Tennis is a great game to play on your weekends off with friends or community members, but it can be a bit intimidating if you need clarification on how it works. This anxiety, especially when you look at seasoned players on the court and wonder how they can play with such intensity and stamina.
It's essential to keep in mind that those veteran players were once just newbies like you! They also had to start from somewhere, and today we're here to give you precisely that: an essential guide that will teach you how to play tennis. Let's get right into it.
What you'll need
Aside from the resolve to learn and the will to not give up in the face of those particularly frustrating initial failures, you'll also need to spend on a quality racket and tennis shoes. Tennis rackets come in different sizes and weights, which can completely alter your performance. Since you're just starting, ensure that the racket you get has an oversized head, a light frame, and more power compared to other rackets.
You'll also need to ensure that the shoes you choose are the right fit. The types of shoes can vary based on the foot size, width, ankle contact, and space available for your toes. Go for shoes that are comfortable, stable, lightweight, and durable. As you get better at the sport, you can choose your shoes in the future based on the kind of court you're playing in or your playing style.
Getting started with the game
Familiarise yourself with the basics.
Once you have the proper equipment, it's time to dig out some training manuals to help you on your journey. The game is played on a court where you start with a coin toss to determine who serves first and from where. There can be two or four players on the court at a time, depending on whether the match is singles or doubles. The server strikes the ball to the alternative side, and the game officially starts. To win, one team should have about four points, i.e., 15 counting as one point, 30 counting as two points, 40 counting as three points, and lastly, the fourth point would mark the winning score.
Ask an expert for help if needed.
Trying to learn tennis by yourself is relatively easy, but the support of an expert coach is always a great addition. You can look into local tennis clubs in your area or ask your gym teachers to connect you with a professional tennis player if you're a student. This will also help you socialize with other players who're also passionate about wanting to improve their game. You'll be surprised at how quickly your game improves once like-minded tennis enthusiasts surround you.
Don't lose hope.
And lastly, keep hope if you don't instantly get as good as Serena Williams at playing tennis! What matters is that you show up to the court daily and make the conscious choice to play and improve. If you keep these tips in mind, your game is bound to improve slowly and gradually.