Welcome to Tennis Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the Game

This guide serves one purpose: to improve your game.

Tennis is difficult; that is its appeal. The challenge of continuous improvement demands technical precision and physical fitness. The desire to excel motivates off-court training, giving purpose to every workout.

Use this guide to find joy and mastery in tennis. Please send questions or suggestions to leo@tennis.guide.

How to Use This Guide

This guide is designed as a progression. We call it the “Learning Curve.”

It is best used in order. A house built on sand will collapse. If you cannot hit a consistent forehand, advanced strategy will not save you.

However, this is your journey. If you need to fix your serve today, skip to the Serve section. If you want to understand scoring, jump to Rules. Tailor the guide to your needs.

1. The Essentials: We start with the basics—grip, stance, and contact.
2. The Strokes: We build the weapons—forehand, backhand, serve, and volley.
3. The Strategy: We learn how to use the weapons to win.

Master the fundamentals, but feel free to explore.

Quick Start

You want to hit a ball today. Good. You do not need perfect form to start; you need enthusiasm and the bare minimum gear.

The “I Want to Play Now” Checklist:

• Racket: Any racket will do for day one. Borrow one or buy a pre-strung beginner frame.
• Shoes: Wear court shoes. Running shoes have high heels and weak ankle support; they are a recipe for a twisted ankle.
• Balls: Buy a fresh can of pressurized tennis balls. Dead balls teach bad habits.
• Location: Find a local public court or a flat wall. A wall is the best opponent you will ever have—it never misses.
• Partner: Bring a friend who wants to learn, or go solo on the wall.

Go out. Hit the ball over the net. Keep it in the lines. Have fun.

The Bare Essentials

The Court

The court is defined by white lines. To play tennis, you need to understand the basic boundaries.

• The Baseline: This back line marks the end of the court. You will spend most of your time behind it.
• The Service Line: This line runs parallel to the net, halfway into the court. It marks the back of the service boxes. Your serve must land in the box diagonally opposite you.
• The Net: The barrier. It divides the territory. Your primary job is to clear it.

The Objective

Tennis is a game of errors. The player who makes fewer mistakes wins.

Keep it in. Get it over.

Forget power. Forget strategy. At this stage, your only goal is to hit the ball over the net and into the court one more time than your opponent. Height is your friend; aim high over the net to ensure depth and safety.

Gear Check

You do not need professional equipment to start. You need safety and functionality.

• The Racket: Any adult racket will do. Ensure the strings are intact and the grip is not slippery. If you are buying one, look for a standard head size (100 sq. in.) and a weight you can swing comfortably. You can try a demo program at a local tennis shop to find the right racket for you, but remember that the best racket is the one you can borrow if you’re just starting.

• Safe Shoes: This is critical. Running shoes are designed for forward motion and will wear out rapidly on a tennis court, ruining your investment. Tennis requires lateral movement. Buy tennis-specific shoes; they last longer and protect your ankles.

The Topspin Forehand

The forehand is the primary weapon in modern tennis. It dictates play. A great forehand combines relaxation, biomechanics, and intent. It is not about arm strength; it is about the kinetic chain.

Preparation: The Foundation

Great shots start before the ball arrives. Preparation is non-negotiable.

The Grips

The grip determines the racket face angle and contact point.

• Eastern: The “shake hands” grip. Versatile and easy to learn, but limits topspin potential. Good for flat hitting.
• Semi-Western: The modern standard. Place your palm on the bottom-right bevel (for right-handers). It naturally closes the racket face, generating topspin and handling high balls effectively.
• Western: Extreme topspin. The palm is under the handle. Difficult for low balls but devastating on clay.

Find your bevel. Stick to it.

The Split Step

The engine of movement. You must split step just as your opponent contacts the ball. It loads your legs like springs, allowing explosive movement in any direction. Without it, you are always late.

The Unit Turn

Do not take the racket back with your arm. Turn your body.

Coil your hips and shoulders together. The non-dominant hand stays on the racket throat, guiding the turn. This stores potential energy in your core. You are now a loaded spring.

The Kinetic Chain

Power comes from the ground up, not the arm.

The Slot

From the unit turn, drop the racket head below the ball. This is the “power pocket.” The butt cap points toward the ball. Gravity does the work here; do not force it.

Lag & Snap

Start the forward swing by driving with your legs and rotating your hips. The arm stays loose. The racket head “lags” behind the hand.

As the hips clear, the arm whips forward. This lag creates the “snap” at contact. It is physics, not muscle.

Contact Point

Meet the ball out in front. Your arm should be comfortably extended, not jammed against your body. Hitting late destroys power and control.

The “Windshield Wiper”

Do not swing straight through toward the target. Swing low to high.

After contact, the racket continues up and across your body, finishing over the opposite shoulder. This brushing motion imparts topspin. The ball dives into the court.

Mental Focus

Trust the looseness.

The biggest mistake is “muscling” the ball. Tension kills speed. A loose arm is a fast arm. Relax your grip. Exhale at contact. Trust that the kinetic chain will generate the power.

