How to Learn Tennis Basics

Learn to play tennis the fun way--through experience. Follow these detailed instructions, to master the tennis fundamentals!!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tennis racket
• tennis balls
• tennis partner or friend

1. The Serve--most important shot in the game.
   
   You will want to stand within 3 feet of the center baseline- (the furthest horizontal line on the court.) Point your off foot towards the side in which your serving. Begin by tossing the ball straight up--about 5-8 feet. This is very important-the toss. Once comfortable with the toss, try and serve. You should be trying to hit the ball at the highest peak where you can strike with the "sweet-spot"--the center of the racket. Act like you were skimming the top of your hair--try this motion on the ball. By doing this you will gradually be able to place the ball in your target. It takes practice--do not get frustrated.

2. Forehand- Start by gripping the racket.
   
   Grip the racket as if you were giving someone a handshake. This is called a western grip, the predominant grip used by tennis players of all levels. You will first learn your forehand--so don't worry about the backhand yet.

3. Begin hitting back and fourth
   
   This will take a while to get used to the feeling of hitting the ball. You should try to hit the ball in the center or the racket, referred to as the sweet-spot. Begin with the racket low, and brush over the ball to achieve the fundamental tennis stroke. This will come naturally over time--it is called topspin.

4. Backhand
   
   Grip the racket with your non-dominant hand like a handshake. then place your other hand underneath it--this will be your guide hand. Two handed backhands are more efficient for beginners learning the basics. Start close to the net and begin hitting backhand to backhand. This will take more time--backhand is definitely more difficult than a forehand. Follow the same motion, however, with your forehand-- racket from low to high. Your racket should end up after hitting the ball, over your dominant shoulder side. Take your time.

5. Rallying
   
   After getting a general feel for the basic strokes, step back and begin to "rally." This means hit the ball back and fourth with your partner. Try to get a specific number--lets say 10 forehands in a row. You will be hitting the ball "cross-court" to your partners forehand. Continue doing this to improve your strokes.

6. Match Play
   
   After mastering the basics, you will want to play a match against an opponent.
   Begin by knowing these rules--then put to use.
   The scoring goes as follows: each point you win is on a basis of 15. If you get 4 points you win the "game". You need 6 games to win a set. And normally you play to out of three sets. You say your score first--and switch sides every odd game number. To decide who serves-simply toss a coin. After each game you switch serves. Also you begin the game serving on the pro-side, simply the right side. After each point you rotate sides--using both the pro and ad side.

Tips & Warnings

• Tennis is a very relaxing game. Enjoy it--its a struggle in the beginning.but you'll get the hang of it
• To avoid injuries--stretch. STRETCH

[sonni57]

on 4/9/2009 Nice instructions on how to get the basics of tennis.

[labellefleur100]

on 4/7/2009 I love tennis. Thanks for the reminder of the basics! 5* RCMD