Learn How to Play Tennis Quickly for Beginners

Are you wondering how to play tennis?

There are many reasons that people of all ages seek out the sport of tennis. 

Maybe you are looking for a new sport to view.

Perhaps you are tired of running on a hamster wheel and looking for a fun way to stay in shape.

You may just be bored…and looking to start a new hobby.

Whatever the reason…I am glad you are here!

Tennis is a lifelong sport that is both fun to watch and fun to play.

If you have never played before you may feel a bit overwhelmed and that is ok!

However, taking time to learn this lifelong sport is worth it.

By the time you are done reading this article, you will know everything you need to about how to play tennis…TODAY!

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How to Play Tennis: Everything You Need to Know

Who Should Play Tennis?

I think EVERYONE should.

You are really never too old to learn how to play, you just have to be patient.

It is a good sport for children to learn.

Women should play…men should play. 

This is a sport that is meant for everyone.

The Health Benefits of Playing Tennis

There are many reasons why to play tennis.

Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health and fitness. 

Many people dread working out, but you don’t have to! 

If you find a sport or game that you love you will start to enjoy and look forward to physical activity.

Tennis burns a lot of calories as well.

You can find out how many by using our calories burned playing tennis calculator.

Another powerful aspect of the sport of tennis is that it is social. 

You can meet new people and have fun interacting with others.

Tennis keeps your mind sharp.  It is not just a game about agility and speed. 

It involves planning, technique, and tactics!

So you see there are many benefits to learning this wonderful sport.

You can read all about the benefits of playing tennis here.

Let’s get started with the basics.

What equipment is needed to play tennis?

Your tennis journey really only requires a few pieces of equipment to get started.  You can shop online or buy second-hand if you are just starting out.

Wait…Do I have to join a fancy club to start playing tennis?

No! I have been playing tennis for many years and joining a tennis club is not necessary!

Most places have free tennis courts that you can play on outdoors. 

If you are looking to play indoors then you may need to find a gym or a club with indoor courts.

Tennis Racket

Getting a tennis racuet is one of the first things you will want to do. 

If you are a tennis newbie then you may want to borrow one from a friend before making a purchase.

Tennis rackets range in price from around $15 to well over $100. 

Beginner rackets that are pre-strung it won’t cost you much.

Some premium rackets will cost you more and you will have to get them strung.

You will want to find one that works for you and your budget.  

If you are just starting off….one like this would work just fine!

Start out by making sure the weight of the racket is not too heavy.

  Get a feel for how the grip feels in your hand.

Tennis Balls

There are a few different brands of tennis balls to choose from. 

You can start off by purchasing a can of balls (like this) or a bag (like this) depending on how much you plan on playing.

You will need to switch out balls once they start to go flat.

Tennis Shoes

Having a good pair of athletic shoes is important to keep your body safe and strong.

Trust me… you do not want to experience shin splints.

Visit your local shoe store for court shoes that will protect your feet especially if you will be playing outside on a concrete court.

Can you play tennis in running shoes?  You can…and if you are just trying out that may be a good option.

If you plan on playing tennis on a regular basis…I would get yourself a pair of court shoes (like this).

Here is a complete list of tennis equipment in case you have some questions.

Comfortable Clothing

You will want to pick out clothing that is comfortable and you can move well in.

Having pockets in your shorts, skirt, or pants is preferable so that you have somewhere to stick extra balls.

You can find my favorite cute tennis outfits here.

How Do You Play Tennis? The Basic Rules of Tennis

You have your equipment now…so how do you play tennis?

The goal of tennis is to hit a ball back and forth across the net until you can score a point.

In order to score a point your opponent is going to have to either miss the ball, hit it out of bounds, or hit it in the net.

One of the best things to remember when you want to win a point is to let your opponent make the mistake.

Sometimes we try to get fancy and put a spin on a shot or hit it really hard and that is not the way to win.

Be patient and just focus on hitting the ball on the tennis court and over the net!

How to Start a Tennis Game

Whether you are playing doubles or singles they both start usually with a racket spin. 

There are generally two ways of doing this.

You can either put your tennis racket head on the ground and let it spin until it drops or you can spin it in your hand away from your opponent and let them say “stop” (this method is easier on your racket.)

This is to decide what side of the court each player is on as well as who gets to serve first.

It is very similar to a coin toss. 

If you look on the end of the handle to your racket you will see some sort of symbol.  It will depend on what brand you have as to what you see.

If you have a Wilson racket you will want to have the spin be either “M” or “W”.  If you have a Prince racket it will be a “D” or “P”….you get the idea!  

Whoever wins the spin gets to pick whether they would like to choose the side that they start on or if they would like to serve first.

