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Learning tennis as beginners can feel like trying to pat your head, rub your stomach, and solve a Rubik’s cube all at the same time! Not only do you have to figure out grips, strokes, footwork, and strategy, but you also need to read the bouncy, unpredictable flight path of a fuzzy yellow ball that seems to have a mind of its own. Don't worry, you’re not alone! We've all swung at thin air or watched a ball take a weird bounce and embarrass us. By working on the right fundamentals and a few focus areas from the start you can simplify the learning process and accelerate your improvement. Check out this guide to help build your confidence on the court!
6 Key areas to help you improve fast
Mastering these six key areas isn’t just important for beginners, it’s the foundation for success at every level of the game. Whether you're just starting or aiming to compete at a higher level, these fundamental skills will shape your consistency, confidence, and overall game strategy. By focusing on these fundamentals now, you'll be setting yourself up for long-term success, whether you’re playing for fun, improving your match play, or aiming for competitive tennis.
1. Contact Point
The contact point is the single most important thing for a tennis player and not just beginners. If your contact point is wrong then it doesn't matter how good the rest of the swing or footwork is!! It's important to learn from the start what a good contact point feels like. On all of your main shots, the contact point should be out in front of the body. You should also be looking to strike the ball after the peak of the bounce, as it is falling.
✅ Make your contact point the foundation of every shot. Instead of focusing on the full swing right away, start by mastering clean contact, then build the rest of your stroke around it. Think of it like building a house you need a solid foundation before adding the fancy stuff!
👇 Here’s a simple drill to help you dial in your contact point for both forehands and backhands, setting you up for more consistent, controlled shots!
2. Forehand
The forehand is the foundation of your game. It's the shot you use the most and if you can hit it, you can have a game of tennis! Work on the forehand first. Build up your confidence and use it to learn to read the flight path of the ball. Once you have mastered your timing and contact point with the forehand the skills will more easily transfer over to the backhand side and other shots.
👇 Here's a guide to getting started with the right forehand grip:
One of the best ways to work on building your forehand technique with the correct biomechanics is to use the TopspinPro. The TopspinPro enables repetition of the correct technique with a static ball. This means there's no pressure from an incoming ball and you can build your muscle memory with plenty of shots!
TopspinPro
TopspinPro
3. The Ball
There are two main areas to know and understand about the tennis ball and they are:
- Understanding the bounce - Most players get held back by this even when their technique is good. There is no secret to improving at this. The more time you spend on the court, the better you will read the ball. You can also do wall drills to help with the bounce. Here are some wall drills you can practice: Tennis Wall Drills
- Directing the ball - Mastering ball direction is the key to hitting with precision and purpose, rather than just swinging and hoping for the best! When you understand how to send the ball where you want, your improvement will skyrocket, because now, every shot has intention instead of just luck!👇 Here’s a simple breakdown to help you control your shots and place the ball exactly where you want it:
4. Court Positioning
Where you stand on the court directly affects the quality of your contact point and getting this wrong can make your shots much harder than they need to be!
One of the most common mistakes beginners make? Rushing forward too soon and getting too close to the ball. This often leads to:
❌ A contact point that’s too high or jammed too close to your body.
❌ Awkward, off-balance shots with little control.
Instead, try staying back a little longer and letting the ball come to you. This will give you:
✅ A more comfortable contact point out in front.
✅ Better timing and control, making your shots more consistent.
Next time you’re on the court, focus on your positioning before swinging your future self (and your forehand) will thank you!
5. Racket Control
Racket control isn’t just about how fast or where you swing. It’s a combination of precision, feel, and adaptability. Being able to fine-tune your control will help you develop better touch, consistency, and overall command over your shots.
- Touch Drills - One of the best ways to improve racket control is through touch drills, which focus on gentle, precise ball control. Learning to hit softly in a small space is surprisingly harder than blasting shots from the baseline and it’s also one of the best ways to refine your feel.
👇 Try this drill to sharpen your touch and control, helping you develop softer hands and better finesse on the court:
- Ball Skills - Using your racket for ball control drills isn’t just a great way to sharpen your touch, it also helps build muscle endurance and overall feel for the ball. Plus, it’s a fun way to challenge yourself and improve your hand-eye coordination!
👇 Here are some fun ball skills to try...see how many you can master:
6. Rallies
The number one objective in tennis? Get the ball over the net and in the court one more time than your opponent. Sounds simple, right? But let’s be honest whacking the ball as hard as you can is way more fun when you’re starting out!
Consistency beats power at every level. The average rally length in a match is just a few shots, so if you can stay in the rally longer, you’re already ahead of most players.
✅ Focus on rallying—not just blasting winners.
✅ Repetition is key—the more you practice the more you build your muscle memory.
TOPSPINPRO COURSES FOR BEGINNERS
If you are a beginner and want some help with your groundstrokes take a look at our TopspinPro Online Courses. Check them out for some in-depth help with developing your shots:
Conclusion
If you’re a beginner, focusing on these key areas will set a strong foundation for your tennis journey.
Beginner Key Areas Checklist 🎾
✅ Practice a solid contact point
✅ Develop your forehand
✅ Understand the tennis ball
✅ Build your court awareness
✅ Improve your racket control
✅ Become a rally master
By practicing smart and using tools like the TopspinPro, you’ll develop great habits early, making your tennis progress faster and more enjoyable. Let us know in the comments below if you have tried any of these key practice areas!
FAQs
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Why is the contact point important in tennis?
The contact point is crucial because it determines the quality of your shot. If your contact point is incorrect, it won’t matter how good your swing or footwork is. Learning a proper contact point from the start allows you to build a strong foundation for every shot.
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How can beginners improve their forehand technique?
Beginners should focus on mastering their forehand first, as it’s the foundation of their game. Using tools like the TopspinPro can help build the correct biomechanics without the pressure of an incoming ball, allowing for muscle memory development through repetition.
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What are key aspects of understanding the tennis ball?
Key aspects include understanding the ball’s bounce and mastering ball direction. Spending time on the court will help you read the bounce better, and learning to direct the ball with precision will make your shots intentional and improve your game significantly.
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How does court positioning affect your tennis game?
Court positioning directly impacts your contact point. Rushing forward too soon can lead to poor contact points and awkward shots. Staying back longer allows for a more comfortable contact point, improving your timing, control, and shot consistency.
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What is the main objective in tennis rallies?
The main objective in tennis rallies is to get the ball over the net and in the court more times than your opponent. Consistency is more important than power, as most rallies are short. Focusing on rallying and practicing consistently will build your muscle memory and improve your game.
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