Summer is just around the corner and to the avid tennis player that means one thing, MORE TENNIS!!! During the summer months local parks and clubs swing into action, hosting a wide variety of tournaments and events to satisfy the appetites of players of all ages and levels. No more once a week doubles -----it's time to play!

If you are not a tournament player, you may well be reaching into your closet and pulling out your racket for the first time since last summer's club championships. In order to prepare properly for the upcoming outdoor season there are certain things you must do to insure a productive and healthy summer season.

Check Your Equipment

If you haven't played much since last summer it's probably a good idea to replace both your grip and string. A general rule of thumb says that you should get your racket restrung during the summer season as many times as you play per week. Grips will wear out quickly during the hot summer season so they will need to be replaced more frequently.

Don't Forget Your Feet

Finally, when buying your shoes, consider the type of surface you play on as well as the type of player you are. For example, if you are a serve and volleyer and drag your toe when you serve, you want to make sure that your shoes have adequate protection toward the front of the shoe.

If you play on hard surfaces you will find that the court will become increasingly warm and thus may cause uncomfortable heat inside your shoe which can lead to blisters and fatigue. A shoe with nylon-mesh uppers will help to keep your feet cool.

If you frequently twist your ankle you may want to consider using a 3/4 or high top shoe as many of the pros are now wearing. Finally, remember to break your new shoes in slowly. Wear them around the house a few times so that you won't run the risk of painful blisters and sore feet.

Just as important as your shoes are your socks. Badly worn socks cause blisters and don't absorb the perspiration which is going to occur during play. If your socks are worn, invest in a few new pairs of good athletic socks which will last the entire season.

Finally, make sure to use new, lively balls. Last year's balls are sure to have lost their pressure and can cause wrist and arm injuries.

As you look forward to hitting the courts for the first time since last fall or increasing your play, it is also important to prepare your body for the rigors of the upcoming season.

Begin a stretching and strengthing program

Build up your wind

When you hit the courts

If you have been playing throughout the winter, but do not live in a climate that allows year-round outdoor play, the move outside means having to deal with Mother Nature and she can often be your toughest opponent. The sun and wind can play as much a part in the outcome of a match as your opponent. In order to produce your best tennis you need to know how to deal with both factors:

Sun

Looking up into a bright sun makes hitting overheads quite difficult. You may want to try raising your non-racket arm to block out the sun on overheads or even let the lobs bounce and then smash them.

Be aware of where the sun is positioned and use it to your advantage. Don't hesitate to throw up a high lob if your opponent is looking into the sun. It may make your opponent lose sight of the ball and either force your opponent to let it bounce or they may miss the shot altogether.

Remember, if you are playing doubles and your partner is left-handed, neither of you have to serve into the sun. If, on one side of the court as you face the net to serve, the sun is at 2:00, the right handed player will be tossing right into the sun. So have the lefty serve from that side. When you switch sides the sun will be at 10:00 (or the non-tossing side) for the righty. Also, wear a hat and perhaps, sunglasses. They'll not only help you to see the ball but they'll also protect you from the sun's rays.

Wind

If you are hitting into the wind, keep in mind that you can hit your shots much harder and the wind will probably keep them in. However, this also means that your opponent is hitting with the wind at his back and his shots will be coming back faster.

When the wind is at your back, take a shorter backswing but still follow through as you normally would. This will give you more control. The wind at your back will supply the power.

Don't hesitate to lob on a windy day. Yes, it is difficult but it is also just as, if not more, difficult for your opponent to hit overheads on a windy day.

Also be aware of any cross-winds. For example, if your opponent is at the net and the wind is blowing from your right to left and you are about to hit a forehand, go for a down the line passing shot and aim just for the line. The wind will make the ball curve back into the court after it has gone past your opponent.

More often than not, the only attention most players pay to the sun and the wind is to complain about them. By being aware of the elements and using them to your advantage you and "Mother Nature" will be a tough combination to beat.