Serve, Rally, and Have a Ball!
So, you fancy trying tennis? Whether you’ve been inspired by Wimbledon, fancy a new hobby, or just want to hit something with a racket (we’ve all been there), tennis is a fantastic sport that’s fun, social, and a great workout.
If you’re a total beginner, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This guide will take you through the basics, from rules and equipment to how to actually hit the ball.
1. The Basics: What’s Tennis All About?
Tennis is a sport played between two players (singles) or two teams of two (doubles). The aim? Hit the ball over the net and into your opponent’s side of the court—without them being able to return it. Sounds simple, right? Well, let’s break it down further.
Scoring: The Funny Numbers Explained
Tennis scoring is… unique. Here’s how it works:
• 0 points = “Love” (because losing is still lovely?)
• 1 point = 15
• 2 points = 30
• 3 points = 40
• 4 points = Game (unless it’s tied at 40-40, called “deuce,” where you need to win by two points)
Each match is made up of sets (first to six games, but you need to win by two). Win two sets (or three in some tournaments), and you’ve won the match!
2. What You Need to Play
You don’t need to splash out on expensive gear to get started—just the essentials:
✔ A tennis racket – Choose a beginner-friendly racket with a larger head for an easier hit.
✔ Tennis balls – Standard yellow tennis balls will do, but beginner-friendly ones (slower and less bouncy) are available.
✔ Comfortable sportswear – Lightweight clothes and trainers with good grip are ideal.
✔ A court – Public courts are often free or cheap to hire, so check your local area!
3. How to Hit the Ball (Without Embarrassing Yourself Too Much)
Now for the fun part—actually hitting the ball! Here are the three main strokes to master:
The Forehand (AKA Your Go-To Shot)
• Hold the racket with a relaxed grip (imagine shaking hands with it).
• Stand sideways and swing the racket low to high, brushing up against the ball.
• Follow through over your shoulder for that pro look.
The Backhand (For When the Ball’s on the Wrong Side)
• You can use one hand or both hands (two-handed backhands are easier for beginners).
• Turn your body, swing low to high, and follow through.
The Serve (How You Start a Point)
• Toss the ball up with one hand.
• Swing the racket overhead with the other, aiming to hit the ball at its highest point.
• Try not to whack it over the fence (we’ve all done it).
4. Basic Rules to Keep in Mind
✔ The ball must land inside the lines – if it’s out, you lose the point.
✔ Only one bounce is allowed – but you can volley (hit it before it bounces).
✔ You must serve diagonally – and you get two chances.
✔ If you hit the net on a serve, but it still lands in, it’s a “let” – replay the serve.
5. Top Tips for Beginners
✅ Start slow – rally with a friend before jumping into a competitive match.
✅ Watch your footwork – small, quick steps help you reach the ball easier.
✅ Keep your eye on the ball – sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget!
✅ Relax and have fun – even the best players miss easy shots.
6. Where to Play & Learn More
Look for:
🎾 Public tennis courts – many are free!
🎾 Tennis clubs – great for lessons and meeting players at your level.
🎾 Local leisure centres – often run beginner sessions.
🎾 YouTube tutorials – loads of free lessons online.
Game, Set, Match!
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to grab a racket and give it a go. Tennis is all about practice, so don’t worry if you miss a few shots (or a hundred) at first. Just keep swinging, have fun, and before you know it, you’ll be serving up aces like a pro!