Ever watched a tennis match and wondered how the pros make it look so effortless? Starting out can be intimidating, with all the techniques and rules to grasp. If you find yourself constantly on the back foot and dreaming of sharper skills, you've come to the right place.
To accelerate your learning curve, we surveyed 185 expert TeachMe.To tennis coaches who provide thousands of lessons across the country every year. Here are their top tips and insights that have proven to turbocharge tennis abilities for beginners.
Understand and Perfect Tennis Grips
One of the foundational elements of tennis is mastering the various grips. Each stroke has a corresponding grip that maximizes effectiveness and reduces the risk of injury.
Ksusha, a seasoned coach with over five years of experience, emphasizes, "Different shots need different grips. Memorize how to hold a racket for each shot." To get accustomed to switching grips fluidly, incorporate grip-focused drills into your practice sessions, such as switching between Continental and Eastern grips rapidly on service returns.
Engage in Strategic Drills
To refine your tennis techniques and improve shot consistency, drills are indispensable. Anthony B., who has been teaching tennis for nearly a decade, suggests focusing on consistency drills and placement drills.
By hitting targets on the court, you sharpen your precision and learn how to better control the game's pace. Engaging in crosscourt and down-the-line drills will also enhance your ability to handle real-match scenarios effectively.
Develop a Practice Routine
Progress in tennis requires a disciplined practice routine. Jay, with over ten years of coaching experience, notes the importance of discipline: "Discipline is everything. It’s all about repetition. You may miss 100 times while you get used to it…but at 101 you are a new player! Stick with a program. It’s the same with the gym. You won’t build strong legs if you hit the gym 3 times and then chill for 3 months. It’s ALL about staying committed to learning through the misses!”
Set up a structured schedule that includes varied practices focusing on different aspects of the game, such as technical skills, footwork, and tactical play. Regularly evaluating your progress and adjusting your practice regimen is key to continuous improvement.
Master the Mental Game
Tennis is not just physically demanding — it's also a mental battle. Developing mental toughness is essential for maintaining focus and composure during matches.
Samuel Bernardy says, “Tennis is more mental than physical. If you believe you can play well that will go a long way towards it actually happening.” Integrate mental training techniques like visualization and concentration exercises into your routine to strengthen your mental fortitude.
Embrace the Fun of Learning
While tennis can be competitive and challenging, it should also be enjoyable. Anthony B. advises, "Have fun, and do not be hard on yourself!" Jay agrees: “My attitude when I coach is a positive one…and one of hope and encouragement. But it really goes both ways. A student that’s positive learns faster. This has always been my experience. Have fun…and share your fun!!”
Incorporating games and playful competition into practice can make learning more enjoyable and less stressful, helping you stay engaged and motivated throughout your tennis journey.
By following these expert tips and embracing the learning process, your first year in tennis can be both successful and enjoyable. Remember, the key to improvement is not just diligent practice but also enjoying each step of your tennis journey. Stay consistent, stay motivated, and, most importantly, have fun on the court!
Ready to start playing? Take your first lesson with a top coach near you through TeachMe.To. Whether you're picking up a racket for the first time or looking to refine your skills, our experienced coaches are here to help you achieve your tennis goals. Visit TeachMe.To today to step up your game!