Common Pitfalls

• Arming the Ball: Using only the shoulder and arm. Result: Weak, erratic shots. Use your legs and core.
• Grip Tightness: Squeezing the handle. Result: stiff wrist and no racket head speed. Hold the racket like a bird—firm enough so it doesn’t fly away, loose enough so you don’t crush it.

Drills & Progressions

1. Shadow Swings: Practice the mechanics without a ball. Focus on the unit turn and the windshield wiper finish.
2. Hand-feeding: Have a partner drop balls in front of you. Focus on brushing up the back of the ball.
3. Rally Ball Retention: Hit cross-court with a partner. Aim for height and depth, not speed. Count consecutive balls in.
4. Cross-court Depth: Place targets deep in the cross-court corner. Hit with topspin to land the ball near the targets.

The Topspin Backhand

The backhand often separates the casual player from the competitor. While many players run around their backhand to hit a forehand, a solid backhand transforms a weakness into a weapon. Whether you choose the stability of two hands or the reach of one, the principles of preparation and balance remain constant.

Preparation: The Foundation

Great shots begin before the ball arrives. Your ability to react and organize your body determines the quality of your strike.

The Grip Change

Speed is essential. You must switch from your forehand grip to your backhand grip instantly.

• The Method: Use your non-dominant hand to turn the racket at the throat.
• The Feel: Practice this rotation until it happens without thought. The racket should spin in your dominant hand like a dial.
• Timing: Initiate the change the moment you recognize the ball is coming to your backhand side.

The Split Step & Turn

Movement precedes the swing.

1. Split Step: Hop as your opponent makes contact. Land with a wide, balanced base.
2. Unit Turn: Pivot your feet and rotate your shoulders and hips as a single unit. Show your back to the net. This coiling action stores energy.

The Two-Handed Backhand

The two-hander offers stability and control, especially on high balls. Think of it not as a backhand, but as a forehand with your non-dominant hand.

The Non-Dominant Hand

Your non-dominant hand is the boss.

• The Driver: If you are right-handed, your left arm provides the power and direction. Your right arm merely guides the racket.
• The Drill: Practice hitting balls with only your non-dominant hand to develop this feeling.

Body Rotation

Power comes from the ground up, not the arms.

• Uncoil: Drive your legs into the court and rotate your hips into the shot.
• The Kinetic Chain: Let the energy flow from your legs, through your core, and out through the racket.

Follow-through

Finish the stroke completely.

• Over the Shoulder: Swing through the ball and finish with your elbows high and the racket over your shoulder.
• Extension: Reach out towards your target before wrapping the racket around.

The One-Handed Backhand

The one-hander is elegant and versatile, offering greater reach and disguise. It requires precise timing and a strong shoulder.

The Eastern Backhand Grip

The correct grip is non-negotiable.

• Knuckle Placement: Place the base knuckle of your index finger on the top bevel (Bevel 1) or the next one over (Bevel 8 for right-handers). This closes the racket face slightly for topspin.

The “Frisbee” Swing Path

Visualize the motion.

• The Action: Imagine throwing a frisbee with your back hand. You start coiled near your left hip and extend outward and upward.
• Low to High: Drop the racket head below the ball, then brush up the back of it to generate spin.

Staying Sideways at Contact

Resist the urge to open up too early.

• The Anchor: Keep your non-dominant hand behind you as you swing. This acts as a counterweight and keeps your chest facing the side fence at contact.
• Balance: Opening your shoulders too soon pulls the racket off line and sprays the ball wide.

Mental Focus

Early Preparation: The battle is won or lost in the first second. If you prepare late, you will feel rushed and rely on your wrist, leading to errors. Prepare early, and you will have time to execute your technique.

Decisive Movement: Commit to the shot. Do not hesitate. Once you see the ball, move your feet and set up.

Drills & Progressions

Refine your skills with focused practice.

1. Grip Change Drills: Stand in a ready position. Have a partner call “Forehand” or “Backhand.” Switch grips and shadow swing immediately. Focus on the speed of the change.
2. Swing Path Isolation: Stand at the net. Drop a ball and brush up the back of it, focusing solely on creating spin. Ensure the ball dives down into the court.
3. Cross-Court Consistency: Rally with a partner cross-court. Aim for a specific window above the net. Count how many balls you can hit in a row without an error. This builds the discipline of high-percentage tennis.

The Serve

The serve is the only shot in tennis you completely control. It starts the point and dictates the play. Master it, and you hold the game in your hands.

Fundamentals

Build your serve on a solid foundation. Ignore these basics, and the house collapses.

The Stance

Choose your base.

• Platform Stance: Feet remain stationary, shoulder-width apart. Offers stability and balance.
• Pinpoint Stance: The back foot slides up to the front foot during the motion. Generates explosive upward momentum.

Experiment. Find what feels natural. Stick with it.

The Grip

Continental Grip is non-negotiable. Hold the racket like a hammer. The “V” formed by your thumb and index finger should rest on the top-left bevel (for right-handers). This grip allows the wrist to snap and the racket to pronate. Do not use a forehand grip. It limits power and prevents spin.

