Michaela Can: Tennis Training

Newport, RI - Do you ever visit someone at work or watch a reality show and think "Hey, I could do that" or "I wonder what it's really like?" Michaela took it to the next level when she threw on her tennis whites, grabbed a racket, and learned the ropes at the Tennis Hall of Fame.

Thousands of historic pieces fill the 20,000 square foot museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport. Legends featured throughout the museum have won countless trophies, championships, and Olympic medals, and have made the sport what it is today.

"What makes the hall of fame so unique is we have 13 beautiful grass courts, we have a new clay court, we're one of few facilities that's open to the public,” said Mary Rompf, head tennis pro at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Known for its extensive collection of memorabilia from past and present tennis greats, the Hall of Fame hosts the players as well, like at this year's Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis Championships. The tournament runs from July 9 through the 15 and is the only ATP tournament in the northeast.

The caliber of professionals in attendance is remarkable.

"We have eighteen Olympians that are going to be playing: The Bryant brothers, John Isner…" said Rompf.

They'll be playing on grass courts which are hard to find. Pros will have to adjust their play to the rare surface.

"Grass is a unique surface because it's challenging. Your bounce is never the same each time and the bounce is always a lot lower” Rompf added.

Only few grass courts remain so Michaela decided to get a lesson from Rompf.

"The number one rule is to watch the ball,” Rompf said.

To grip the racket properly, put it on the ground and pick it up. This is a basic forehand grip.

Once gripping the racket, learn the correct way to hit the ball.

"Topspin is critical in tennis so you want to make the ball spin over. To get that, you want to think of the ball as a clock and you want to hit six to twelve on the ball,” said Rompf.

For a backhand stroke, turn your body and hold with both hands.

Then, on to vollies which are done close to the net and are quick punches at the ball. "Never let the racket get behind your vision. Always keep it in front,” Rompf added.

When serving, stand with your feet shoulder width apart. If the toss is not good then don't hit it. "When you serve you use your wrist. Serve and overhead are the only two strokes you use your wrist on. So you're going to be loosy goosy and snap,” Rompf said.

Anne Marie McLaughlin visited the set with more details on the competition. Tickets are still available at  http://www.tennisfame.com/atp-tournament/campbells-championships/tickets-packages . Tournament play will continue through July 15.