Tennis for Beginners: Key tips to get you started
Tennis isn’t some exclusive club sport. It’s a skill-based game that rewards patience, curiosity, and consistency. Most people don’t start confident. They start unsure, a little awkward, and wondering if they’re doing it “right.” That’s normal.
You don’t need to know everything before stepping on court. You just need to start — and start in a way that makes sense for where you’re at.
You Don’t Need Fancy Gear to Begin
At the beginning, less is more.
You need:
A tennis racket that feels comfortable in your hand
Proper tennis shoes (not running shoes — lateral movement matters)
A few balls and access to a court
That’s it.
If you already own a racket, use it. Don’t overthink brand, weight, or string type yet. Early progress comes from contact and timing, not equipment. Shoes, however, do matter. Tennis is a side-to-side sport, and good shoes help prevent injuries before bad habits creep in.
Learn the Basics Early — It Saves Time Later
Most beginners think tennis is about swinging harder. It’s not.
It’s about:
How you hold the racket
Where you stand
How you move before and after contact
This is where early guidance helps. A few proper lessons can prevent months of frustration. You don’t need perfection — you need direction.
Group lessons are great for rhythm and repetition. Private lessons are best if you want personal feedback and faster correction. Both have a place, depending on your goals.
Practice With Intention, Not Just Effort
Hitting balls is good. Hitting balls with purpose is better.
Simple things that work:
Hitting against a wall to build timing
Shadow swings to learn movement without pressure
Short-court rallies to develop control before power
Consistency comes before speed. Control comes before spin. Every solid player you see went through this phase — even if it doesn’t look like it now.
Don’t Stress the Scoring Yet
Tennis scoring feels strange at first. Love, 15, 30, 40 — it clicks later.
Early on, your focus should be:
Getting the ball over the net
Recovering your position
Feeling comfortable moving on court
Once those feel natural, the rules and scoring fall into place quickly.
Progress Takes Time — and That’s a Good Thing
Most adults who practice consistently and get guidance start feeling confident within a few months. The biggest change isn’t technical — it’s mental.
You stop feeling rushed.
You trust your movement.
You start enjoying rallies instead of surviving them.
That’s when tennis becomes fun..
A Quick, Honest Note About Training Options
This part matters, so I want to be very clear.
Most true beginners don’t travel for tennis — and they shouldn’t. Tennis travel works best once you can rally, understand basic patterns, and feel comfortable playing with others.
That’s why I don’t run group tennis camps for beginner players.
My group camps start at the improver level, where players already have some experience and can benefit from structured group training.
If you’re a beginner who already knows you love tennis and want to improve with some structure, I offer a free online How to Play Tennis beginner course. It’s designed to help you understand the fundamentals, avoid common mistakes, and build confidence before committing to lessons or travel.
If you’re a beginner or early improver who wants a group training environment, I recommend training at the Rafa Nadal Academy. They offer excellent programs year-round for adults at all levels. When my dates or formats aren’t the right fit, I’m happy to refer players there using my promo code for up to 15% off any training program and accommodation.
The goal is simple:
Put you in the right environment for your level — because that’s how people actually improve.
The Real Starting Point
Beginners don’t start great. They start curious.
If you’re willing to learn, laugh at mistakes, and stick with it, tennis gives back more than most sports — physically, mentally, and socially. Start where you are, train honestly, and choose environments that match your level.
That’s how progress feels good — not overwhelming.