Things You'll Need:
- a tennis racket
- tennis balls (wilson, spaulding)
- access to a tennis court or wall
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Step 1
Place the racket on the ground with the handle closest to you and the racket head pointing straight away. Grab it with your right hand (left if you are left handed). Do not rotate the racket. This is your primary grip.
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Step 2
Begin with ground strokes. These include the forehand and the backhand. Hold the tennis ball an arms length away, waist high. Drop it straight down, down throw it, just release, while holding the racket behind you, pointed so it is even with your hips. Keep your eye on the ball, and swing at the ball, bringing your racket through until it is behind your left shoulder. Practice this until it is comfortable. Don't worry about where the ball goes. Once you master this swing, it will go where you want it to.
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Step 3
Your backhand is the same, except from the left side. Rotate the racket about 1/4 turn to the right, and place your left hand above your right so both hands are gripping the racket. Again, follow through, this time with the racket head finishing above your right shoulder. It would help is someone could drop the balls for you, or hit them at you softly.
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Step 4
Once you are comfortable with your swings, you can begin rallying with a partner or against a wall. The swing should become natural, so you can concentrate on your foot work. Step toward the ball.
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Step 5
Eventually, you can begin to serve. Start by simply tossing the ball up and down. Hold your the ball an arms length away from your body, and toss it straight up. Not too high, just above your head. Try to get the ball to land on the baseline, or just in front of it. Once you are comfortable with the toss, combine it with the racket, holding it behind your back, almost touching your spine. As you toss, begin the serving motion, so you make contact with the ball when it is at the highest point, just in front of you. As you get comfortable, you can add torque, and snap your wrists to add power and accuracy.
