6 Key Tennis Tips For Beginners
Starting out in tennis is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming with so many skills to learn. The good news is that you don’t need to master everything at once. By focusing on a few simple fundamentals, you’ll build confidence, improve your technique, and enjoy the game even more! Here are 6 key tennis tips that we think every beginner should know.
How can you get better at tennis?
If you’re really enjoying Tennis and want to improve as quick as possible, we’ve provided the optimal ways below. Tennis can be played by people of any ability and is suitable for all abilities, making it an inclusive sport for everyone. To get more involved, consider joining a local club or working with a trainer to further develop your skills.
Structuring your practice
Focus on Technique Through Smart Practice – Start with Smaller Goals
One of the most important principles in learning any skill is deliberate practice. That means setting a specific goal — such as consistently meeting the ball in front of your body — instead of just hitting for the sake of it.
Research also shows that variable practice (mixing up the speed, spin, and direction of your shots) is better for long-term improvement than repetitive drills. And don’t seek feedback after every swing; studies suggest that summary or delayed feedback helps you become more independent and retain skills better.
Build Your Footwork and Fitness
Great tennis starts with great movement. Improving footwork — through agility ladders, split-step drills, or side-shuffles — reduces unforced errors and keeps you balanced for every shot. Pair this with strength and conditioning: lower-body power exercises (like squats, lunges, or plyometrics) translate into faster, more explosive strokes, while interval training mimics the stop-start rhythm of a real match better than long jogs.
Learn From The Best
Improving at tennis isn’t just physical. Research shows that watching skilled players (known as video modelling) activates the brain’s “mirror neurons” and speeds up learning. Visualisation — mentally rehearsing your shots or match play — has also been shown to boost accuracy and confidence. Beginners often focus only on mechanics, but introducing basic tactics early (like aiming cross-court to open up space) helps you win points sooner and feel more confident in matches.
Structure Your Practice for Success
Science shows that short, frequent sessions (three times a week for 45 minutes) are far more effective than one long session. You should also mix in match play from the beginning — it adds pressure and unpredictability, which makes your training more “real.” If possible, record yourself playing; self-review helps spot errors you might not notice in the moment and speeds up improvement.
If you’re looking to start playing tennis more frequently, Bicester Gym has a selection of Outdoor Tennis Courts to choose from. You can book a slot at our outdoor tennis courts by calling our reception team.
In-game Tactics to Improve
The Forehand and Backhand Fundamentals
The forehand and backhand are the building blocks of playing tennis, and every beginner should focus on getting these shots right from the start. The forehand is typically your most natural shot, using the front of your racquet to hit the ball. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and grip your racquet firmly but not too tightly. As the ball approaches, swing forward smoothly, making contact with the ball in front of your body and using your legs and core to generate power.
The Backhand
The backhand, on the other hand, uses the back of your racquet and can be played with one or two hands. Keep your stance balanced, rotate your shoulders, and focus on hitting the ball cleanly with a controlled swing. Practicing with different coloured tennis balls is a great way to improve your hand-eye coordination and keep your sessions fun and engaging. The more you practice these shots, the more natural they’ll feel, helping you to start playing tennis with confidence and consistency.
Introduction to the Volley and Overhead
Once you’re comfortable with groundstrokes, it’s time to add the volley and overhead to your tennis toolkit. The volley is a quick, sharp shot played near the net before the ball bounces, requiring fast reflexes and precise timing. To execute a solid volley, keep your racquet up, eyes on the ball, and use a short, controlled swing to direct the ball back over the net.
The overhead, often compared to a serve, is played when the ball is high above your head—think of it as a powerful smash to finish the point. Position yourself under the ball, keep your eyes focused, and swing with confidence to send the ball deep into your opponent’s court.
Whether you’re dreaming of competing at Wimbledon or just want to enjoy a weekend match, mastering the volley and overhead will make your game more dynamic and exciting.
Key Takeaways
To improve your tennis game:
- Mix up your drills to make them game-like and adaptable.
- Prioritise footwork and consistency — not fancy shots.
- Train both the body and the mind.
- Keep sessions short, focused, and regular.
Ways to practice tennis alone
Wall practice
Hitting against a wall improves timing, consistency, and footwork. Research on motor learning shows variable, unpredictable rebounds actually help skill transfer better than predictable feeds.
Serve practice
You don’t need a partner to perfect your serve. Practicing your ball toss separately, without hitting the ball, helps develop a consistent and accurate serve. Aim at targets (cones, taped squares) and track your consistency. Serving is the one shot you control entirely, so solo repetition here is invaluable.
Shadow swings
Practicing stroke mechanics without a ball builds muscle memory. Use a mirror or record yourself to check technique.
Video analysis
Record yourself hitting serves or practicing footwork, then use the footage in two ways: first, review your own technique to spot areas for improvement, and second, compare it with professional players to identify gaps and refine your form. Regular self-review builds awareness and speeds up progress.
