If you’re a beginner tennis player learning how to play the game, you should focus your attention on the basics and not try and get too fancy about it.
This includes being comfortable with both your backhand and forehand shots, as well as serving, overhead strikes, and volleying.
However, be sure to master your forehand and backhand techniques in rallies before moving onto developing the other skills.
Let’s take a look below at the main tips you need to up your status from a beginner tennis player.
Contact Point
The position of your racquet should always be a little behind the area that you want to make contact with the ball. Often times, tennis newbies will feel like they’re unable to generate as much power. But all you need are those few inches between your starting swing point and hitting the ball.
There’s already momentum on it, you just need to play it back over the net once it’s bounced once on your side.
Developing the skill of hitting a ball at the exact right time is vital, to begin with. You can move onto the power and swing style later on down the line.
The idea with getting used to hitting the ball is to simply get it over the other side of the net in a controlled manner.
Follow-Through
Once you feel more confident with hitting the ball from its contact point and moving the racquet forwards, you can begin to learn about adding follow-through.
When you’re using a two-handed backhand or forehand strike, the follow-through position should end with the racquet over your shoulder. The butt cap should be facing the net and the edge should be in light contact with your shoulder.
With a single-handed backhand, your body should be in a sideways position. Your arm should be straight with the racquet in a vertical angle so that the butt cap is facing the floor.
To practice your follow-through shots, be sure that the racquet is behind the point of contract. Once you hit the ball, aim to follow-through with the racquet. This skill will likely take some time to master.
Once you’ve nailed the contact point and follow-through techniques, you will have established a good foundation to build off of.
Next up, you need to put your attention into coming towards the ball while positioning your body optimally to strike it well. This is a skill that many beginner tennis players struggle with.
Split Step
When you’re more comfortable with the shot techniques mentioned above, your footwork is the next area that needs to be worked on.
A split step is the fundamental footwork movement that you’ll need when it comes to any shot that comes your way.
It involves hopping quickly off the floor and splitting your feet into a wide stance while jumping. The aim is to come back down with the same leg stance. This provides you with more leverage for the next incoming shot to move in any direction with speed.
Learning how to time a split step is the most important factor in getting it right. As soon as you know where the ball is going to land, you need to be in the split step position. As a result, you’ll be able to spring off the ground faster to meet the ball.
Baseline & Power
When you’re a beginner, you’ll most likely be more comfortable in the mid-court position. However, once you get more accustomed to hitting shots back from this area, you’ll be able to broaden your range to hit balls from the baseline.
For this, you’ll need power. How each individual generates the most amount of power will vary. The best tip is to find the position that feels the most natural for your body while striking.
Most players introduce more backswing and more of a turn as they hit the ball for maximum power.
Conclusion
Applying the above tips to your tennis practice will ensure that you’re able to progress after and with a solid foundation. You also want to make sure that you have a racquet that is suitable for your skill level. Check out our designated guide here.
There are many more tips to consider as you develop your skills. However, one factor to consider is the racquet that you’re using. Picking a racquet that feels the most natural for you is best. You’ll see tons of recommendations but trying them for yourself will be the only way to find out.
Be sure to use the tips mentioned above and you’ll soon be out of the beginner ranks and onto the intermediate level!
