Whop! The fuzzy yellow tennis ball sizzles over the net, deep into the far court. What a powerful crosscourt backhand shot. Just like on television. Wow.

"See there, Mark?" says Roy Barth, director of tennis at Kiawah Island's excellent complex. "When you don't look up, the ball goes right where you want it."

I look at my racquet as if I'd just invented the wheel or discovered fire. I'm proud and in a state of disbelief: The person who stroked that great backhand was me.

I've swung a racquet since I was a kid and should be a much better player than I am. I don't expect miracles at this clinic, but I am having trouble with certain parts of my game--as in, the part where you hit the ball.

I had heard about the great tennis facilities and personal instruction at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. I was told I would enjoy vacationing there and brushing up on my game.

"So what part of your game would you like to work on?" Roy asked when I called to sign up for the tennis clinic at Kiawah. "Actually, all of it," I replied sheepishly. "Forehand, backhand, serve, net game, overhead--you name it, it needs help."

above: Kiawah Island Golf Resort conducts a variety of clinics and minicamps at its tennis facilities.