How to use a Tennis Racquet

Mastering the three main strokes will help get you ready to play basic level competitive tennis.

Learning the basic ways to use a tennis racquet involves three main strokes: forehand, backhand and service. Using these three strokes, you will be able to play a tennis match against an opponent, and can learn and develop more complex skills through practice and play. Concentrate first on getting the grip on the racquet handle that is both comfortable and enables you to play before practicing striking tennis balls using forehands, backhands and service strokes.

Things You'll Need

• Racquet
• Balls
• Court
• Access to a wall or flat surface

Instructions

1. Study coaching tips and match footage of players using forehands, backhands and service strokes (see Resources). Note how the players strike the ball and learn the basic rules of tennis, which is essential to mastering the correct use of your tennis racquet.

2. Establish the grip on the racquet handle that is most comfortable and effective for you to strike the ball --- although there is no right or wrong way to grip the racquet handle, many players opt for the "continental" style where, when striking a forehand, your dominant hand holds the back of the handle with the knuckle of your dominant thumb pointing in the same direction as the face of the racquet. Hold the racquet as far down the handle, away from the racquet head, as possible.

3. Practice hitting forehands and backhands against a wall using a racquet and a tennis ball. Master your forehand swing first, which is where you use the face of the racquet head and, if you're right handed, pass your right hand from outstretched square of your body through the ball until your right arm is crossed over your chest. Start a backhand stroke with an unfurling motion by striking the ball with the back of the racquet head as you pass your right hand back across your body and into the forehand position. Try to keep your hips and shoulders fluid as you strike the ball, and, at first, simply focus on cleanly hitting the ball against the wall.

4. Develop a service stroke by heading out onto a tennis court. Practice your service by adopting a sideways-on stance --- if you are left-handed, plant your right foot on the baseline, throw the ball high into the air and practice hitting the ball over your head and downwards over the net. Develop an effective service, which must cross from one half of the court to the other and land inside the service box on the opposite side of the net.

5. Introduce your forehands, backhands and service game to real-life match situations. Challenge your trusted friends and club mates to matches so that they can give you friendly and helpful advice on how to successfully use your tennis racquet.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not become disheartened if you struggle to master the basic tennis strokes straight away. Continue to study the pros and practice so you gain the confidence to introduce your skills to match situations.

References

• Tennis Server: Making Your Forehand A Powerful Weapon
• Revolutionary Tennis: Step 9 --- Backhand
• Beginner Tennis: How to Hit a Tennis Serve

Resources

• Youtube: Forehands and Backhands in Slow Motion
• Youtube: The Tennis Serve Made Simple