Mrs. Lambert Chambers

LAWN TENNIS FOR LADIES

BY

MRS. LAMBERT CHAMBERS

WITH TWENTY-THREE ILLUSTRATIONS

First published in 1910, London

TO
MY FATHER
WHOSE KEENNESS AND ENCOURAGEMENT
HAVE ALWAYS BEEN
SUCH A GREAT HELP TO ME
DURING MY LAWN TENNIS CAREER

PREFACE

As a rule an author writes a preface to explain or to apologize for abook. I shall do neither: I have tried to explain my meaning simply andclearly in the book itself, and I am optimistic enough to think that myfavourite game is too popular to require an apology for increasing itsliterature, however unpretentious the attempt may be. Moreover, I amstill too much affected by the "brilliant and feverish glow" ofenthusiasm to dream of offering one.

Two things only I wish to say. First, that I am writing with no academicpride, but only with a passionate fondness for what I consider a greatsport, and with a keen desire to make others equally devoted. Secondly,I should like to thank all those who have assisted me with suggestionsand the loan of photographs, especially my "arena colleagues" who haverallied round me so graphically in the last chapter.

DOROTHEA LAMBERT CHAMBERS

PREFACE

CONTENTS

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

LAWN TENNIS FOR LADIES

CHAPTER I - ATHLETICS FOR GIRLS

CHAPTER II - PRACTICE, AND HOW TO IMPROVE

CHAPTER III - MATCH AND TOURNAMENT PLAY

CHAPTER IV - RACKETS, COURTS, DRESS, AND TRAINING

CHAPTER V - TOURNAMENT AND CLUB MANAGEMENT

CHAPTER VI - SOME PERSONAL REMINISCENCES

CHAPTER VII - MY MOST MEMORABLE MATCH (BY LEADING PLAYERS)