How to Start Playing Tennis: The Best and Complete Beginner’s Guide
Last updated: October 29, 2025
This beginner tennis guide walks you through everything you need to start—gear, rules, simple technique, first drills, a 4-week plan, and how to find coaching that fits your style. If you’ve wondered how to start playing tennis or wanted to learn how to play tennis as a beginner without feeling overwhelmed, you’re in the right place.
Step 1 — Gear You Actually Need
You can begin with a modest budget and upgrade later. Prioritize comfort and control over power. Here’s a quick checklist to make this beginner tennis guide practical:
| Item | What to Look For | Budget Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Racket | 100–110 sq in head; 9–10.5 oz; even/balanced; grip fits snugly | Buy pre-strung to start; upgrade strings later |
| Balls | Stage balls: red/orange/green for slower bounce & control | Great for form; cheaper bulk packs work fine |
| Shoes | Non-marking outsole, lateral support, snug heel | Dedicated tennis shoes prevent roll-overs |
| Extras | Water, small towel, hat/sunscreen, overgrip | Overgrips extend racket life & feel |
When in doubt, ask a pro or browse fundamentals at the USTA Tips & Instruction hub or the ITF Academy.
Step 2 — Rules & Scoring (Simple Version)
- Serve starts the point: two chances to land into the diagonal service box.
- Rally: ball may bounce once; land inside lines to continue.
- Scoring: points go 15-30-40-game; win six games to take a set (by two); most casual play is best-of-3 sets or short sets.
- Let/Net: if serve touches net and lands in, replay the serve (a “let”).
For a deeper dive, skim the USTA rules and resources on the page linked above.
Step 3 — Technique: Five Cues That Change Everything
- Ready position: athletic stance, racket in front, soft hands, eyes forward.
- Split step: a small hop as your opponent hits—prepares you to move in any direction.
- Turn early: shoulder turn before the ball arrives; non-hitting hand points to the ball.
- Brush up: contact in front of your body; think “low to high” for safe spin.
- Recover to center: after every swing, shuffle back and split step again.
Keep cues short. One focus per session beats ten tips at once.
Step 4 — First Drills (Solo or With a Partner)
Wall Session (10–20 minutes)
- Hand-toss & catch: 10 tosses each side to feel height and bounce.
- Short swings: 20–30 gentle bumps (forehand only), then backhand.
- Target ladders: chalk a small square; 20 hits landing “in.”
Partner Session (20–30 minutes)
- Short-court rally: both players inside service boxes; 20-ball rally goal.
- Serve to targets: place two cones; 10 serves to each.
- Mini-points: serve + return + one rally ball; first to 5.
Step 5 — A 4-Week Beginner Plan (3 days/week)
| Week | Main Focus | Benchmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 • Contact & Control | Short-court rallies, split step timing, serve basics | 15-ball rally in short court • 6/10 serves land in |
| Week 2 • Footwork & Depth | Recover to center, brush up for height, return to deep middle | 10 deep cross-courts each side • returns reach back half |
| Week 3 • Serve Placement & Consistency | Targets (wide/T), rhythmic toss, simple routine | 8/16 placed serves (split across two targets) |
| Week 4 • Point Play | Serve + 1 pattern, approach when short, keep score | Win 3 race-to-7 mini-sets using your pattern |
Each on-court day: 8-minute warm-up → 15 minutes primary drill → 10 minutes secondary drill → 5-minute serve targets → 5 pressure points → 2-minute notes (one win, one focus).
Warm-Up & Recovery (Stay Healthy)
- Dynamic warm-up (5–8 min): ankle rolls, hip openers, arm circles, light shuffles.
- Post-play (3–5 min): gentle calf/hamstring/forearm mobility and hydration.
- Strength add-ons (2×/week, 15–20 min): split squats, lateral band walks, plank holds, light band rotations for shoulders.
Where to Play & How to Book
Try public parks (often seasonal permits), community centers, school courts after hours, or indoor “bubbles” in colder months. Ask about guest passes and off-peak rates. If courts are full, use a hitting wall for 15 minutes, then check again.
Common Beginner Mistakes (and Quick Fixes)
- Gripping too tight: loosen your grip a little; aim for smooth contact.
- No split step: set a timer to beep every 3 seconds—hop on the beep while rallying.
- Late contact: count “bounce-hit” aloud to time your swing earlier.
- Over-swinging on serve: shorten toss, 70% effort, aim at a cone.
- Standing still after hitting: say “recover” after each swing to build the habit.
Coaching vs. Self-Learning
You can go far with this plan and a wall. But many beginners improve faster with short, focused guidance. A good coach keeps you on one priority per session and prevents bad habits early. If you want help, we come to your court, set measurable targets, and send a quick recap so you know exactly what to practice.
FAQ — Beginner Tennis Guide
How many days a week should I play?
Start with 2 on-court sessions plus 1 optional wall session. Add a short strength routine twice a week if you can. This is a begginer tennis guide, so the main focus should be to have fun.
How to start playing tennis without a partner?
When it comes to begginer tennis guide, the number one issue for new players is a lack of a paretner. To solve this issue,m you can use a wall: short-court distances, target chalk marks, and serve to cones. When a court opens, play 10 pressure points to apply what you practiced.
How long until I can rally?
Most beginners reach consistent 10–15-ball short-court rallies within 2–3 weeks if they practice twice weekly.
Learn how to play tennis as a beginner—do I need lessons?
No, but a coach accelerates progress, prevents bad habits, and gives you simple homework between sessions.
Bottom line: Keep sessions short and focused, track simple benchmarks, and celebrate small wins. This beginner tennis guide is your blueprint—use it, and you’ll feel real progress within a month.