New+to+tennis??

__ New to tennis?? __ //We are officialy a no-cut program, so just by the fact you are reading this page, you are on the team! Here is some info that will give you an idea of what to expect this season//

// __ What if I have never played before? __ // -All you need to be on the team is: a __racquet,__ tennis __shoes__ and a __**positive**__ attitude -Everyone is welcome, even if tryouts is the first time you have ever played

// __What kind of racquet should I buy?__ // -If you are new to tennis, DO NOT go out and spend $150 on a brand new racquet -My suggestion: buy a used racquet at Dunham's, Play-it-Again Sports(or a similar store), or a garage sale -Once you are comfortable and are sure you will stick with tennis, try out brand new racquets. Talk to girls on the team, do some research on the Internet or talk to a pro at a club such as [|Princeton] or [|Moorland]

// __What are the meets like?__ // __ Dual Meets: __ -Two teams compete by creating a lineup of 4 singles and 3 doubles -There are individual match winners, and an overall team winner -For example, you might win your match, but overall, your team loses more matches than their opponent, so the team overall would lose -You will typically play someone of equal ability -For instance, the coaches usually talk before a match and pair up the strongest players on each team, the 2nd strongest players, etc…

__ Dual Meet Invitational: __ -Works the same as a dual meet, except the entire team advances or loses as a team

__ Invitational: __ -Singles players and doubles teams play completely individual matches  -For example, if you won your first match, but everyone else on the team lost, you still advance to the next round.

// __What should I bring to a match?__ // __ Required: __  -Racquet  -Water: enough to last an entire match  -Uniform (Varsity: purchased by athlete, Varsity Reserve: coaching staff will distribute, JV: t-shirt on order form that was distributed at tryouts, black shorts/skirt). All levels must have a way to keep the extra tennis ball with them (pockets or skirt). Leaving a ball on the ground next to them when they serve is __not allowed__ on any level. -A positive attitude

__ Highly suggested: __ -Backup racquet (if you have one)  -Homework (there will be down time, do your homework!!)  -Towel  -Fresh socks (mostly for invites)  -Snack: something healthy/energetic such as fruit, granola bars, pb&j. Don't bring high sugar items like candy. Do not bring or consume highly caffeinated items such as coffee to tennis, they will dehydrate you and are inviting a host of serious problems that result from a lack of water in your system. It is suggested to not even drink coffee at any time during the season, sometimes the effects of dehydration take a few days to manifest. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;"> -Sunglasses (can mean the difference between winning and losing on a sunny day) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">-Sunscreen: most doctors recommend at least 30 SPF <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;"> -Tennis bag that you can put all the above in

__//<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">What do I do if the weather is questionable? //__ <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">-If it the portion of the season before school, check the announcements page for up to date information. The preference is always to play (outside at Tuckaway, inside at a club or at FHS) but there might be extenuating circumstances where practice will be cancelled. Following the team's Twitter site will also be helpful to stay up to date with website posts. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">-During the school year, announcements will be updated throughout the day if inclement weather is possible. If practice will be following a rain plan, an announcement will be made to check the announcements page. If students do not have access to the website or Twitter, they can go to any door in the main office to view the message.