How to choose the right tennis racket for you
Starting out in tennis is exciting, but with so many rackets on the market, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Choosing the right tennis equipment, especially as a beginner, is essential for making the game more accessible, enjoyable, and safe. The good news is that as a beginner, you don’t need the same type of racket a pro would use (which is also likely to save you some money!). Instead, focus on comfort, ease of play, and giving yourself the best chance to develop solid technique. Here’s what to look for in your first racket.
Choose a Beginner-Friendly Head Size
As a new player, you’ll want a larger head size (100–110 sq. in.). This gives you a bigger “sweet spot,” which means you’ll connect with the ball more often and with more power, even if your timing isn’t perfect yet. It’s a confidence booster and helps you rally for longer without frustration.
Go for a Lighter Weight
A lighter racket (ideally 260–290g) is easier to swing and reduces the risk of injury. Heavy rackets may feel powerful, but they can quickly tire your arm if you’re just starting out. A lighter frame helps you focus on building proper technique and consistency before worrying about speed and power.
Pick the Right Grip Size
Comfort is key. If the grip is too small, your wrist may overwork; if it’s too big, you’ll struggle to control the racket. The best test is hold the racket naturally and see if you can fit your index finger between your palm and fingertips. That’s usually the right size for you.
Strings and Tension (Keep It Simple)
As a beginner, you don’t need to stress too much about strings – they won’t make too much difference. However, if you want the optimal choice, an open string pattern (16×19) is a good choice because it helps generate spin and power without extra effort. Keep the string tension on the lower side for a softer, more forgiving feel.
Demo Before You Buy
You can consider all of these recommendations, but ultimately the best racket for you is the one that feels most comfortable in your hand. If possible, try borrowing a racket from a friend or coach to get a sense of what suits you. The most reliable way to choose is to test rackets before committing — many clubs and shops offer demo programs, allowing you to experience differences in weight, grip, and response firsthand. Many tennis clubs also provide demo programs and support for beginners, making it easier for new players to find the right equipment and feel welcome in the community.
Key Takeaway
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” racket. The right choice depends on your playing level, strength, and style. Beginners should lean toward lighter, larger-headed rackets for forgiveness, while advanced players may prefer heavier frames for precision. Whatever you choose, make sure it feels comfortable and natural in your hand — the right racket should feel like an extension of your arm.
How do you hold a tennis racket
Holding your tennis racket correctly is crucial for improving your game. The way you grip affects your control, power, and comfort. Here’s what you need to know as a beginner.
Understand the Different Grips
There are several common grips in tennis, but as a beginner, we’d recommend you focus on these two:
Eastern Forehand Grip
Hold the racket so the base knuckle of your index finger is on the third bevel of the handle. This grip is ideal for beginners and works well for flat or slightly topspin shots.
Continental Grip
Place your knuckle on the second bevel. This is ideal for serves, volleys, and slices. It’s slightly trickier at first, but essential as you develop your game.
How To Actually Hold The Racket
- Make sure to hold the racket lightly, like shaking hands with it. Avoid gripping too tightly – tension in your hand reduces flexibility and increases fatigue.
- Make sure when wrapping your fingers around the handle, you keep your thumb relaxed on the opposite side.
- Keep a firm but flexible wrist (not stiff!) to allow smooth swings and better control.
Key Takeaway
The best way to hold a tennis racket is however is most comfortable for you or with a grip suited to the shot you’re hitting. As a beginner, start with a light, relaxed hold using the Eastern Forehand grip for groundstrokes, and gradually incorporate the Continental grip for serves and volleys. With practice, the correct grip will become second nature and make your shots more consistent and effective.
What Shoes Should you wear for tennis?
Choosing the right shoes is just as important as choosing the right racket. Tennis is a unique sport with specific footwear needs compared to other sports, due to its emphasis on lateral movement, quick stops and starts, and sudden pivots. Wearing the wrong footwear can lead to poor performance or even injuries. Therefore, we’ve provided information on exactly what beginners need to consider when picking tennis shoes.
Court Type Matters
Tennis shoes are designed for different surfaces:
Hard /Outdoor Tennis Court Shoes – Most common; provide durable soles and cushioning for concrete or asphalt courts.
Indoor Court Shoes -Typically have non-marking, flat soles to prevent slipping on polished or synthetic indoor surfaces.
Clay Court Shoes – Feature a herringbone tread pattern that helps grip the loose surface and slide safely.
Grass Court Shoes –Typically have nubbed soles for traction on slippery grass surfaces.
If you’re playing on a range of courts…
If you play on multiple surfaces, look for all-court shoes, which balance durability, grip, and comfort.
Focus on Support and Stability
Tennis involves side-to-side movement, so shoes must provide excellent lateral support. Avoid running shoes — they are designed for forward motion and won’t protect your ankles during quick pivots. We don’t want to overwhelm you with a full checklist for shoes, but try to ensure the following two key areas are covered:
- The shoes have reinforced sides to reduce ankle roll
- Adequate cushioning for shock absorption during jumps and sprints
Key Takeaway
For beginners, tennis-specific shoes that match your court type and provide stability, support, and comfort are essential. Avoid using running or casual trainers — proper tennis shoes improve performance and reduce the risk of injury. Investing in the right footwear from the start sets you up for a more enjoyable and safe game.
