A. You can learn to play through your school, with friends, by watching professionals play and then practising with a racket and ball yourself or by having some lessons with a coach. [See Getting Started: Courts and Clubs]

A. All-weather courts can be played on any time of year. They can be made from a range of materials - clay, concrete, tarmac, plexi-cushion or artificial turf. Although you play the same strokes, you will find the ball bounces differently on the various surfaces. [See About Tennis: Playing the Game]

A. Look in Yellow Pages under Sports Clubs and Associations. If you have any difficulty, contact one of the Tennis Associations for advice. [See Information: Organisations]

A. Choose a racket that suits your age and your height. Most junior rackets are between 21 and 26 inches. The racket should feel light and comfortable to hold. [See Rackets & Balls]

A. At a competitive tournament, the top players are seeded according to their official rankings and their current form. This means that the player (or players in doubles matches) regarded by the organisers as the best at the tournament is seeded number 1, the next best is seeded 2 and so on. The draw is then made so that top seeded players avoid playing each other in the early rounds. [See Competitive Tennis]

A. The Grand Slam is made up of four individual tournaments: the Australian Open, the French Open, the British Open (Wimbledon) and the US Open. If a player (or players in doubles) wins all four in one year, he, she or they complete the 'Grand Slam'. Very few players have managed this in their careers - most are happy to win one major tournament!

A. It is as expensive as you want to make it. You can borrow a racket and ball and play in a traffic-free area for nothing. It can cost as little as £1 if you play in a local park on a court. It is much more expensive if you buy your own racket, tennis clothes, shoes and join a club. The choice is up to you, what you can afford, and where you want to play. [See Getting Started].