For Beginners

Tennis For Beginners

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Tennis is an accessible and enjoyable sport for beginners, offering both mental and physical benefits and the chance to play for life[6]. To get started, it’s essential to understand the basic rules, get the right equipment, and learn some key techniques and etiquette.

Essential Equipment for Beginners:

  • Tennis Racquet: Choose a lightweight racquet with a larger head size (107-115 square inches is ideal) and a length of 27 inches (standard for adults). Make sure the grip size feels comfortable in your hand—your fingers should wrap around without touching the palm[4]. A starter racquet can be found for $30-$100, often pre-strung and appropriate for learning[2].
  • Tennis Balls: Standard pressurized balls from trusted brands like Wilson or Penn are recommended. Larger, less bouncy balls can also help beginners with control[2][4].
  • Footwear and Clothing: Wear tennis or non-marking athletic shoes for proper support and comfort. Breathable, athletic clothing will help you move freely. Don’t forget a hat, sunblock, and a water bottle for hydration and sun protection[2].

Basic Rules of Tennis:

  • Play begins with a coin toss to decide who serves first. The server alternates sides after each point[1].
  • The ball must be served diagonally into the opposite service box. If the serve misses, it’s a fault. Two faults in a row lose the point[1].
  • A point is won when the ball bounces twice, goes out of bounds, or an opponent fails to return it over the net[1][3].
  • If the ball grazes any part of a court line, it’s considered “in”[3].
  • Games are scored as follows: 15, 30, 40, and “game.” If tied at 40-40 (“deuce”), a player must win two consecutive points to win the game. Six games, ahead by two, wins a set. A match is normally best of three or five sets[1].

Tennis Etiquette and Tips for Beginners:

  • Announce the score before each serve[3].
  • If a stray ball interrupts play, call a “let” and replay the point[3].
  • Always ask before passing through another player’s court, and yell “Ball coming!” before sending a ball to another court[3].
  • Focus on consistency rather than power. Practice forehand, backhand, and serves regularly[7].
  • Good footwork and positioning are key: bend your knees, stay on your toes, and keep balanced[5][7].
  • Play with others at your level to build confidence and skill[7].

Beginner-friendly lessons, local club sessions, and free park tennis are often available, where equipment is provided, making it easy to try tennis without an initial investment[7].

References

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