I won the flip….What should I pick?

This is going to vary from one person to the next but I always choose to serve first.

Why?

Your tennis serve is YOUR way of controlling the point, the game, and the match!

If you are not happy with your serve…then maybe pick the side until you feel more confident.

If the sun is in your eyes and you forgot your shades.  Pick the side.

The Sequence of a Tennis Game

Once the server is decided they start the game by starting at the baseline to serve the ball from the right side of the court.

When serving they are aiming across the court diagonally to the service box on the other side of the net.

If the serve is “in” then that point is played out until the ball goes out of bounds, in the net, or bounces twice.

If the server misses the serve, they get a second chance to serve. 

If the second serve is missed the point is over and the receiver wins the point.

To start the next point the server walks to the left hand of the court to serve the next point and the receiver switches sides as well.

Once the game is over…the serve goes to the opponent and they serve the entire next game.

Tennis Scoring…Don’t let it scare you!

One of the most frightening parts of learning how to play tennis is the scoring. 

Have you ever watched a tennis match and had no clue what the players are talking about?

Does it seem like they are just yelling out random numbers?

It may seem a bit random at first…but you will get the hang of it.  Here is a quick outline of the basics.

Point…Game…Set…Match!

You play each “point”.  Points add up to a game.  Games add up to a set.

Winning sets… lead up to winning the match!

Points go like this:  

Zero:  Love

First point won: 15

Second point won: 30

Third Point won: 40

Fourth Point:  Game

All: This means you have a tied score.  Expect when you have a deuce. Example:  30 All

Deuce: When the score is 40-40

Ad in: The server needs one more point to win.

Ad out: The receiver needs one more point to win.

In order to win a game you have to be 2 points up. 

You must win at least 6 games and be ahead by 2 in order to claim a set. 

Once you have won 2 sets…then you have won the match.

Still, confused?  Read our complete guide on tennis scoring

Tennis Learning Tips: Doubles Tennis

Starting a game of doubles tennis involves a few key steps.

First, you’ll need two teams of two players each.

The game begins with one team serving.

This team decides which player will serve first, and this player will continue to serve until the end of the game.

The server must stand behind the baseline, between the center mark and the sideline.

The serve is aimed diagonally into the opponent’s service box on the other side of the net.

The receiving team can stand anywhere on their side of the court, although it is typical for one player to be near the net and the other near the baseline.

Scoring follows the traditional method of 15, 30, 40, and game, with the possibility of a deuce if the score reaches 40-40.

The game continues until one team wins six games, but they must win by at least two games.

If the score reaches 6-6, a tie break is played to determine the set.

Doubles matches are a great fit for those who would rather have a teammate!

Singles Tennis

Playing a set of singles tennis also involves a clear structure and set of rules.

In singles matches it’s a head-to-head competition between two players.

The first player to serve is determined by a coin toss or racket spin, and like in doubles, they must serve from behind the baseline, aiming diagonally into the opponent’s service box.

The server alternates each game.

Unlike doubles, the entire court is utilized by one player who must cover more ground.

Therefore, different shots come into play, including baseline shots, volleys, drop shots, and lobs, each with specific strategic benefits.

The player needs to adjust their position continually, often running from the baseline to the net and back.

Scoring in singles follows the same format as doubles: 15, 30, 40, and game, with deuce at 40-40.

The player needs to win six games by a margin of two to clinch the set.

If the scoreline reads 6-6, a tiebreak is played. In the tiebreak, the player who first reaches seven points with a margin of two wins the set.

Ultimately, the match’s winner is typically the first to win two out of three, or three out of five sets, depending on the competition’s rules.

How to Play Tennis Against a Wall

This is how I started to play tennis. 

If you aren’t ready to play a match and want to practice this is the best way.

Find a wall or a backboard (some tennis courts have these.)  

Then you just hit.  It is one of the best ways to really get to know how to control your body when playing tennis.

It will give you lots of repetitive practice while you try to master all of the different strokes.

Here are some more ideas on how to practice tennis alone.

How to Get Into Tennis Tournaments

Once you are ready for some competition you can enter a tennis tournament.

You can find these in your city’s parks and recreational guides.

Check with tennis clubs in your area as well to see if they run any tournaments as well.

Types of Tennis Strokes

Serving

This is one of the most important strokes in tennis. It starts off every point…game…set…and match!

Serving a tennis ball requires you to toss it in to the air and make contact with it before it falls down to the ground.

You are aiming for the service box which is diagonal from you across the net.

You get two chances to get your serve in that glorious box.

That is a pretty cool part of tennis.  You can blow your first serve…and you get a redo!  Yay!

