#87 – Learn the Game of Tennis

A recent ESPN article named tennis the seventh most difficult sport to play based on the levels of agility, power, endurance and hand-eye coordination an athlete needs to play. It's right up there with martial arts, wrestling, baseball and soccer,  and there are a few places in Three Village you can go to learn the game. But why should you check it out?

"We definitely associate tennis with dancing and with movement. It brings out the ability for a player to be really in tune with their body," says Harold Ramirez, director of the tennis program at .

Setauket Tennis & Fitness, which began as a club located inside the former Stony Brook Racquet & Health before expanding to take ownership of the East Setauket facility in 2003, offers private and semi-private lessons, group instruction, camps for various age levels, and adult leagues for singles and doubles players. The facility boasts five indoor courts and one outdoor court in addition to other fitness and training areas. Setauket Tennis & Fitness starts students as early as age 4 or 5 and has active students close to 90 years old.

"We really pride ourselves on getting the complete beginner to enjoy tennis," Ramirez said. "What we try to stay away from is having a person dependent on lessons. We want them to get comfortable on the court enough to go and play."

Another local option is , which also offers both indoor and outdoor courts, and has babysitting for members using the facilities. World Gym is also offering a summer tennis camp just for women throughout the summer later this year.

The Old Field Club is also home to a tennis academy, featuring adult clinics, kids' camps and private instruction. There's a pro shop on site as well. And Stony Brook University offers two weeks of tennis camp for teens in the mix of its formidable summer camp lineup.

Did you miss last week's installment of "100 Things to Do in Three Village"? to see what you missed, or email the editor to see your favorite local activity included in this series.