Think about that. At the U.S. Open, there are 128 players in the singles draw. Sixty-four lose in the first round. For most recreational players, tournament play isn’t very practical. Team tennis is a much friendlier environment. Win or lose you can still go to lunch with your teammates!        One of the nicest things about league tennis is the schedule. Your league may have a match scheduled for you every week or every other week. Pretty convenient, that’s for sure. Sometimes the hardest part of playing regularly is finding people to play with. This can be especially true if you like doubles; you have to dig up three people every time. Team tennis is a wonderful way to guarantee that you will get out and play regularly.        Without question, though, for most players the best thing about team tennis is the camaraderie. Meeting new people and playing on a team with friends, new and old, is an important part of the league tennis experience. Men’s teams, ladies’ teams and junior teams are important parts of the social calendar of any tennis club. Many of the teams have practices or clinics to help improve your game. Playing at other clubs also adds a refreshing change to the agenda.        O.K., let’s take a look at what you get: Fun and exercise in a highly social environment where the commitment to personal growth is openly shared. Variety in playing different players from different clubs helps to keep things fresh. And, of course , social interaction with people who have similar interests.        All this adds up to a great hobby for fun and exercise that you’ll want to stick with for years to come (don’t forget that tennis is commonly known as the “Sport for a lifetime”).        So what are you waiting for? Get out and join a league and start having FUN! . Dan Smithyman is director of tennis and recreation at the Cypresshead Tennis Center. E-mail him at smithyman@the parklander.com

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