Learn How to Play Tennis Today: Quick Guide

Ready to turn your curiosity into skill? Discover now how to play tennis with our quick guide!

How about putting aside the couch and getting ready to hit the court? Tennis is an incredible sport that combines physical activity, strategy and fun. And the best part: you can start to play tennis today, without needing much.

In this quick guide, I will show you the basic steps to get you started with your first racquets in the world of tennis. Come check!

What you need to get started

Let’s get started! To start to play tennis, you will need some basic things. In the beginning, you don’t need to spend a fortune right away, ok?

• Racket: Choose a racket of the size and weight that suits your body. A lightweight racket with a large head is ideal for easier control.
• Tennis balls: Use pressurized balls, which are more durable and suitable for those just starting out.
• Comfortable sneakers: Invest in sports shoes that provide good grip on the court and ankle support.
• Light and comfortable clothes: Choose pieces that allow freedom of movement and sweat good.

Oh, and don’t forget: if you’re going to play outdoors, use sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun!

Essential warm-up and stretching

As with any physical activity, warming up is essential to avoid injuries and prepare the body for sports.

Before you start to play tennis, do a few minutes of light jogging or jumping rope to raise your body temperature. Next, stretch your main muscle groups, such as your legs, arms, shoulders, and back.

Remember, a warm and flexible body is the secret to more fluid and safe play!

Basic positions and movements

Now that you’re warmed up, let’s get down to business! Check out some of the basic positions and movements:

• Grip: The most common grip for beginners is the continental, which offers good grip and control.
• Ready position: Stand sideways to the hammock, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold the racket in front of your body with your dominant hand.
• Forehand: To hit a forehand, turn your body sideways, extend your dominant arm and make a fluid forward movement, driving the ball with the racket.
• Backhand: For the backhand, position yourself sideways to the net, with your body facing the direction the ball is coming from. Rotate your body and extend your non-dominant arm behind you, meeting the ball at waist height and driving it with the racket.
• Volley: For volley, position yourself close to the net with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees bent. Hold the racket in front of your body and make a short, quick movement to touch the ball with the racket.
• Serve: The serve is one of the most challenging shots, but with practice you can master it! Position yourself behind the baseline, throw the ball up and hit it hard with your racket, propelling it over the net.

Exercises you can do alone

Don’t have a gaming partner? No problem! There are several exercises you can do on your own to improve your skills. See some examples below:

1. Hitting the wall: Practice hitting forehands, backhands, and volleys against a wall.
2. Wall Serve: Practice your serve against a wall, focusing on the technique and precision.
3. Cones and balls: Place cones on the court and use them to train your movements and footwork.
4. Individual games: There are several tennis games that you can play alone, such as shadow tennis and target tennis.

Playing with a partner

To play tennis with a partner is a great way to have fun and improve your tennis skills, as well as learn from mistakes and successes of your colleague. You can play friendly matches, practice specific shots or participate in amateur tournaments.

Tips to improve quickly

Now that you know the basics, check out some simple tips to quickly improve at tennis and, who knows, become a big tennis star!

1. Master the basic fundamentals: Forehand, backhand, serve and volley. Practice correct technique and repeat the movements consistently.
2. Train footwork: Movement on the court is crucial. Practice to improve agility, speed and positioning.
3. Vary your plays: Be unpredictable! Vary the rhythm, effect and direction of your hits to confuse your opponent.
4. Keep focus: Control thoughts and emotions during matches.
5. Practice frequently: The key to improvement is constant practice.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Last but not least, let’s talk about the common mistakes that beginners tend to play tennis.

Don’t look at the ball

It is fundamental stay focused on the ball throughout the movement. If you look away, you may miss the timing or direction of the strike. Always keep your eyes fixed on the ball from launch to impact.

Tension on the racket

Hold the racket firmly but relaxedly. Avoid contracting the muscles in your hand and arm, as this can make it difficult to control the racket and cause fatigue. A tip that can help is to imagine that you are holding a bird in your hand: it should be firm enough to not let it escape, but without squeezing too much!

Incorrect position

Correct posture is essential to have a good balance, strength and reach. Make sure you are facing the hammock with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees bent.

Movimentos bruscos

Avoid sudden and uncontrolled movements. Make fluid and controlled movements for more precision and power.

Lack of practice

The best way to improve at tennis is practice regularly. Play with friends, find a training partner or take classes with a teacher.

So, ready to become a tennis master? With these tips and a little dedication, you’ll be rocking the courts in no time.

So, get out there and practice and show off your talent! See you on the courts!