The Toss

Placement determines success.

• Consistency: Lift the ball with a straight arm, like an elevator, not a catapult. Release at eye level.
• Placement: Toss slightly in front and to the right (for right-handers). If the ball drops, it should land inside the baseline.

The Kinetic Chain

Power flows from the ground up. It is a chain reaction, not a muscle contest.

Leg Drive

Load and explode. Bend your knees to store energy. Push against the ground. The earth pushes back. This ground force initiates the chain.

The Whip Effect

Relaxation creates speed. Imagine your arm is a wet noodle, not a steel rod. Tension kills speed. A loose arm allows the racket to whip through the contact zone.

Trophy Position

Achieve the “Power L.”

• Knees bent.
• Tossing arm fully extended up.
• Racket head pointing up, elbow back.
• Shoulders tilted.

You are a coiled spring, ready to release.

Pronation

The natural release. As you swing up, the racket edge leads. At the last millisecond, the forearm rotates (pronates), snapping the strings flat against the ball. This snap generates the “pop.”

Serve Variations

Flat Serve

• Goal: Power and speed.
• Toss: Further in front.
• Action: Hit through the ball with minimal spin.
• Target: Down the T or into the body.

Slice Serve

• Goal: Curve the ball wide (deuce court) or into the body (ad court).
• Toss: Slightly to the right.
• Action: Brush around the outside of the ball (3 o’clock).
• Result: The ball keeps low and skids.

Kick Serve

• Goal: Topspin causing the ball to jump high.
• Toss: Above the head or slightly behind.
• Action: Brush up the back of the ball (7 o’clock to 1 o’clock).
• Result: The ball dives into the box and kicks up high.

Mental Focus

Routine quiets the mind.

• Ritual: Bounce the ball the same number of times. Adjust your strings. Take a deep breath.
• Visualization: See the ball hitting the target before you toss.
• Breathing: Exhale as you hit. It releases tension.

Drills & Progressions

The “Towel Drill”

Learn the whip. Tie a knot at the end of a towel. “Serve” the towel. If you are stiff, it won’t snap. If you are loose, the knot snaps at the top of the extension.

Fence Drill

Practice the toss. Stand an arm’s length from a fence. Toss the ball. It should travel parallel to the fence without touching it. This ensures a straight lift.

Serving from the Service Line

Start close. Stand on the service line. Serve with proper form but 50% power. Focus on the snap and placement. Move back to the baseline only when you can hit 10 in a row.

The Return of Serve

The Mindset

The return of serve is the second most important shot in tennis. It is not a defensive shot; it is the first step in neutralizing your opponent’s advantage.

Do not wait for the ball to come to you. React early. Your goal is to get the ball back in play deep, forcing the server to retreat or hit a difficult second shot. A weak return hands the point to the server; a solid return resets the point to neutral.

Technique

The return requires abbreviated mechanics. You do not have time for a full swing.

The Split Step

Timing is everything. You must be in the air as the server makes contact with the ball.

• Watch the Toss: Use the server’s toss as your cue.
• Land Wide: Land on the balls of your feet, legs loaded, ready to explode in either direction.
• Precision: If you land too early, you lose momentum. If you land too late, you are stuck.

Compact Backswing

Use the server’s pace. You do not need to generate your own power; you only need to redirect theirs.

Eliminate the loop. Turn your shoulders and set the racket head immediately. Think of it as a “jab” rather than a “haymaker.” A large backswing will result in late contact and errors.

Blocking vs. Swinging

• First Serves: When the serve is fast, block the ball. Firm wrist, short motion, punch forward. Use the speed of the incoming ball.
• Second Serves: When the serve is slower, you have time to swing. Step in and take control with a more aggressive stroke, but keep it controlled.

Positioning

Where you stand dictates your options.

• First Serve: Stand further back. Give yourself time to react to the speed.
• Second Serve: Step up. Move inside the baseline to take time away from the server and attack the weaker ball.
• Adjust: If the server hits wide, move diagonally forward to cut off the angle. Never retreat straight back.

Drills & Progressions

Reaction Drills

Stand at the service line facing the net. Have a partner feed balls rapidly from the other side. Volley them back. This trains your eyes and hands to react instantly without thinking.

”Red Light/Green Light” Returns

• Red Light (First Serve): Partner serves hard. Your goal is simply to block the ball deep down the middle. Success is depth, not power.
• Green Light (Second Serve): Partner serves a slower ball. Step in and hit an aggressive return to a target (cross-court or down the line).

Server vs. Returner Sets

Play points, but only count the serve and return.

• If the return is missed, Server gets a point.
• If the return lands deep past the service line, Returner gets a point.
• Play to 10. This isolates the battle and builds consistency under pressure.

The Slice Groundstrokes

Mastering the slice adds a new dimension to your game. It disrupts rhythm, skids low, and forces errors.

The Slice Backhand

This stroke is a weapon, not a crutch.

