Tennis for Beginners
New to tennis? Everything you need to start with confidence — what to buy, how to play the points, and the best free lessons on the web.
Singles Tactics
Simple, high-percentage patterns for beginners — where to aim, how to use the whole court, and the few tactics that win most club-level singles points.
Read the guide →Play smarter as a teamDoubles Tactics
Positioning, serving, and poaching basics that make doubles click. Learn the roles, the formations, and the communication that beats more athletic opponents.
Read the guide →Buy the right gear firstEquipment Guide
What racket, strings, shoes, and balls a beginner actually needs — without overspending. A plain-English buyer's guide to your first tennis kit.
Read the guide →Watch and learnStarter Video Lessons
A hand-picked playlist of the best beginner YouTube lessons — one for every core stroke, so you can see good technique before you try it yourself.
Read the guide →Where you play mattersIndoor vs Outdoor
How wind, sun, lighting, and temperature change the game between indoor and outdoor courts — and simple ways to play well in each as a beginner.
Read the guide →Slow, high, patientPlaying on Clay
Clay courts bounce high and slow and reward spin and patience. Learn how clay changes tactics and footwork — plus the etiquette of sweeping lines and reading ball marks.
Read the guide →Fast, low, attackingPlaying on Grass
Grass is the fastest surface — low skidding bounce, short points, and a big serve advantage. Learn to shorten your swings, bend low, and move safely on delicate turf.
Read the guide →The mental gameDo You Get Nervous Before a Match?
Pre-match nerves hit up to 77% of athletes. Learn why they happen and a simple, proven routine to turn nervous energy into sharp, focused play.
Read the guide →Playing break pointWhat to Do at 30–40
Down break point? The server still wins ~60% of them on tour. The high-percentage serving and returning tactics for 30–40 — and the mindset that keeps you calm.
Read the guide →Ready to work on your strokes?
Once you know the basics, dive into our free technique guides for the forehand, backhand, serve, volley, and slice — each with curated video tutorials.
Explore technique guides →