Basic Tennis Strokes for Beginners: Grips, Footwork, Shots

Learning the basic tennis strokes in the right order is the fastest way to enjoy real rallies. You don't need a perfect technique, just a good grip, a simple swing and footwork that gets you to the ball on time. This guide covers the grips, the ready position, and the five core strokes every beginner needs: forehand, backhand, serve, volley and overhead.

For the big picture (court, rules, scoring), start with our complete tennis guide for beginners.

Tennis grips explained

Grips are named by where your hand sits on the eight sides (bevels) of the handle. Three cover almost everything:

For a two-handed backhand, many players put the bottom hand in a continental grip and the top hand in an eastern forehand grip. For a one-handed backhand, an eastern backhand grip (hand rotated so the knuckle sits on top of the handle) is common.

Ready position and the split step

Every shot starts here:

• Feet a bit wider than shoulders, knees bent, weight on the balls of your feet.
• Racket in front, held loosely with the non-hitting hand on the throat.
• Split step: a small hop just as your opponent hits, landing on both feet so you can push off in either direction.

After each shot, recover toward the middle of where your opponent can hit, not just the center mark.

Footwork basics

• Turn first. As soon as you read the side, turn your shoulders. The racket goes back with the turn.
• Small adjusting steps near the ball beat one big lunge.
• Set up sideways or semi-open to the ball so you can swing through it.
• Recover with side-steps (shuffles) back to position.

Good footwork is what turns "sometimes" shots into consistent ones.

The forehand

The forehand is usually the first and strongest stroke. Key ideas:

• Early unit turn (shoulders and racket together).
• Swing low to high to lift the ball over the net and add topspin.
• Make contact in front of your body, at roughly waist height.
• Finish over the opposite shoulder.

How to hit a basic tennis forehand

1. Take an eastern or semi-western grip. Shake hands with the racket, then turn slightly under the handle if you want more topspin.
2. Start in the ready position and split step. Hop lightly as the ball leaves your partner's racket.
3. Turn your shoulders early. Rotate your upper body sideways and let the racket go back with the turn, with your free hand pointing at the ball.
4. Step and set your feet. Move with small steps so the ball will be slightly in front of you and about waist high.
5. Swing low to high. Drop the racket below the ball, then swing up and forward through contact in front of your front hip.
6. Finish over your shoulder and recover. Let the racket wrap over your opposite shoulder, then shuffle back to position.

Practice from the service line first ("mini tennis"), then move back to the baseline once you can hit 10 in a row.

The backhand: one-handed or two-handed?

• Two-handed backhand: more stable on high balls and easier to control for many beginners. Less reach.
• One-handed backhand: more reach and easier to slice, but needs more strength and timing.

Either is fine. Pick what feels natural, and get a coach's opinion if you can. Like the forehand, turn early, swing low to high, and hit in front.

A backhand slice (high to low, with a continental grip) is a useful defensive shot and approach shot to learn later.

The serve

The serve is the only shot you fully control, so it's worth simple, repeatable mechanics:

1. Stance: sideways to the net, behind the baseline, front foot pointing toward the net post.
2. Grip: aim for continental. Beginners often start with a forehand grip, which works but limits spin and power later.
3. Toss: release the ball smoothly, slightly in front and to the hitting side, just above where you can reach.
4. Swing: "throw" the racket up to the ball, reaching up at contact.
5. Follow through across your body.

Remember the rules: stand behind the baseline, don't step on the line before contact, and land the serve in the diagonal box. Details are in tennis rules for beginners.

The volley

At the net, keep it compact:

• Continental grip.
• Racket in front, no backswing, just a short "punch" or block.
• Step toward the ball with the opposite foot when you can.
• Keep the racket head above your wrist.

Volleys are essential in doubles. See tennis doubles rules and strategy for when to come forward.

The overhead smash

When an opponent lobs you, turn sideways, point your free hand at the ball, move back with side steps, and swing like a simple serve. Let very high lobs bounce first if you're unsure.

How to practice the strokes

• Mini tennis to build feel.
• Cross-court rallies: the net is lower in the middle and the court is longer on the diagonal.
• Target practice: cones or towels in the corners.
• Serve buckets: 20 serves to each box, counting how many go in.

A coach can spot grip and swing issues that are hard to see yourself. When you're ready to test your strokes in matches, find hitting partners at your level on Kèo's find a game page or read how to find tennis partners. Ready to measure progress? See NTRP rating explained.

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