Learning how to play tennis is fun, healthy, and exciting. Tennis is a sport that improves fitness, focus, and coordination. The good news is that anyone can learn how to play tennis, even if you have never held a racket before. This guide explains everything in very simple language, step by step.
What Is Tennis?
Tennis is a sport played between two players (singles) or four players (doubles). Players hit a ball over a net using a racket. The aim is to hit the ball into the opponent’s court in a way that they cannot return it.
Tennis can be played for fun, fitness, or competition. Once you understand how to play tennis, it becomes enjoyable and addictive.
Basic Equipment Needed to Play Tennis
Before learning how to play tennis, you need some basic equipment.
Tennis Racket
A tennis racket is used to hit the ball. Beginners should use a lightweight racket for better control.
Tennis Ball
Tennis balls are small, yellow, and made of rubber with felt on the outside.
Tennis Court
A tennis court has clear lines and a net in the middle. Courts can be made of clay, grass, or hard surface.
Comfortable Shoes
Always wear sports shoes that support your feet and prevent slipping.
Tennis Court Layout Explained Simple
Understanding the court is important when learning how to play tennis.
- Baseline – The back line of the court
- Service Line – Used during serving
- Singles Sidelines – Used for singles matches
- Doubles Sidelines – Used for doubles matches
- Net – Divides the court into two equal halves
Knowing these lines helps you know where the ball should land.
Basic Rules of Tennis
To understand how to play tennis properly, you must know the basic rules.
- The game starts with a serve
- The ball must land inside the opponent’s court
- The ball can bounce only once
- If the ball goes out, the other player gets a point
- A match is made of points, games, and sets
How to Hold a Tennis Racket
Correct grip is very important in learning how to play tennis.
Continental Grip
This grip is used mainly for serving.
Forehand Grip
Hold the racket like shaking hands. This is the easiest grip for beginners.
Backhand Grip
You can use one hand or two hands. Beginners usually find two hands easier.
A comfortable grip gives better control and power.
Basic Tennis Strokes
Forehand Shot
This is the most common shot in tennis. You hit the ball with your strong hand side.
Backhand Shot
This shot is played on the opposite side of the forehand.
Volley
A volley is hit before the ball bounces. It is usually played near the net.
Lob
A lob is a high shot that goes over the opponent’s head.
Practicing these strokes helps you understand how to play tennis better.
How to Play in Tennis
The serve starts every point, so it is a key part of how to play tennis.
Steps to Serve:
- Stand behind the baseline
- Hold the ball in one hand and racket in the other
- Toss the ball up in the air
- Hit the ball over the net into the service box
If the serve misses the box twice, it is called a double fault.
Tennis Scoring System Made Easy
The scoring system may look confusing, but it becomes simple with practice.
- 0 points = Love
- 1 point = 15
- 2 points = 30
- 3 points = 40
- 4 points = Game
To win a set, a player must win 6 games with a 2-game lead.
Singles vs Doubles Tennis
Singles
- One player on each side
- Narrower court
Doubles
- Two players on each side
- Wider court
Both formats follow the same rules, but positioning is different.
Basic Tennis Etiquette
Knowing how to play tennis also includes good behavior.
- Shake hands after the match
- Stay quiet when others are serving
- Call your shots honestly
- Respect your opponent
Good etiquette makes tennis enjoyable for everyone.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
When learning how to play tennis, beginners often make these mistakes:
- Hitting too hard
- Standing still instead of moving
- Holding the racket too tight
- Not watching the ball
Avoiding these mistakes helps you improve faster.
Tips to Improve Your Tennis Game
- Practice regularly
- Focus on control, not power
- Watch professional matches
- Play with better players
- Take beginner coaching if possible
Small improvements make a big difference.
Health Benefits of Playing Tennis
Learning how to play tennis is good for your body and mind.
- Improves fitness
- Builds muscle strength
- Boosts concentration
- Reduces stress
- Helps maintain healthy weight
Tennis is a full-body workout.
How Often Should Beginners Practice Tennis?
Beginners should practice 2–3 times a week. Even 30–45 minutes per session is enough to see improvement. Regular practice is the best way to master how to play tennis.
FAQs – How to Play Tennis
1. Is tennis hard to learn for beginners?
No, tennis is easy to learn if you start with the basics. With practice, anyone can learn how to play tennis.
2. How long does it take to learn tennis?
Basic tennis skills can be learned in a few weeks. Improvement depends on practice and consistency.
3. Can I learn tennis without a coach?
Yes, you can learn how to play tennis by practicing with friends, watching videos, and playing regularly.
4. What age is best to start tennis?
Tennis can be started at any age. Kids, adults, and seniors can all enjoy tennis.
5. How many calories does tennis burn?
Tennis can burn 400–600 calories per hour, depending on intensity.
6. What is the best racket for beginners?
A lightweight racket with a larger head size is best for beginners learning how to play tennis.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to play tennis is a great decision for your health and lifestyle. Tennis is fun, social, and challenging at the same time. Start with the basics, practice regularly, and enjoy the game. With time and patience, you will become confident on the court and truly enjoy playing tennis.