Continental Grip Imperative

Use the Continental grip. This is absolute. It presents the natural open face required for underspin. Do not compromise.

High-to-Low Swing Path

Start high. Position the racket head near your ear. Swing forward and down, as if sliding your hand down a banister. Gravity assists the acceleration.

The “Knifing” Action vs. “Floating”

Drive through the ball; do not chop. A chop produces a floater that sits up for the opponent. A “knife” cuts through the ball, creating a skid. Extend the hitting arm fully toward the target.

The Defensive Forehand Slice

Often called the “squash shot,” this stroke extends a point when all seems lost.

When to Use It

Deploy this shot when out of position. If you cannot set your feet for a topspin drive, slice. It buys time.

Emergency Defense Mechanics

Lunge. Open the racket face. Chop down sharply to dig the ball out. Aim high and deep to allow yourself time to recover to the center of the court.

Drills & Progressions

The “Skimmer” Drill

Target the space just above the net strap. Hit backhand slices that clear the net by inches. This enforces the forward drive and prevents floating.

Keep-Away from the Net Player

Partner at the net. Feed low slices to their feet. If they volley easily, the ball is too high. Force them to dig.

Pace Absorption

Partner hits hard groundstrokes. Block the ball back with a slice. Use the incoming speed. Keep the backswing compact and the grip firm.

The Net Game

The net is the finishing line. It is where points are shortened and opponents are pressured. Success here requires less swing and more structure.

The Volleys

The volley is a catch, not a hit. It relies on position, not power.

Grip: The Continental Imperative

You must use the Continental grip. There is no time to change grips during a rapid exchange at the net. This grip allows you to handle both forehand and backhand volleys with an open racket face, imparting the necessary underspin.

Compactness: The “Catching” Motion

Eliminate the backswing. Imagine you are catching the ball with your strings. If your racket goes behind your peripheral vision, you have swung too much. Keep the racket head up and in front. Block the ball; do not stroke it.

Structure: The “V-Shape”

Maintain a strong structural connection between your arms and your body.

• Elbows: Keep them in front of your ribcage, creating a “V” shape.
• Stability: If your elbows collapse against your body, you lose leverage and control.
• Wrist: Keep it firm and laid back. The racket head must remain above the wrist.

Footwork: The Step-In Punch

Power comes from the legs, not the arm. Step forward with the opposite foot (left foot for a right-handed forehand volley) to transfer weight into the shot. This linear momentum provides the “punch.”

The Overhead Smash

The smash is the answer to the lob. It is essentially a serve struck from the net, but with critical movement adjustments.

Movement: Crossover Steps

Never backpedal. To retreat for a lob, turn sideways immediately and use crossover steps. This prevents you from falling backward and allows you to drive up into the ball.

Pointing at the Ball: Tracking

As you move back, point your non-racket hand at the incoming ball. This aids in tracking, keeps your body sideways, and ensures your shoulders remain aligned.

The Scissor Kick

For deep lobs, use the scissor kick. Jump off your back foot, strike the ball at full extension, and land on your front foot. This dynamic weight transfer generates explosive power.

Specialty Net Shots

Drop Volley

Use this when your opponent is far behind the baseline. Soften your grip and absorb the pace of the ball, “catching” it so it dies short over the net.

Half-Volley

When the ball lands at your feet, do not swing. Stay low, keep the racket face vertical, and gently pick the ball off the bounce. It is a defensive redirection.

Mental Focus: Assertiveness

Hesitation is fatal at the net. You must be assertive. Close forward to cut off angles. Adopt a “hunter” mentality: you are there to finish the point, not to prolong it.

Drills & Progressions

Volley-to-Volley Cooperative

Stand inside the service line with a partner. Volley back and forth, aiming for control and consistency. Focus on footwork and keeping the racket head up.

2-on-1 Net Drills

One player at the net faces two baseliners. The net player must react quickly, covering the court and directing volleys into open spaces.

Lob vs. Smash Games

One player feeds lobs; the other practices overheads. Play out the point. This simulates the transition from defense to offense.

Playing the Game

Tennis has a unique language. To play the game, you must speak it. The scoring system, initially confusing, follows a logical rhythm once understood. Beyond the score, a code of conduct governs the court—a blend of written rules and unwritten etiquette that defines the sport.

The Scoring System

The objective is simple: win points to win games, win games to win sets, win sets to win the match.

Points

The scoring nomenclature is traditional and distinct:

• 0 points: “Love”
• 1 point: “15”
• 2 points: “30”
• 3 points: “40”
• 4 points: “Game”

The server’s score is always announced first. If the server wins the first point, the score is “15-Love.”

Deuce and Advantage

If both players reach 40, the score is “Deuce.” From here, a player must win two consecutive points to secure the game.

• Advantage In (Ad-In): The server wins the point after Deuce.
• Advantage Out (Ad-Out): The receiver wins the point after Deuce.

If the player with “Advantage” wins the next point, they win the game. If they lose it, the score returns to Deuce.

