Tennis is often thought of as a sport for the wealthy, but now it is more affordable than ever to play. Here are a few tips to get you out on the courts and enjoying the game:

• Equipment Buying good tennis equipment is as easy as making a trip to the local sporting goods store. Bob Ingersole, a tennis pro at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, N.Y., says that an entry-level racket is a good and affordable choice when you are just starting out. Grab a can of tennis balls and a pair of sneakers (if you do not already own a pair) and you are ready to proceed to your first tennis lesson.
• Lessons and Leagues Private or group lessons? It's really a matter of personal choice. Ingersole recommends taking lessons from a certified instructor, such as a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) or Professional Tennis Registry (PTR). Once you are comfortable with your tennis game, you may want to join a league or participate in local tournaments to use the skills that you have learned in your lessons.
• Courts Not a member of the local tennis club? Not a problem. Public tennis courts are all around, and many clubs offer lessons and playing opportunities for non-members.