Here's How To Play Tennis For Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide
For tennis player beginners, whether young or adult, stepping onto the court for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming. However, with the right guidance, equipment, and approach, anyone can learn and enjoy this lifelong sport.
Here, we’ll share how to play tennis for beginners start with what equipment for playing tennis, basic rules and tennis classes
Why Play Tennis?
Tennis is a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health which strengthens muscles, and boosts coordination. Beyond the physical benefits, tennis is a great way to socialize, relieve stress, and challenge yourself mentally. Its adaptability makes it suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it an excellent choice for adults seeking a new hobby or fitness routine.
Equipment for Playing Tennis
To start playing tennis, you don’t need a long list of expensive equipment. Expensive equipment doesn't make your game better. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Tennis Racket
Beginners are encouraged to choose a lightweight racket with a larger head size (100–115 square inches), as this design offers more power and a larger sweet spot for easier play. Trusted beginner-friendly brands include Wilson, Babolat, and Head.
2. Tennis Balls
For beginners, softer or pressureless tennis balls are ideal because they bounce slower, allowing more time to react, while foam balls are particularly suited for younger players.
3. Proper Footwear
Next, you can invest in tennis-specific shoes designed to provide lateral support and grip on the court surface. These shoes provide the necessary support and grip, helping you move quickly and preventing slipping on the court. Running shoes won’t offer the same stability and may increase the risk of injury.
Then, don’t forget socks. Comfortable, moisture-wicking socks will keep your feet dry and help avoid blisters during intense play.
4. Comfortable Clothing
When playing tennis, it’s important to wear clothes that help you stay comfortable and move freely. Start with a tennis shirt made of light, breathable fabric like cotton or moisture-wicking materials. This helps keep you cool and dry during your game.
For the bottom, choose tennis shorts or a skirt that allow you to move easily. They should be flexible enough to handle all the running, jumping, and bending that comes with playing tennis.
Lastly, wear a hat or headband to protect your face from the sun and to keep sweat out of your eyes.
5. Court Access
In tennis, you need access to a tennis court to play. Many community centers and parks have tennis courts that you can use for free or at a low cost. This makes it easy for people to play tennis without spending a lot of money. Just check if there are courts available in your area!
Basic Rules of Tennis
Before stepping onto the court, it’s essential to understand the foundational rules. The rules are also not as difficult as imagined, you can definitely understand them quickly. Here are the basic rules:
A. The Objective
The goal is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent's court in a way that they can’t return it successfully.
B. Scoring
Tennis scoring rules, points progress as 15, 30, 40, and "game," with a player needing to win by at least two points to secure the game. Matches are played in sets, where the first player to win six games with a two-game lead takes the set.
C. Serving
A serve must be hit diagonally into the opponent’s service box, and players have two attempts to serve correctly. And failing both results in a fault.
D. Boundaries
Singles matches use the inner sidelines, while doubles matches include the wider outer sidelines.
E. Let Call
If the ball hits the net during a serve but lands in the correct service box, the serve is replayed.
F. No Double Hits
A player must hit the ball in a single motion without catching or carrying it.
How Beginners Can Learn Tennis
Tennis is a sport for all ages, and beginners can enjoy a smooth learning curve with the right approach. Young beginners often start with modified equipment like smaller rackets, lower nets, and softer balls.
This helps them develop hand-eye coordination, footwork, and swing mechanics through fun games and activities.
Adult beginners, on the other hand, may have goals like improving fitness or enjoying social interactions. Adults should start slowly by mastering basics like grips, strokes, and footwork.
But remember to practice patience as coordination and muscle memory take time to develop, do warm up and stretch to prevent injuries, and use beginner-friendly equipment such as lighter rackets and slower balls to ease the learning process.
Why Tennis Classes Matter
While it's possible to teach yourself tennis, enrolling in tennis classes can really speed up your progress and make learning more effective. Here’s why tennis lessons are especially helpful for beginners:
1. Expert Guidance
When you take tennis classes, you get to learn from professional instructors who know the game inside and out. They can watch your technique closely and give you personalized advice to improve.
For example, they might notice that you're holding your racket wrong or hitting the ball with the wrong posture, and they'll help you fix these small issues before they become bad habits.
2. Structured Learning
Tennis classes are designed to teach you in an organized way. You’ll start with the basics, like how to hold the racket or how to serve, and then gradually move on to more advanced skills. This step-by-step approach makes learning less overwhelming and more fun.
3. Access to Equipment
Not sure what racket is right for you? Many tennis classes provide equipment for you to use. This way, you can try different rackets and balls before you make a purchase.
You might find that a lighter racket feels better in your hand, or a softer ball is easier to control. This hands-on experience helps you make a better decision when it’s time to buy your own gear.
4. Motivation and Accountability
Having a set schedule for your tennis lessons helps keep you committed. You’ll show up because you’ve made a commitment to your instructor and classmates. Plus, some classes, like those at Rockstar Academy, even hold tennis competitions like RockOlympics or mini-tournaments to boost your confidence and give you a fun challenge to work toward.
Knowing you have an event to look forward to can motivate you to practice and improve faster.
5. Social Interaction
Taking tennis classes also gives you the chance to meet new people who are learning just like you. Group lessons create a fun and supportive environment, where you can share tips, encourage each other, and even form friendships.
You can practice together, cheer each other on, and make the whole learning process more enjoyable.
Let’s Play Tennis!
Tennis is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, including young children. The game can be adjusted to suit their age and skill level, with the pace slowing down for younger players.
If you’ve been curious about trying tennis but feel a full-sized court might be a bit overwhelming, TouchTennis is the perfect alternative! Played on a smaller court with a lower net and a soft foam ball, TouchTennis offers a fun and approachable way to get into the game.
This simplified format is designed to help you master the essential skills of tennis without the pressure of managing a large court. It’s a great way to build confidence, improve your technique, and enjoy the thrill of tennis in a more beginner-friendly environment!
You can sign up for tennis classes at Rockstar's Sports & Performing Arts Academy. With over 120 high-quality classes available each week, including tennis, your child will be guided by professional instructors who are certified both nationally and internationally.
Plus, you can try a free trial class to see how they like it before committing!
FAQ
Can I learn tennis if I’ve never played a sport before?
Absolutely! Tennis is a beginner-friendly sport with a variety of learning options, including classes, tutorials, and drills tailored to new players.
How long does it take to become good at tennis?
It depends on your dedication and practice. With consistent lessons and practice, most beginners develop basic proficiency within a few months.
Is tennis an expensive sport to start?
Not necessarily. Many community courts offer free or affordable access, and beginner equipment can be reasonably priced.
What if I’m not very athletic?
Tennis is adaptable and doesn’t require a high level of athleticism to start. You can progress at your own pace.
How do I find the right tennis coach?
Look for certified instructors with experience teaching beginners. Ask for recommendations or check online reviews.
