Association, the governing body for British tennis, got over 1000 UK clubs open their doors during 2003 as part of the LTA's 'Do More than Just Watch' campaign.

Over 60,000 people took part and the plan is to do the same in 2004 with coaching and loads of prizes and giveaways.

Look out for details on the LTA website.

Where can I find out more about tennis?
Our Sport Academy site has a Tennis section with comprehensive details on everything from the rules to our fantastic training challenges which test their skills.

There's also masterclasses on how to hit volleys like Henman.

Where else can I get more information on tennis?
The LTA website has a section dedicated to finding your nearest club.

Mini Tennis is a fun game with smaller rackets and lighter balls designed to help children develop their skills.

Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Disability

The tennis disability section of our Sport Academy website has features on wheelchair tennis and details on the British Tennis Foundation's wheelchair tennis camps at the Nottingham Tennis Centre.

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