Review of Baby Steps

I've seen several sports-themed anime, and in my opinion this one of the two or three best. To me, one of the most attractive aspects of this story is the method by which the protagonists attain their expertise at the sport. Not a single character spends time meditating by standing under a waterfall. No one ever packs up camping gear and hikes to remote areas in distant mountains for training (defeating bears and wildcats along the way.) There is not a single "secret" or "special" move that "magically defeats one's opponent. What stands out is the main character's ability to analyze not only hisopponent's strengths and weaknesses, but his own as well. You could call this "effective reflection", I guess. Skill is invariably gained by realistic training activity and practice.

Some facial expressions / reactions are "over the top", but do not materially detract from the story; some are funny. After all, this is a story about an accomplished nerd transforming himself into an accomplished athlete. The main protagonist's reactions/interactions with the main female protagonist are consistent with their established characters. The slowly developing romance between the two is realistic and believable. Those looking for fan service will be disappointed, as there is none.

The strength of the story carries this anime, and even if your interest in tennis is zero, that fact will not detract from your enjoyment!

Baby Steps 2 just started as part of the Spring 2015 anime line-up, and after viewing the first episode I have high hopes for the continuation of the Baby Steps story. I will probably review it separately at a later date.