The goal is to get that first serve in…but if you don’t…luckily you get a second chance.

Learn how to serve like a pro here.

Forehand

The forehand stroke is one of the most important shots in tennis that every player should master.

Initially, you should stand sideways with your right shoulder pointing towards the net (for right-handed players) and the left shoulder for left-handed players.

Your knees should be slightly bent, and your weight distributed equally on both feet.

This is a position you will use a lot in the game of tennis.

When preparing for a forehand shot, rotate your upper body while taking your racket back.

The racket head should be higher than the grip with the non-dominant hand pointing toward the ball.

This is known as the ready position.

As the ball approaches, step forward with your lead foot (left foot for right-handers, right foot for left-handers) and initiate the swing.

The contact with the ball should be out in front of your body, roughly at waist height.

At this moment, your racket should be vertical, and your eye should be on the ball.

Strike the ball using a smooth, fluid motion and follow through with the swing, finishing with the racket above the shoulder on the opposite side of your body.

The direction of the ball depends on the angle of your racket at the point of contact and the follow-through path.

Remember, consistency, timing, and footwork are as crucial as the stroke itself for a successful forehand shot.

Practicing this regularly will enhance your technique and boost your confidence during matches.

Backhand

The backhand shot is another essential stroke in tennis, executed by swinging the racket around the body in the opposite direction of the forehand, hitting the ball on the left side of the body for right-handed players and the right side for left-handed players.

Initially, you need to adopt a ready stance much like the forehand with knees slightly bent, weight evenly distributed on both feet, and your body sideways to the net.

As you see the ball coming towards your backhand side, pivot on your back foot and rotate your hips and shoulders.

The racket should be taken back with two hands on the grip for a two-handed backhand, or one hand for a one-handed backhand.

Step into the swing as the ball approaches, aiming to strike the ball at waist height and out in front of the body.

Keep your eye on the ball, ensuring a good connection.

For a two-handed backhand, both hands should push forward, leading the swing.

For a one-handed backhand, the dominant hand does most of the work, with the arm extending fully as you hit the ball.

The follow-through is as crucial as in the forehand.

The racket should finish high, with your body turned towards the net.

Remember, the power in the backhand comes from the rotation of the body, not just the arms.

Practice this stroke to gain control and precision, and it can become a formidable weapon in your tennis arsenal.

Volley

The volley in tennis is a unique stroke, typically executed near the net, and is an integral part of both singles and doubles play.

Unlike the forehand and backhand, where the ball is allowed to bounce before it is returned, the volley is hit directly out of the air before it has a chance to bounce.

This aggressive play is designed to cut down the opponent’s reaction time and to control the points by forcing the play.

To perform a volley, position yourself close to the net, adopt a ready stance with knees slightly bent, and hold your racket in front of you with both hands.

Anticipate the direction of the ball and step forward to meet it as it comes towards you. The swing is minimal.

Instead, the focus is on a firm wrist and guiding the ball by punching it back over the net using your racket.

Remember, the angle of the racket face at the point of contact will determine the direction and depth of your volley.

Practicing volleys can enhance your net game and provide you with a strategic advantage during matches.

 

Overhead

Hitting an overhead in tennis, often referred to as a ‘smash’, is a powerful shot typically used when an opponent sends a lob.

A well-executed overhead smash can turn a defensive play into an offensive one, often ending the point in your favor.

To hit a successful overhead, start by adopting the ready position as soon as you see the lob coming. Turn sideways with your non-dominant shoulder facing the net.

Similar to the serve, raise both hands simultaneously – your non-dominant hand pointing towards the incoming ball for tracking and the dominant hand positioning the racket in preparation for the swing.

Footwork plays a critical role in the overhead.

As you track the ball, move your feet quickly, ideally using crossover steps, to position yourself under the ball.

Your goal should be to hit the ball at its highest point and slightly in front of you.

When you are in the right position, drop the racket head behind you as you would in a serve. Swing the racket upwards to meet the ball, using your entire body, not just your arm.

The contact point should be high and in front of your body.

Upon contact, snap your wrist to add power and topspin to the shot.

Follow through by bringing the racket down across your body.

Remember, the direction of the ball depends on the angle of your racket at the point of contact and the path of your swing.

Therefore, aim into the opponent’s court with the intention of ending the point.

Practicing overheads will make you more confident in dealing with lobs during matches, allowing you to maintain your aggressive stance at the net.

Like all other strokes in tennis, consistent practice is key to mastering the overhead shot.

Lob

The lob is a versatile shot in tennis, often used to counter an opponent’s net play or buy some time in a tight situation.