“No-Ad” Scoring: In some formats, a “Sudden Death” point is played at Deuce. The receiver chooses the side (deuce or ad court) for the serve. The winner of that single point takes the game.

Games, Sets, and Matches

• Game: The first player to win 4 points (leading by 2) wins the game.
• Set: The first player to win 6 games (leading by 2) wins the set. If the score reaches 6-6, a tie-break is played.
• Match: Usually played as “best of three” sets. The first player to win two sets wins the match.

The Tie-Break

Played at 6-6 in games.

• Points are counted numerically: 1, 2, 3, etc.
• The first player to reach 7 points (leading by 2) wins the set 7-6.
• Service Rotation: Player A serves the first point (deuce court). Player B serves the next two (ad, then deuce). Players continue alternating two serves each.
• Switching Ends: Players switch sides of the court every 6 points (e.g., 4-2, 6-6).

Detailed Rules

Knowing the rules prevents disputes and keeps the match flowing.

Line Calls

• The Golden Rule: If you are not 100% sure the ball was out, it was in. Benefit of the doubt always goes to the opponent.
• Lines are In: If any part of the ball touches any part of the line, the shot is good.
• Player’s Responsibility: You call the lines on your side of the net. Your opponent calls theirs. Respect the call.

Service Rules

• Foot Faults: You must not touch the baseline or the court inside the baseline before you make contact with the ball.
• The Let: If the serve hits the net cord and lands in the correct service box, it is a “Let.” The serve is replayed. There is no limit to the number of lets.
• Service Order: The server serves for the entire game. Players alternate serving games throughout the match.

Changeovers

Players switch ends of the court after every odd-numbered game (1, 3, 5, etc.) to account for environmental factors like sun and wind. This is a 90-second break.

Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules

Sportsmanship is paramount. Tennis reveals character; play with integrity.

• Warm-up: The warm-up is for warming up, not winning points. Hit the ball to your opponent, not away from them.
• Ball Management: When sending a ball to the server, make eye contact and roll it gently. Do not throw it while they are looking away.
• Stray Balls: If a ball from another court rolls onto yours, stop play immediately and call a “Let.” Safety comes first. Return the ball promptly.
• Respect: Acknowledge good shots by your opponent. Keep your composure. No racket abuse.
• The Handshake: Win or lose, meet at the net, look your opponent in the eye, and shake hands firmly.

Strategy & Tactics

Tennis is a game of errors. The player who makes fewer mistakes usually wins. Strategy is not about hitting the ball harder; it is about hitting the ball smarter. It is the art of tilting the odds in your favor before you even swing.

Singles Strategy

In singles, you are alone. You must cover the court, attack, and defend. Your primary goal is to force your opponent into an uncomfortable position.

The “Serve + 1”

The first shot after the serve is the most critical ball in the point. Statistics show that most points in professional tennis end within the first four shots.

• The Concept: Hit a strong serve to elicit a weak return, then attack immediately with your strongest shot (usually the forehand) to the open court or behind the opponent.
• Execution: Do not watch your serve. Recover immediately. Anticipate the return. If the return is short, move forward and dictate. If it is deep, neutralize.
• The Goal: Win the point or take control immediately. Do not wait for a rally to develop.

Phases of Play

Every point moves through three distinct phases. Recognizing which phase you are in dictates your shot selection.

1. Defense: You are under pressure, running, or out of position.
   • Goal: Stay in the point.
   • Tactic: Hit high, deep, and cross-court. Buy yourself time to recover to the center. Do not aim for lines.
2. Neutral: Both players are rallying from the baseline with no clear advantage.
   • Goal: Wait for an opportunity or force an error.
   • Tactic: Keep the ball deep. Move the opponent side-to-side. Be patient.
3. Offense: You have a short ball or your opponent is out of position.
   • Goal: End the point or force a weak reply.
   • Tactic: Step into the court. Hit with pace or placement. Attack the open space.

Pattern Play

Random hitting loses matches. Patterns win them. A pattern is a pre-planned sequence of shots designed to exploit a weakness or open the court.

• Cross-Court Percentages: The net is lowest in the middle, and the court is longest diagonally. Hitting cross-court is safer and reduces the angle your opponent can use against you. Make this your default shot.
• Changing Direction: Change direction down the line only when you are inside the baseline and have time. Changing direction from a defensive position is a low-percentage gamble.
• The 2-1 Pattern: Hit two balls cross-court to push the opponent wide, then hit the third ball down the line to the open court.

Drills & Progressions

• Point Simulations: Play points starting with a serve and a return. The server must hit a forehand on the first ball. If they miss, they lose the point immediately.
• “King of the Court”: A fast-paced game where the winner stays on the champion’s side. Challengers feed the ball to start. Win three points in a row to become King.
• Restricted Area Games: Play points using only half the court (cross-court only). This forces patience and consistency.

Doubles Strategy

Doubles is a game of positioning and geometry. It is faster and requires quicker reflexes than singles. The team that controls the net controls the match.

