To play tennis, you need to learn a few basics: how to serve, keep the ball in play, move into position, and understand the score. You do not need a powerful swing to get started. Good footwork and a reliable shot that lands inside the court will win plenty of beginner rallies.
This guide walks through the court, scoring, rules, and core strokes, then gives you a simple way to practice. Grab a racket, find a partner, and start with short, controlled rallies before trying to hit the lines.
Understand the Court and the Goal
Tennis is played as singles, with one player on each side, or doubles, with two players on each side. The aim is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court so they cannot return it legally. A ball that touches a boundary line is in.
The baseline marks the back of the court, and the service line sits closer to the net. The center service line divides each side into two service boxes. In singles, play uses the narrower sidelines; in doubles, the wider alleys count during rallies. For a serve, though, the ball must land in the diagonally opposite service box.
Learn How Tennis Scoring Works
Points build into games, games into sets, and sets into a match. The unusual point calls are simple once you hear them a few times:
- 0 points: Love
- 1 point: 15
- 2 points: 30
- 3 points: 40
- Next point: Game, unless both players reach 40
At 40–40, called deuce, a player must win two points in a row to take the game. The first point gives that player advantage. If the opponent wins the next point, the score returns to deuce.
A player usually needs six games to win a set, with a lead of at least two games. At 6–6, many sets use a tiebreak, though formats can vary. Matches are often best of three sets; some professional men’s Grand Slam matches use best of five. Recreational players can agree on a shorter format before they start.
Start a Point with a Serve
Each point begins with a serve. Stand behind the baseline, between the center mark and the sideline, and serve diagonally into the opposite service box. You get two attempts. If both serves miss, it is a double fault, and your opponent wins the point.
A simple beginner serve
- Stand sideways to the net with your front foot angled toward the opposite service box.
- Hold the ball gently in your non-racket hand and keep your racket relaxed.
- Toss the ball slightly in front of you, where you can reach it comfortably.
- Swing upward and make contact above your head. Aim for a smooth, balanced motion rather than maximum force.
- Land inside the court only after hitting the ball; stepping on or over the baseline before contact is a foot fault.
A serve does not need to be fast to be useful. Beginners often do better with a steady serve that lands in than with a hard swing that produces frequent faults. If the serve touches the net and lands in the correct service box, it is a let and is replayed.
Rally with the Forehand and Backhand
After the serve, players take turns returning the ball over the net. You may hit it before it bounces—a volley—or after one bounce. Letting it bounce twice gives your opponent the point. You also lose the point if you hit the ball out, into the net, or touch the net while the ball is in play.
The forehand is hit on the racket-hand side of your body. Turn your shoulders, prepare the racket early, and swing forward through the ball. The backhand is hit on the opposite side. It can be played with one hand or two; many beginners find a two-handed backhand easier to control.
For both groundstrokes, watch the ball, meet it in front of your body, and finish with a balanced swing. Try to send the ball high enough to clear the net safely and deep enough to make your opponent move. You do not have to hit a winner on every shot. A dependable rally ball is a better starting point.
Move Well and Choose Smart Targets
After each shot, recover toward the middle of the area your opponent can reach. Stay light on your feet, bend your knees, and take a small split step as your opponent makes contact. That brief hop helps you push toward the ball instead of being caught flat-footed.
At first, aim for the large middle part of the court rather than the sidelines. A cross-court shot travels over the lower part of the net and has more room before the sideline, so it is often a safer choice. If your opponent is far to one side, a controlled shot to the open space can make them run. Change direction only when you are balanced and close enough to the ball; reaching late for a sharp angle often sends it out.
In doubles, communicate with your partner before and during points. Agree on who takes a ball down the middle, and call “mine” or “yours” early. Many beginner teams do better when both players move forward together after a good approach, rather than leaving one player stranded near the net.
Practice Tennis in a Useful Order
Start close to the net and rally gently with a partner. This makes it easier to control the ball and learn timing. Gradually move back toward the baseline, then practice serving into the service boxes. Finish with short games so you can use your strokes while keeping score.
- Begin with control: Try to keep a rally going, even if the ball is slow.
- Practice movement: Have a partner feed balls to your forehand and backhand sides.
- Serve in sets of attempts: Count how many out of 10 land in, then work to improve that number.
- Play points: Start with a serve, use the real score, and focus on one goal, such as recovering after every shot.
Use a racket that feels comfortable to swing, court shoes with suitable support, and balls made for the court surface. If you are new, a beginner lesson can help you learn a safe grip and swing before small habits become hard to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you hit the ball after it bounces twice?
No. You must return the ball before its second bounce. If it bounces twice on your side, your opponent wins the point.
Can the ball touch the line?
Yes. Any part of the ball touching a boundary line is considered in. On a serve, the ball must land in the correct diagonal service box.
Do you have to win a tennis match by two games?
Sets usually require a two-game lead, but a tiebreak is commonly played at 6–6. Match and tiebreak formats can differ, so agree on the format before a casual match.
What should a beginner learn first?
Start with a ready position, a controlled forehand and backhand, and a serve that lands in regularly. Keeping the ball in play is more valuable early on than hitting hard.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to play tennis comes down to building reliable habits one at a time: serve into the right box, move into position, and return the ball with control. Start with short rallies, aim for safe targets, and add pace as your timing improves. With regular practice, the scoring and movement soon feel natural, and you can focus on enjoying the match.
