The Art of Lawn Tennis

In Short

This guide serves as both a technical manual and a historical snapshot of tennis during its post-World War I resurgence. It details the mechanics of strokes—the drive, the service, the volley, and the lob—while weaving in anecdotes about the sport’s leading figures of the 1920s. The author emphasizes that tennis is a battle of intelligence as much as athleticism. By advocating for a systematic approach to training and ethical match conduct, the work has remained a foundational text for those interested in the evolution of classical tennis strategy.

The Story

The progression of the book begins with the author’s own admission of early incompetence. Lacking formal training, he struggled as a novice, only finding his way once he was tasked with coaching a school squad. This responsibility forced him to deconstruct the "why" of the game, transforming his understanding from guesswork into a repeatable system. He guides the reader through the physical building blocks: the importance of keeping the eye on the ball, the mechanics of footwork, and the proper stance. He argues that one must learn the "language" of tennis to truly command it.

From these fundamentals, the narrative shifts toward the tactical sophistication required for competitive play. He categorizes strokes into the "orthodox" framework—the drive, service, volley, overhead, and lob—and the "luxuries," such as the chop, the slice, and the drop shot. He explains that while these secondary shots are useful, they should never replace the reliability of a sound, standard game. The author stresses that court position is not a matter of watching one's opponent, but of anticipating the geometry of the game, allowing the player to act rather than react.

The arc of the book then expands from the individual to the international stage. The author recounts the climate of tennis following the Great War, focusing on the intense rivalries of the 1919 and 1921 seasons. He details the rise of players like W. M. Johnston and the enduring brilliance of Norman Brookes, framing these matches not just as athletic contests, but as psychological warfare. He highlights specific historic moments, such as the 1916 match at Newport where a shift in momentum turned a near-defeat into a stunning victory, illustrating his belief that no match is truly over until the final point is played.

Finally, the book turns to the "sidelights" of the game: the personalities, the ethics, and the future. He profiles various international stars, providing a candid, sometimes sharp analysis of their strengths and weaknesses. He concludes by looking toward the future of the sport, expressing hope that the "day of self" is ending and a new era of international cooperation and organized development is beginning. The text closes with a reflection on the 1921 season, noting the growing global interest in the sport and his personal commitment to helping "rock the cradle" of tennis's infancy.

How It Unfolds

The foundation of method The author begins by insisting that tennis is a science that demands a clearly defined, disciplined system of development. He recounts his own transition from a mediocre player to a student of the game, spurred by the necessity of explaining fundamentals to young charges.

The anatomy of the stroke He proceeds to break down the technical requirements of the sport, emphasizing the critical importance of eye-ball coordination. He provides a meticulous guide to serving, distinguishing between the "American twist," the "slice," and the "cannon-ball," while offering warnings against the pitfalls of footfaulting.

Tactics and match play The focus shifts to the psychological elements of competition, specifically how to manage the ebbs and flows of a multi-set match. He advocates for aggressive, fair play, encouraging readers to conserve energy for crucial points and to maintain a composed demeanor regardless of the score.

The international stage The narrative expands to chronicle the intense rivalries of the post-war era, illustrating his strategic theories through the lens of legendary matches. He analyzes the styles of contemporaries like Gerald Patterson and Zenzo Shimidzu to show how different personalities approach the same game.

A vision for the future The book concludes with a broader look at the sport’s infrastructure, comparing the merits of grass versus hard courts. He makes a final plea for sportsmanship and international brotherhood, looking forward to a future where tennis reaches a level of popularity and organization unimagined by his predecessors.

The People

The book is populated by the giants of the early 20th-century game. William T. Tilden acts as the analytical guide, a man whose early lack of training fueled his obsession with technique. W. M. Johnston is portrayed as the "Little Bill" of the era, a champion whose aggressive, clean style sets the standard for consistency and victory. Norman Brookes stands out as the ultimate "tennis brain," a master of strategy who uses his intellect to overcome the physical limitations of age. Gerald Patterson is described as a man of contradictions, possessing a world-class service and overhead but hampered by a fundamentally flawed backhand. Molla Bjurstedt Mallory represents the pinnacle of mental fortitude, described as a "super-woman" whose determination allowed her to dominate the courts even under immense pressure. Finally, Captain Samuel Hardy appears as the steadying hand, whose diplomatic and tactical genius kept the American Davis Cup teams cohesive and successful during their international travels.

In Its Own Voice

Tennis is at once an art and a science.

The author sets the stage for the reader by explaining that the game requires both creative flare and a rigorous adherence to fundamental principles.

The youngsters comprising our tennis squad all knew me well and felt at perfect liberty to ask me as many questions as they could think up.

He credits his own development to the necessity of teaching others, which forced him to stop guessing and start understanding the physics of the game.

Fight all the time.

This is the core advice offered to any player in the midst of a competitive match, regardless of how bleak the score may appear.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an argument for the supremacy of the "tennis brain." While physical prowess is necessary, the author contends that the highest level of the game is defined by the ability to remain calm, observant, and intellectually detached from the chaos of a match. It explores the tension between instinct and training, arguing that once a player masters the scientific fundamentals, they are free to use their wit to manipulate the court. The book also touches on the moral dimensions of sport: the necessity of integrity, the rejection of "stalling" or unfair tactics, and the belief that tennis serves as a vehicle for building character and international friendship.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy a blend of technical instruction and vivid sports history will find much to admire. It provides a rare, grounded view of tennis before the modern era of professionalization, written with a confident, often bracingly honest voice. The author does not shy away from critiquing his peers or admitting his own past errors, which gives the text an authentic, lived-in feel.

However, modern readers should be prepared for the period-specific language and the author’s occasionally blunt assessments of players and national traditions. The technical advice remains largely sound, but the primary draw is the historical atmosphere; it feels like stepping onto a 1920s court to listen to a master talk shop. It is a dense, thoughtful book that rewards those interested in how the game of tennis was shaped by the personalities and geopolitical shifts of the early twentieth century. If you are a student of the game who appreciates the "why" behind the "how," or a history buff curious about the legends of the grass-court era, this work offers a clear, enduring window into a world that laid the foundation for the sport as it is played today.