Beginner training plan
Your first lessonTeach the continental grip, ready position, and proper footwork before practicing forehand and backhand dinks, then move on to groundstrokes and the underhand serve. Explain the kitchen (non-volley zone) rules, and finish by playing a few points while giving simple, encouraging feedback. Keep the focus on control, consistency, and having fun rather than advanced techniques.
Lesson 2-3Lesson 2: Focus on building consistency and introducing strategy. Review the basics, then work on serving and returning with accuracy, dinking crosscourt and straight ahead, volleys at the kitchen line, and proper court positioning with a partner. End by playing points and helping them make smarter shot choices.
Lesson 3: Introduce more advanced skills like the third-shot drop, transition zone movement, resets, and basic doubles strategy (when to move to the kitchen and communication). Finish with game-like drills and match play, giving feedback on technique, positioning, and decision-making.
Lesson 4-10Lessons 4–10 should focus on reinforcing fundamentals while gradually introducing more advanced skills and strategy. Continue improving consistency with serves, returns, dinks, volleys, third-shot drops, resets, and transition play. Introduce concepts like speed-ups, lobs, overheads, shot placement, and court positioning, while emphasizing decision-making, communication, and movement in doubles. Use drills that simulate real-game situations and finish each lesson with match play to help apply new skills in a fun, competitive setting.
Lesson 11+Lessons 11 and beyond should be tailored to the player’s goals, strengths, and areas for improvement. Focus on refining technique, increasing consistency under pressure, developing advanced strategies, improving shot selection, and practicing situational play. Continue using game-based drills, competitive scenarios, and match play to build confidence, adaptability, and overall performance.