When executed correctly, it can catch an opponent off guard and turn the tide of a rally.

To hit a successful lob, start by adopting the ready stance with your knees slightly bent and eyes fixed on the ball.

As the ball approaches, pivot on your back foot and rotate your hips and shoulders, much like you would for a regular groundstroke. The racket should be taken back with the head slightly closed.

As you swing towards the ball, aim to strike the ball at waist height and just a bit in the front of your body.

A key difference to the regular groundstroke is the upward trajectory of your swing to generate height on the ball.

Ensure your wrist remains firm upon contact and follow through with your swing, finishing high.

Understanding the correct amount of power to use comes with practice.

Hit too hard, and the lob will go long; hit too soft, and it may not go over the opponent.

Aim to get the ball high over your opponent and deep into their court.

Practicing lobs will enhance your ability to play defensively and offensively, adding a strategic layer to your game.

How to Serve the Ball

Learning to serve is one of the most important skills you will gain as a tennis player.

Here are some basic tips for serving. 

You will stand with your feet behind the baseline and toss the tennis ball into the air. 

As the ball travels back down, you make contact with it pushing it over the net and diagonally into the service box where your opponent is.

There is no one way to serve a tennis ball…and there is no formula to follow that will get you the perfect serve.

Some people toss high others toss low. 

Some people hop…others keep their feet planted.

You will want to spend a lot of time practicing this crucial stroke.

You can find more tips on how to improve your serve here.

Tennis Court Lines

What is the deal with all the white lines?

They mark the court in order to let you know where you can hit the ball and make it “playable.”

If you hit outside of the lines, the point is over.

What if the ball lands on the line?  It is considered in! Even if it just grazes the line it is still considered in bounds and playable.

Let’s take a closer look at the different lines on a tennis court.

The Baseline

This is the line at the very back of the court. You will need to stand behind it when you serve.

You will also find this to be a popular hang-out spot while playing out a point. 

Service Box

The service box is your target for when you are serving. If you serve and it lands outside the box, then it is not playable.

Singles’ Sideline

This is the line that designates where the court ends on the side when playing singles.  

Doubles’ Sideline

This is the outermost line and defines the boundaries for doubles play when it comes to width.

When it comes to playing doubles you will want to make sure you are using all of the angles on this larger court as part of your doubles strategy.

Tennis Etiquette

Tennis etiquette will help your match run smoothly.  Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind to keep your tennis match friendly and on track.

Extra Balls on the Court

You do not want extra balls rolling about your court.  Why?  Because it is a good way to get a broken ankle or hurt.

If there is a ball that is loose…pick it up!  Especially if it is on your side of the court.

Make Honest Calls

You are the line judge. 

Your opponent is also a line judge. 

If the ball landed outside the line you call it out. 

If the ball lands inside the lines it is considered playable and you need to call it in…even if you miss it!

What if the ball lands and just BARELY grazes the line?  That ball is in!  Make honest calls and your opponent will to.

What if you aren’t sure if it was in or out? 

This can happen as sometimes that ball is flying.   

ALWAYS assume the ball was in…even if you are unsure.

RELATED POST: 8 Tennis Workouts to Get You in Shape

Keep Track of Scoring

It is the server’s job to call out the score before each point. 

This will help both of you remember the score throughout your match.

It is important to do this because sometimes points get long and distractions can happen.

There is no scoreboard to check either.

What happens if you forget the score? 

Check with your opponent and see if they remember.

If they don’t remember then go back to the score that you both remember last and play from there.

Play a Let

Someone else’s tennis ball enters the court you are playing on. 

A stray dog tries to catch your serve. 

Feisty squirrels attack your opponent.

If something random happens that disrupts the game call a “let.”  This just means you forget about that point and redo it.

Did you forget your glasses?

Bad calls happen.  Sometimes they are on purpose but most of the time they are by accident.

If your opponent made a call and you are SURE it was in, it is ok to double-check with them.

They may have seen it from a different angle or called it before they had time to process it.

If someone questions your call don’t take offense. 

Stick with what you said if you are confident with your call. 

Time for a water break?

Playing tennis in the heat calls for extra attention to hydration.

This etiquette question is one I had to double-check on. 

In my days of competitive tennis you could ONLY take a drink of water during the changeovers.  

The USTA says that it is ok to drink water between points if needed.

You can read more about that HERE.

Are you ready to play?

I hope you have found this guide to be helpful and has made you feel confident about your knowledge of the basics of tennis.

Make sure you check out these quick tennis tips if you want to step up your game.

Still getting in shape? Check out our guide on strength and conditioning for tennis.

Remember…practice makes perfect!

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis

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