Tennis is a thrilling and difficult sport that combines mental toughness, athleticism, and strategy. Learning the basics correctly from the beginning can set the stage for your success and enjoyment if you’re new to the game. Having a strong foundation is essential to improving as a tennis player, regardless of how much experience you have with the game or how many casual games you have played.
From grasping fundamental technique and rules to honing your footwork, perfecting your strokes, and cultivating the proper mindset, we’ll take you through all the essential tennis tips for beginners in this extensive guide.
1. Master the Proper Grip from Day One
The grip is your connection to the racquet and plays a critical role in your control, power, and shot consistency. Learning and practicing the correct grip early will prevent bad habits later on.
Common Beginner Grips:
- Eastern Grip (for forehand): Easy to learn and offers a good balance of power and control.
- Continental Grip (for serves, volleys, and backhand slices): Versatile and useful for multiple shots.
- Two-Handed Backhand Grip: Provides stability and control for beginners.
Tip: Work with a coach or watch detailed tutorials to find what feels natural and effective for your hand size and play style.
2. Focus on Footwork and Positioning
Good footwork separates casual players from confident ones. Tennis is not just about hitting the ball—it’s about getting into the right position before hitting it.
Footwork Tips for Beginners:
- Stay on the balls of your feet, not your heels.
- Always return to the center of the baseline after a shot.
- Practice side shuffles, split steps, and pivoting to improve agility.
- Learn how to “split step” before your opponent hits the ball to stay ready.
Drill: Shadow swing while moving side to side. Focus on your footwork first, then add in stroke practice.
3. Develop Solid, Repeatable Strokes
Many beginners swing too wildly or with inconsistent form. Your focus should be on repeatable mechanics and consistency over power.
Stroke Focus Areas:
- Forehand: Keep your elbow bent and use your non-dominant hand for balance. Follow through high.
- Backhand: Use both hands for control (if two-handed). Rotate your shoulders and use your legs.
- Serve: Start with a basic flat serve. Toss the ball consistently and aim for smooth motion.
- Volley: Keep the racquet up, use short strokes, and step forward into the shot.
Tip: Focus on hitting the sweet spot of the racquet and keeping your shots within the court. Accuracy comes before power.
4. Understand the Rules and Scoring System
Tennis has a unique scoring system, but it’s simple once you get the hang of it.
Basic Scoring:
- Games go from 0 (love) → 15 → 30 → 40 → game.
- You need to win by two points if the score is tied at 40 (called “deuce”).
- A set is won by winning at least 6 games with a two-game lead.
- Matches can be best of 3 or 5 sets (recreational players usually play 2 of 3).
Tip: Watch live matches or practice scoring with a partner to get comfortable with it.
5. Train Your Mental Game Early
Tennis is often described as a mental chess match. Building emotional control and strategic thinking early on can give you a huge advantage.
Mental Tips:
- Don’t dwell on mistakes—learn and move on.
- Develop a consistent pre-serve routine.
- Focus on your breathing to stay calm under pressure.
- Stay positive, even when losing. Confidence builds over time.
Quote to Remember: “You don’t have to play perfect—you just have to play smarter.”
6. Use Your Body, Not Just Your Arm
One of the biggest beginner mistakes is swinging mostly with the arm. True tennis power and control come from the legs, core, and shoulders.
Learn to:
- Rotate your hips and shoulders when you swing.
- Push off with your back leg to generate force.
- Use your non-dominant hand for balance and preparation.
Drill: Practice swinging slowly in front of a mirror to observe full-body mechanics.
7. Practice Regularly and With Purpose
Tennis improvement doesn’t come from just playing more matches. You need focused practice sessions to work on technique, footwork, and strategy.
Smart Practice Includes:
- Working on your weaknesses more than your strengths.
- Setting goals for each session (e.g., 50 consistent forehands in a row).
- Drilling with a partner or hitting against a wall.
- Filming your strokes to see what needs adjusting.
Tip: Consistency and effort beat talent when it comes to improvement.
8. Watch and Learn from the Pros
Observing how professionals move, think, and react during a match can be eye-opening. It gives you insight into strategy, shot selection, and pacing.
What to Watch:
- Footwork patterns
- Shot placement and spin
- Court positioning
- Serve and return strategy
Try This: Pick one pro player (like Novak Djokovic, Iga Świątek, or Carlos Alcaraz) and study how they handle different match situations.
9. Invest in the Right Equipment
While you don’t need the most expensive racquet to start, having gear that suits your level and body type helps you play better and avoid injury.
Beginner Essentials:
- A lightweight racquet with a mid-sized head
- Comfortable tennis shoes with lateral support
- Proper grip size for your hand
- A water bottle and sweat towel for long sessions
Tip: Visit a local tennis shop or ask a coach for recommendations suited to your body type and goals.
10. Enjoy the Process and Stay Patient
Like any sport, tennis improvement takes time. Progress may feel slow at first, but with consistent effort and a love for the game, results will follow.
What to Remember:
- Everyone makes mistakes—it’s part of the game.
- Celebrate small wins: a great rally, a clean forehand, or mastering a new serve.
- Play with people slightly better than you to accelerate your learning.
- Keep the focus on growth, not just winning.
Final Thoughts: Building a Strong Tennis Foundation
Starting your tennis journey is an exciting step. With the right mindset, proper technique, and consistent practice, you’ll not only improve rapidly but also develop a lifelong passion for the sport. These beginner tips are designed to help you build solid habits, avoid common mistakes, and gain confidence with every match you play.
Now it’s time to grab your racquet, head to the court, and start swinging with purpose.