Though canines love tennis for its bouncy yellow balls, humans appreciate the freedom to bark loudly with each swing and bury their favorite rackets all over the court. Become a tennis beast with today's Groupon: for $20, you get a one-hour private tennis lesson at Tampa Bay Area Tennis in St. Petersburg (a $45 value).

At Tampa Bay Area Tennis, experienced tennis pro Charles Melin employs more than 25 years of teaching experience to bestow the ways of the racket on ace-hungry neophytes. The one-hour private lesson can be modified to accommodate the learning needs of any age or skill level. Beginner students become versed in the "ready" position, a preparatory pose that helps players to defend against all kinds of shots ranging from red-hot serves to backhanded comments from the press, and advanced students receive instruction to match their level of play. Melin also makes sure that pupils learn or refine the basic grip and mechanics of the all-powerful forehand stroke to equip each athlete with the ability to overcome his or her greatest obstacle: love.