Tennis is an exhilarating sport that challenges both the mind and body. But if you’re just starting out, it can feel overwhelming. How do you hold the racket? What’s the right way to serve? And how do you even keep score?
Beginner tennis lessons should cover the fundamentals in a structured way, helping new players develop skills, confidence, and a love for the game.
Whether you’re learning for fun, improve your fitness, or to enjoy competitive play, mastering the basics will set you up for success. Here’s everything you should cover in your beginner tennis lessons to set you up for success!
Mastering the grip and stance
Before hitting your first shot, you need to understand how to hold the racket correctly. The grip affects control, spin, and power. Most beginners start with the Eastern grip, as it provides a balance of comfort and versatility.
As players progress, they may experiment with the Western grip for more topspin or the Continental grip for volleys and serves.
Equally important is the stance. A strong, balanced ready position with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent ensures quick movement and stability. Learning the proper stance helps with shot consistency and injury prevention.
Basic strokes
Beginner tennis lessons focus on building a solid foundation with key strokes:
Forehand
This is the most commonly used shot. It’s essential to learn proper swing mechanics, including shoulder rotation, weight transfer, and follow-through for accuracy and power.
Backhand
Players can use either a one-handed or two-handed backhand. The two-handed version provides extra stability for beginners, making it easier to control.
Volleys
Since volleys require quick reflexes, players should practice controlling the ball near the net with soft hands and proper positioning.
Overheads
Smashing high balls confidently can help finish points quickly. Beginners should focus on footwork and timing to improve overhead shots.
Serving fundamentals
The serve is one of the most critical shots in tennis and consistency is key. A proper lesson should introduce:
- Grip and stance: Players learn the Continental grip and proper foot placement.
- Ball toss: A consistent serve toss is key to an effective serve.
- First and second serves: Beginners should focus on getting the ball in play rather than power. Spin serves, like topspin and slice, can be introduced as they improve.
Footwork and movement
Tennis is all about movement. Beginners must develop good habits early to avoid unnecessary errors. Footwork drills should focus on:
- The split-step: A small hop that helps players react quickly to incoming shots.
- Lateral movement: Side-to-side shuffles improve court coverage.
- Recovery positioning: Returning to the right spot after each shot prevents opponents from exploiting open space.
Rallying and shot control
Rallies are essential for developing consistency and timing in tennis. Properly structured beginner tennis lessons should include various drills that encourage controlled, accurate groundstrokes to keep the ball in play.
This foundational aspect of training helps players build the muscle memory needed for consistent performance during matches.
Understanding the difference between deep shots and shorter angles is another crucial element of effective rallying. The former pushes your opponent back, creating pressure through court positioning, whilst the latter creates openings for winning shots by forcing your opponent to cover more ground.
Both techniques are vital tools in a well-rounded player’s arsenal.
Proper follow-through is equally important when developing strong rally skills. This technical aspect ensures players maintain both direction and power in their shots, leading to more reliable performance under match conditions.
A coach should emphasise the complete stroke motion, helping players understand how their finish affects the ball’s trajectory and pace.
Scoring and basic rules
Understanding the rules of tennis ensures players can enjoy a match without confusion. Beginner tennis lessons should cover the distinctive scoring system. This unique counting method often puzzles newcomers, so clear explanation with practical examples is essential.
Ask your coach to explain:
- The scoring system: love-15-30-40-game format
- How games build into sets and matches
- When to change ends of the court.
Tie-break rules and deuce situations require special attention, as these scenarios frequently determine the outcome of closely contested matches. Players need to understand:
- How the traditional “advantage” scoring works after deuce
- The streamlined tie-break system that prevents sets from continuing indefinitely
- Different tie-break formats used in various tournaments
Let calls and basic court etiquette form the final piece of the rules puzzle. Knowing when to replay a point due to service let calls, as well as understanding the unwritten rules of tennis behaviour, helps create a respectful atmosphere on court.
These fundamental principles ensure that matches run smoothly and that tennis remains the gentleman’s sport it has always been.
On court strategy
Even beginners can develop smart strategies on the tennis court. A thoughtful approach to the game can often overcome technical limitations.
Positioning
Staying in the right part of the court makes shots considerably easier to execute. Beginners should learn the central recovery position and how to adjust their positioning based on their previous shot.
Shot Selection
Knowing when to play aggressively versus defensively can make the difference in close matches. Aggressive play isn’t always about power but creating opportunities, while defensive play requires patience and consistency.
Reading Opponents
Recognising weaknesses in an opponent’s game allows players to maximise their chances of success. Beginners should observe patterns, such as a weak backhand or reluctance to approach the net, and develop simple plans to exploit these tendencies.
Mental and physical conditioning
Tennis is as much a mental game as a physical one. As someone just getting started, your beginner tennis lessons should cover tips on how to:
- Stay focused and patient during points
- Control nerves in match situations
- Improve stamina and agility through simple exercises like footwork drills and light cardio.
All of these elements are lifelong lessons that will help you in other areas of life!
How to use these beginner tennis lessons
Starting your tennis journey the right way ensures long-term success and enjoyment. By focusing on grip, strokes, footwork, and strategy, beginner tennis lessons provide the foundation needed to improve quickly and confidently.
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