Tennis Rally Basics for Beginners

2 tennis rackets (youth size is lighter and easier to handle)

3-4 tennis balls

Access to a tennis court

Start at the service line, about halfway between the net and the baseline. Being closer to the net gives you more time to react and makes the court feel manageable.

Teach the forehand grip first. Hold the racket like you're shaking someone's hand. The V between thumb and index finger sits on top of the handle.

Drop-hit drill: have your child hold the ball in one hand and the racket in the other. Drop the ball, let it bounce once, and swing through it. The goal is consistent contact. Do 20 drop-hits before rallying.

Stand on opposite sides of the net at the service line. Toss a ball gently to your child's forehand side (right side for right-handers). They swing and return it. You catch or hit it back.

Build a rally. Count consecutive hits over the net without the ball going out or into the net. Getting to 5 is a genuine accomplishment for beginners.

Introduce the backhand. For a one-handed backhand, rotate the grip slightly. For two-handed, add the non-dominant hand above the dominant hand. Swing across the body.

Practice the serve. Stand behind the baseline. Toss the ball above your head with the non-hitting hand. Reach up and swing upward to contact the ball at the highest point.

Play a short-court game: only use the service boxes (the area between the net and the service line). This forces control over power.

Youth rackets (23-26 inches) are much easier for kids to swing than full-size adult rackets (27 inches). The smaller head and lighter weight make a big difference.

Low-compression tennis balls (red or orange dot) bounce lower and move slower than regular balls. They're designed for beginners and make learning significantly easier.

Footwork matters as much as the swing. Teach your child to get their feet set before swinging. "Move your feet, then swing" is the coaching mantra.

Tennis is a lifetime sport. The skills your child learns now will serve them for decades. Start slow, focus on fundamentals, and keep it fun.

Many public parks have free tennis courts. Grab some rackets and balls and you have access to one of the best individual sports facilities in your community.