Tennis for Beginners: What You Need to Know

The longest ever tennis match took place between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010. It lasted eleven hours and five minutes!

Whether you’re new to tennis or a pro, your matches will hopefully last only a fraction of that time. There are a few things beginners need to know before they hit the court.

Continue reading our tennis for beginners guide below to ensure you get off on the right foot.

The Basic Rules

There’s no better place to begin than the rules. Players stand on either side of the net and hit the ball across the net until one player wins the point. In simple terms, you want to make sure each of your tennis strokes remains within bounds on the court.

Play a point, and you rack up the points to win a game via a unique scoring system. The server alternates their serving position after each point, and the server becomes the receiver after each game. A player must win at least six games to win a set, although you must be two games ahead to win the set.

You’ll pick up the rules of tennis quickly once you’re out on the court, especially if you’re opponent knows the game well.

Necessary Tennis Gear 

You can’t play tennis without a few critical pieces of equipment, such as a tennis racket. These range in price and quality, and you’ll also need to procure tennis balls and sports shoes.

If you’re a beginner, we recommend starting with second-hand equipment. Borrow from a friend and check out tennis courts which are free to access in your area. If you get into it, you can invest in better gear and join a tennis club.

The Serve 

Stand at a solid starting point behind the baseline, sideways to the tennis net. Your target is the diagonally opposite service box, and the server gets two opportunities to land the serve.

Toss the ball into the air and hit it with your racket before gravity returns it to the ground. Time it correctly, with the right amount of power, and your serve will land in the service box of your opponent. You can put the pressure on them with a good serve.

If you can master the kick serve, you’ll put yourself in an excellent position to win many points.

The Forehand

Many coaches begin by teaching the forehand stroke. It’s an essential shot to learn, and a simple, smooth swing is all you need at the beginning.

Your tennis technique probably won’t be exemplary initially, but that means there will be plenty of room for improvement. If you want to improve quicker, consider taking classes with a coach.

The Backhand

A similar approach should be employed on the backhand side. When you hit a backhand, you may find it more comfortable to use both hands on the grip. Regardless, aim to strike a smooth and simple backhand to match your forehand shot.

While this guide may be helpful, the best way to learn is to get out onto the courts.

Tennis for Beginners Made Easy

Remember to have fun on the court; it’s a game after all. And don’t give up after 20 minutes, because tennis is a wonderful hobby no matter your age. As with all things in life, practice makes perfect.

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