TENNIS

Summary of the event. What actually happens?

In a tennis game there are usually two people playing each other on opposite sides of the tennis court. Occasionally there will be 4 people playing at once or two teams of two playing against one another in a game of tennis. Basically the players try to hit the ball over the net so that the other player can’t reach it so that they get the point and the other person doesn’t.

What does it feel like to participate?

It would feel like you have tons of pressure on you, because there are so many people watching when you play tennis. It would also feel like you have no time to think because the ball is coming at you so fast so it would be a constant rush.

It’s fun to compete in an Olympic event. Having the people root for you and your team is a great accomplishment. "I don't want my opponents to lose. You only have to think about winning. If your opponent loses and you follow the same path, another one will come and take your spot. It's as simple as that."

What kind of training is involved?

The type of training involved would be physical training like getting your body it to shape. You would also have to know how to hit the ball when it comes at you. And another thing is your foot work this helps you move around the court a lot easier then it would be to run around.

They train just a step at a time. First they practice their throws and their hitting back shots (one person throws the ball and the other throws it back to them). Then they play the game just against other people. As soon as they’ve practiced well enough they can start counting points. To be an Olympic Athlete you must be 16 years or older, but you can practice for a lot of years and then when you’re older you can play in the Olympics.

What equipment do you need?

The equipment you need to play a game of tennis is: a tennis ball to hit, a tennis court to have the lines to play tennis, a net to hit the ball over of course, you also need a racket to hit the ball with, and last you need a good pair of tennis shoes

When and where is the event being held during the upcoming Olympics in Beijing?

The tennis part of the Olympics is going to be held the Olympic green tennis courts in Beijing and they are going to be held from the 10th of august to the 17th of August in 2008.