Getting Started
| Tips for Beginners
| Warming Up & Cooling Down
| Sizing Up Your Opponent
| Improve Your Serve
| Advanced Tips
1
Tennis Rackets
There are plenty of rackets to choose from, with the standard particularly good, even at the lower end of the scale. Rackets for beginners and junior-sized rackets are relatively inexpensive, but don't just go for the cheapest - choose one that matches your body and grip size.
Ask for advice from the sales assistant. Don't assume that once a string has broken the racket is no good and should be thrown away. If it is a good one, it may be worth having it re-strung and having the tension adjusted to suit your play.
Take Some LessonsThe best way to improve is to take some lessons. This will stop you picking up bad habits and give you the opportunity to meet people of a similar standard. Do some research into your local sports centres and tennis clubs to find out what they have on offer. |
PracticeThe world's best players have spent years getting to where they are, starting at an early age and with help from some of the best coaches. You may play well one week, and then appallingly the next, for no apparent reason. Don't get downhearted by this - it's normal! Just keep playing and your game will eventually sort itself out. | |
Hitting The BallAim to hit the ball at waist height. It's easier to hit the ball after it has bounced and is on its way down after it's reached the highest point in the air. |
The Right GripThere are different types of grip for different shots. Either take lessons or talk to an experienced player to give you advice. Bad habits at the start will be harder to undo later. Click Here For more on the grip in the "3 More Advanced Tips" setion. | |
Improve Your SpeedTennis players need to be able to react to an opponent's shots by moving around the court quickly. Skipping with a rope can improve your footwork and co-ordination. |
Improve Your StaminaIt doesn't matter how fast you are around the court, if you're flagging after only a few games. A good frequent aerobic workout will help. You could get this simply by playing more tennis or taking time to play other sports. | |
Take One Point At A TimeForget about what has gone before, particularly if you have lost the previous point, and concentrate on the point you are currently playing. Getting angry or frustrated doesn't help you play better, doing so can often lead to someone becoming so angry that they can fail altogether - this is referred to as 'tilt', and it is a common term known in many sports where emotion overrides a cool, calm and collected approach. |