Positioning

• One-Up/One-Back: The standard formation. The server stays back; the server’s partner starts at the net. The receiver stays back; the receiver’s partner starts at the service line.
• Two-Back: Used defensively when the opponents are dominating the net or serving effectively. Both players stay at the baseline to neutralize the serve and lob.
• Closing the Net: The ultimate goal. Both players at the net form a wall. It is difficult to pass two players at the net.

Teamwork

• Communication: Talk before every point. Decide where the serve will go and what the net player will do. “Wide serve, I stay.” “Body serve, you poach.”
• Poaching: The net player moves across to intercept the return.
  • Fake Poach: Pretend to move, then stay. This distracts the returner.
  • Commit: If you go, go early and go aggressively. Do not hesitate.
• Covering the Middle: The center of the court is the area of confusion. “Yours!” or “Mine!” must be called instantly. Generally, the player with the forehand in the middle takes the shot.

Drills & Progressions

• Alley Rallies: Two players stand in the doubles alley and rally. This improves control and precision.
• Volley Wars: All four players start at the net. Play rapid-fire reflex volleys.
• “Dingles”: Two balls are fed simultaneously (one cross-court rally, one down-the-line rally). When one ball is missed, “Ding!” is called, and the remaining ball is played out by all four players.

Surface Strategy

The court surface dictates the speed and bounce of the ball. Adapt your game accordingly.

• Hard Court: The most common surface. It offers a medium speed and a true bounce. It rewards all-around play.
  • Strategy: You can play aggressively or defensively. Footing is secure, allowing for quick stops and changes of direction.
• Clay: Slow surface with a high bounce. The ball “grabs” the clay and slows down.
  • Strategy: Patience is key. Points are longer. Use heavy topspin to push the opponent back. Slide into shots. It is hard to hit winners; you must construct points.
• Grass: Fast surface with a low, skidding bounce. The ball slides off the grass.
  • Strategy: Points are short. Serve and volley is effective. Slice shots stay very low. Short backswings are essential. Bad bounces are common; stay low and watch the ball.

Equipment Deep Dive

Tennis is played with the body, but the tools matter. Once you have the fundamentals, optimizing your gear can provide the edge needed to win close matches. This chapter explores the science behind rackets, strings, and accessories.

Advanced Racket Science

A racket is a lever. Understanding its physics allows you to choose a frame that complements your swing, rather than fighting it.

Stiffness Ratings, Swing Weight, and Balance Points

Marketing terms often obscure the metrics that affect playability. Focus on three key specifications:

1. Stiffness (RA Rating): This measures how much the frame flexes at impact.
   • High RA (70+): Stiff. Returns more energy to the ball (power) but transmits more shock to the arm.
   • Low RA (<63): Flexible. Absorbs energy, offering control and comfort, but requires the player to generate more power.
2. Swing Weight: How heavy the racket feels when moving.
   • A high swing weight provides stability and plow-through against heavy pace.
   • A low swing weight offers maneuverability but may flutter against hard hitters.
3. Balance Point: The distribution of weight.
   • Head-Heavy: Common in lighter rackets to aid power.
   • Head-Light: Common in heavier player’s frames to aid maneuverability.

Customization (Lead Tape Basics)

You are not stuck with stock specifications. Lead tape allows you to alter the weight, balance, and swing weight of your frame.

• 12 o’clock: Increases swing weight and power. Moves balance toward the head.
• 3 and 9 o’clock: Increases torsional stability (twist resistance) and expands the sweet spot.
• Handle: Increases static weight without significantly affecting swing weight. Makes the racket more head-light.

Experiment in small increments. A few grams can drastically change the feel of a frame.

String Theory

The strings are the engine of the racket. They contact the ball, yet they are often an afterthought.

Poly vs. Multifilament vs. Gut

String choice depends on what you need from the stringbed.

• Natural Gut: The gold standard for tension maintenance, feel, and power. It is expensive and sensitive to moisture but unmatched in comfort.
• Multifilament: Synthetic fibers designed to mimic gut. Offers good power and comfort at a lower price point. Ideal for players with arm issues.
• Polyester (Poly): A stiff monofilament. It provides low power and massive spin potential because the strings snap back into place violently.
  • Note: Poly dies quickly and can be harsh on the arm. It is recommended for intermediate to advanced players who break strings frequently or need control.

Understanding Tension: Power vs. Control

Tension is a trade-off.

• Lower Tension (e.g., 48-52 lbs): The “trampoline effect.” The ball sinks deeper into the stringbed, launching with more power and comfort.
• Higher Tension (e.g., 55-60+ lbs): The board effect. The ball flattens out, offering more control and spin potential, but less free power.

Adjust tension based on conditions. Loose strings help in cold weather; tight strings help control the ball in heat.

Footwear & Accessories

Your connection to the court and your grip on the racket are foundational.

Sole Durability Guarantees

Tennis destroys shoes. The lateral stopping and starting act like sandpaper on outsoles. Look for shoes with a six-month outsole durability guarantee. If you wear through the sole, the manufacturer replaces them. This is essential for frequent players.

Dampeners, Overgrips, and Sweat Management

Small accessories solve big problems.

