Tennis Tips for Beginners: How to Improve Your Game Fast
Starting out in tennis can feel both exciting and overwhelming. With its fast pace, technical strokes, and the need for quick decision-making, it’s easy to get discouraged. But with the right focus, you’ll quickly improve your skills and enjoy the game even more. Whether you’re hitting the courts for fun or hoping to improve your competitive edge, the key is building solid fundamentals.
1. MASTER YOUR GRIP
Your grip is the foundation of every stroke in tennis, so getting it right early on is crucial. A good grip ensures control, power, and comfort in all your shots.
- The Continental Grip:The continental grip is a versatile grip that’s often used for serves, volleys, and overhead shots. To hold it, place the base knuckle of your index finger on the third bevel of the racket handle. It’s ideal for beginners because it works well across different strokes.
- The Eastern Grip: The Eastern grip is commonly used for forehands. Hold the racket as if you’re shaking hands with it. This grip helps you hit with good power and control, especially when rallying with your opponent.
- The Western Grip:If you want to generate topspin, you can experiment with the Western grip for your forehand. However, this grip takes more time to master and might be more advanced for complete beginners.
2. FOCUS ON FOOTWORK
Good footwork is the key to getting in position for every shot. Tennis requires a lot of movement — quick side-to-side motions, quick sprints to the net, and lateral adjustments. To improve your game, work on these basic movements:
- Stay on Your Toes: Always try to be on the balls of your feet. This allows for quicker reaction times, making it easier to move and adjust when the ball comes toward you.
- Split Step: The split step is essential for preparing for the next shot. When your opponent hits the ball, take a small hop with your feet apart, then land in a position where you can move quickly in any direction. This gives you better balance and prepares your body to move as soon as the ball crosses the net.
- Positioning: Make sure you’re always positioned properly to hit the ball. Don’t just reach for the ball with your racket. Move your feet to get into the best position, even if it means taking extra steps.
3. IMPROVE YOUR SERVE
The serve is the only shot in tennis that you have full control over, making it an important skill to develop. A consistent serve can give you an advantage from the start of every point.
- Focus on Consistency: When you’re starting out, it’s more important to focus on serving consistently rather than with power. Aim for accuracy, getting the ball in the service box more often.
- Proper Technique: Start with the continental grip for your serve, and focus on a fluid motion. Toss the ball high enough so you have time to prepare and hit it cleanly. Practice the motion of serving without worrying too much about speed — getting the right technique down first is key.
- Add Spin Later: Once you’re comfortable with your serve, work on adding spin. A topspin serve can push the ball higher over the net, while a slice serve will curve, making it more difficult for your opponent to return.
4. WORK ON YOUR FOREHAND AND BACKHAND
Your forehand and backhand are the bread-and-butter strokes of your game. Mastering these two shots will help you keep rallies going and put pressure on your opponent.
- The Forehand: When hitting your forehand, make sure to follow through fully, swinging from low to high to generate topspin. Focus on keeping your elbow slightly bent and your racket head above your hand for more control and spin. Practice hitting forehands both cross-court and down the line for more variety.
- The Backhand: The backhand can be trickier for beginners, but don’t worry — with practice, it becomes second nature. Start with a simple two-handed backhand, which gives you more control and stability. Ensure your non-dominant hand is involved in the stroke to guide the racket. As you get more comfortable, you can try hitting a one-handed backhand for more power and versatility.
- Both Shots Require Consistent Practise: The more time you spend on both forehands and backhands, the more comfortable you’ll be. Work on hitting both strokes from different positions on the court, and practice alternating between the two to develop balance and fluidity.
5. LEARN TO USE THE VOLLEY
The volley is a quick shot used when you’re close to the net, typically to intercept a weak return. It’s important to practise this skill as it allows you to put pressure on your opponent and finish points faster.
- Positioning for the Volley: Stand slightly behind the net with your knees slightly bent and racket in front of you. Use your body to guide the ball, not just your arms. Keep your racket face slightly open or flat depending on the type of volley.
- Use Short, Punching Movements: Unlike groundstrokes, where you need a full swing, volley shots are more about a short, controlled punch. Stay relaxed, but firm, and make sure to keep the ball in play.
- Practice Both Forehand and Backhand Volleys: Don’t neglect your backhand volley. Work on hitting both forehand and backhand volleys from various angles to get comfortable with different situations.
6. PLAY WITH PURPOSE
Every time you step onto the court, play with a purpose. Whether you’re playing a casual game with a friend or in a more competitive setting, focusing on specific aspects of your game will help you improve faster.
- Set Goals: Set small, achievable goals for each session. For example, aim to hit 80% of your serves in or focus on improving your footwork. Setting goals gives you something to work toward and helps keep your practice sessions productive.
- Work on One Thing at a Time: Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to work on everything at once. Focus on one aspect of your game each time you practice, whether it’s improving your serve, backhand, or net play. Consistency in one area will lead to better results overall.
7. STAY MENTALLY TOUGH
Tennis can be as mentally demanding as it is physically challenging. Staying focused and positive during matches is key to overcoming adversity and improving as a player.
- Stay Focused on the Present: Avoid dwelling on mistakes, and focus on the next point. Tennis is a game of momentum, and staying mentally strong will help you regain control after a lost point or game.
- Develop a Pre-Match Routine: A consistent pre-match routine can help you relax and get into the right mental state. Whether it’s taking deep breaths, stretching, or visualizing your game, a routine can help calm nerves and improve focus.
8. PRACTICE REGULARLY
Like any sport, the more you practice, the better you’ll get. Whether it’s hitting with a friend, working with a coach, or practicing on your own, regular practice is key to improvement.
- Play with Better Players: Try playing with people who are slightly better than you. You’ll be pushed to elevate your game and pick up new skills from them.
- Work with a Coach: If possible, working with a tennis coach can greatly accelerate your learning. A coach can give you valuable feedback, correct any bad habits, and help you develop your technique.
Improving at tennis takes time and practice, but with these beginner tips, you’re on your way to becoming a more confident and capable player. Focus on the fundamentals, practise regularly, and stay mentally tough — and most importantly, have fun while playing!
Whether you’re aiming to play casually or compete in matches, every practice session is a step toward becoming a better tennis player. Keep pushing yourself, and don’t forget to enjoy the game! Stay tuned to Baseline Racquets for more tennis tips, gear guides, and everything you need to take your game to the next level!
