Tennis for Beginners: Complete Guide (2026)

The 5 Core Tennis Skills for Beginners

1. Forehand The most-used shot in tennis. Eastern or semi-western grip, racket back early, swing low-to-high through the ball, finish over your shoulder. Topspin comes from the low-to-high swing path.

2. Backhand Two-handed backhand is recommended for beginners (more stable). Both hands on the racket, rotate your shoulders, swing through the ball, finish over your shoulder.

3. Serve The most complex shot in tennis. Toss the ball slightly in front and to the right (for right-handers), trophy position (racket behind head), drive up and through the ball, pronate the forearm at contact.

4. Volley Short, punching motion at the net. Block the ball rather than swinging. Keep the racket face slightly open, step forward into the ball.

5. Footwork Split step before every shot (small hop as opponent contacts ball). Move to the ball with small adjustment steps. Always recover to the center of the baseline after each shot.