• Dampeners: They do not prevent tennis elbow. They strictly alter the sound of impact, removing the “ping.” Use one if you prefer a thud; skip it if you want feedback.
• Overgrips: A fresh grip is the cheapest way to improve your game. A slipping racket causes tension in the forearm. Replace overgrips as soon as they lose tack.
• Sweat Management: Wristbands prevent sweat from running down the arm onto the hand. In humid conditions, they are mandatory for maintaining a secure grip.

The Mental Game

Match Management

Tennis is a practice in self-overcoming. Your opponent is not an enemy, but a necessary resistance. Without their challenge, you cannot grow. Embrace the exhaustion, the bad bounces, and the pressure. Do not wish for an easier match; wish for the strength to overcome the hard one. Love the battle.

Focus only on what you can control: your preparation, your effort, and your mind. The wind, the score, and your opponent’s shots are outside your will. When you miss, accept it without judgment. The ball does not care about your frustration. Reset, and play the next point.

Resilience

Anger is fuel. It is volatile. For players like McEnroe or Djokovic, it sharpens focus. It is a refusal to accept defeat. For others, like Borg or Federer, emotion distracts. They cultivate ice to contain the fire.

Know your nature. If anger tightens your arm, banish it. If it drives your legs, harness it. But remain the master. As Aristotle noted, the difficulty lies not in anger itself, but in its right application—degree, time, and purpose.

“Tanking” is distinct from anger. It is a failure of character, not a surplus of emotion. It is a lie you tell yourself: “I didn’t try, so I didn’t lose.” Reject this. If you are down, fight. If you play poorly, simplify. Make the opponent earn every point.

Expect the Unexpected

Conditions will rarely be perfect. The wind will gust, the sun will blind you, and line calls will be wrong. Do not complain. These are not interruptions; they are the game.

Great players train for chaos. They invite bad bounces. When things go wrong, they do not panic; they adjust. If you expect fairness, you will be fragile. If you expect the unexpected, you will be unbreakable.

Fitness & Conditioning

Tennis demands a unique blend of explosive power, endurance, and agility. You do not train for tennis by running marathons; you train by mimicking the chaotic, stop-and-go nature of a match.

Tennis Specific Fitness

Fitness on the court serves one purpose: to allow your technique to shine late in the third set.

Mobility & Flexibility

Power starts from the ground, travels through the legs and hips, and releases through the arm. If your hips are tight, the chain breaks. You compensate with your arm, losing power and risking injury.

Prioritize dynamic stretching before playing. Open the hips. Loosen the shoulders. Your body must be fluid to whip the racket head through the contact zone.

Interval Training for Endurance

Tennis is a series of sprints, not a jog. A point lasts ten seconds; the rest lasts twenty. Train your body to recover quickly.

Forget the five-mile run. Run 400-meter sprints. Rest. Repeat. Train your heart rate to spike and settle. This mimics the rhythm of a match and prepares you to explode for every ball, even after two hours of play.

Rotational Power

The core is the transmission system of your body. It transfers energy from your legs to your racket.

Do not just do sit-ups. Focus on rotation. Medicine ball throws are essential. Load your legs, coil your torso, and release the ball against a wall. Feel the connection between your feet and your hands. This is the exact feeling of a forehand or backhand.

Agility and the Explosive First Step

Speed is not about top speed; it is about the first three steps. The split step is the trigger. When your opponent strikes the ball, you must be in the air, ready to push off.

Train for multidirectional speed. Tennis is lateral, diagonal, and backward. Use ladder drills to quicken your feet, but always finish with a sprint. Quick feet get you to the ball; a strong first step gets you there early.

Injury Prevention

You cannot improve if you are on the sideline. Treat your body like a Formula 1 car.

Prehab for Shoulders and Knees

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body and the most unstable. Strengthen the rotator cuff with resistance bands. Keep the small stabilizing muscles strong to handle the violence of the serve.

Protect your knees. Tennis destroys joints with constant pounding on hard courts. Strengthen the quadriceps and glutes to absorb the shock. If your muscles do not absorb the force, your joints will.

Arm Care: Elbows and Wrists

Tennis elbow is often a technique problem disguised as an injury. It stems from late contact and a death grip. Loosen your hand. Meet the ball in front. If you muscle the ball, the tendon pays the price.

Protect the wrist. Do not flick it. The power comes from the arm and body, not a snap of the wrist. Strengthen your forearms to stabilize the joint. Use a flexbar or resistance band to build resilience.

Drills & Progressions

Take your fitness to the court.

On-Court Suicides

Start at the doubles sideline. Sprint to the singles sideline and back. Sprint to the center service line and back. Sprint to the other singles sideline and back. Sprint to the other doubles sideline and back.

Rest for 20 seconds. Repeat. This builds lateral speed and anaerobic endurance.

The Spider Drill

Place five balls on the court: one on each sideline at the net, one on each sideline at the baseline, and one at the center T. Start at the center mark on the baseline.

Sprint to retrieve one ball and return it to the start. Repeat for all five. This trains multidirectional movement and recovery to the center.

Medicine Ball Throws

Stand sideways to a wall. Hold a medicine ball. Load your back leg, coil your hips, and throw the ball against the wall using your core rotation. Catch and repeat.

Focus on the weight transfer. Drive from the ground. This isolates the feeling of “effortless power” found in elite groundstrokes.

The Pro Game

The Grand Slams & Tours

Professional tennis operates on a global stage, structured primarily around two main tours: the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) for men and the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) for women. These organizations manage the weekly tournaments that determine player rankings.

The pinnacle of the sport consists of the four Grand Slam tournaments. These events offer the most ranking points, the largest prize money, and the greatest prestige.

• Australian Open: Held in Melbourne in January. Played on hard courts. Known for extreme heat and a festive atmosphere.
• Roland Garros (French Open): Held in Paris in May/June. Played on red clay. Demands incredible stamina and patience due to the slow surface.
• Wimbledon: Held in London in June/July. Played on grass. The oldest tournament, characterized by tradition, white clothing, and fast, low-bouncing play.
• US Open: Held in New York in August/September. Played on hard courts. Famous for its electric night sessions and massive crowds.

Tennis History

Tennis history is often divided into two periods: the Amateur Era and the Open Era. The Open Era began in 1968, allowing professional players to compete in Grand Slam tournaments alongside amateurs. This shift professionalized the sport and launched the modern game.

Understanding the greats provides context for today’s matches.

• The Pioneers: Players like Rod Laver and Billie Jean King who bridged the eras and fought for the sport’s professional status.
• The Golden Eras: From the Borg-McEnroe rivalries of the 70s and 80s to the dominance of Graf and Sampras in the 90s.
• The Modern Titans: The unprecedented era of the “Big Three” in men’s tennis and the powerful dominance of the Williams sisters transformed expectations of physical longevity and record-breaking consistency.

Records to watch include total Grand Slam titles, weeks at World Number 1, and Career Grand Slams (winning all four majors).

Spectator Guide

Watching tennis becomes infinitely more rewarding when you look beyond the ball. Analyze the battle of wills and tactics.

Watch the Feet, Not the Ball

The ball merely goes where the player sends it. Watch a player’s movement before they hit. Are they balanced? Are they recovering to the center quickly? Fatigue often shows in the legs first. If a player stops split-stepping, their reaction time plummets.

Identify the Patterns

Pros rarely hit random shots. They construct points.

• The Cross-Court Rally: The safe, neutral pattern. Players trade cross-court shots until one spots an opening.
• Change of Direction: Watch for the player who dares to hit down the line. This is the risk-taker seeking to break the pattern.
• Serve Placement: Does a player always slide the serve wide on break points? Notice their habits under pressure.

Momentum and Body Language

Tennis is psychological warfare. Positive momentum is visible: aggressive court positioning, loud footwork, and decisive swings. Negative momentum manifests as passive play, standing far behind the baseline, and hesitation. The match is often won or lost in these shifts of energy before the final point is scored.

Where to Watch (US Edition)

Following the tour year-round requires navigating a few key broadcasters.

• The Grand Slams:
  • Australian Open, Wimbledon, US Open: ESPN holds the rights. Extensive coverage is available on ESPN, ESPN2, and streaming via ESPN+.
  • Roland Garros (French Open): Coverage has moved to TNT Sports (TNT, truTV) and streams on Max.
• The Daily Tour (ATP/WTA):
  • Tennis Channel: The primary home for most 250, 500, and 1000 level tournaments.
  • TC Plus: Their subscription streaming service covers outer courts and matches not shown on the main channel.
  • Challenger Tour: Often available for free on the ATP website or dedicated challenger streaming platforms.

Tools & Community

Tennis is more than a sport; it is a community. This guide provides tools to connect you with courts, partners, and the right equipment.

Court Finder

The first hurdle to playing is finding a place to play. The Court Finder solves this.

• Locator Map: Enter your zip code to see all nearby public and private courts.
• Surface Details: Filter results by Hard Court, Clay, or Grass.
• Availability: Check real-time status and booking requirements.

Partner Match

Tennis requires a partner. Finding one at your level ensures a competitive and enjoyable match.

• Skill Level Matching: The system uses the NTRP rating scale to pair you with compatible players.
• Availability Sync: Set your playing window and find others with matching schedules.
• Match History: Track your results and monitor your progress against peers.

Gear Selector Quiz

Equipment choices can be overwhelming. The Gear Selector Quiz simplifies the process.

• Personalized Recommendations: Answer questions about your swing style, strength, and experience level.
• Data-Driven Results: The engine suggests rackets and strings tailored to your biomechanics.
• Unbiased Reviews: Recommendations are based on performance data, not marketing hype.

Blog/News

Stay connected to the wider world of tennis.

• Tour Updates: Follow the ATP and WTA tours with expert analysis.
• Gear Reviews: Read in-depth tests of the latest frames and strings.
• Instructional Content: Access new drills and tips to keep your game sharp.