Understanding the Basic Tennis Swings Articles | Tennis

By: Guy Starbuck

If you can learn the fundamentals of playing the right kind of tennis early on, it can help you play like a professional in future. If you ignore the basic rules and principles, you might it very difficult to give up the bad styles and strokes later on. 

Indeed there are an extended variety of strokes in tennis which are used by both beginners and advanced players, but when you are starting out to play for the first time, you must focus on two basic strokes before you think of moving on to play more complex and strategic strokes in the game. 

The two basic strokes which every beginner must master are the ground stroke and the overhead. You must get the hang of these two fundamental strokes before you learn any other advanced level strokes, as these can help you compete in any game.  

The best source to learn these preliminary yet fundamental strokes is to tie up with a good coach or trainer, if you want to enjoy tennis for years to come. Most players learn the basics of the game from a trainer, perfect the techniques while playing with the coach and then go on to play on their own. 

In case you find this option not really feasible, here are some easy tips to get you started to learn the two fundamental strokes:   

Here are some basic guidelines which can help you master the groundstroke faster: 

1. A short back swing is needed to begin your groundstroke.  
2. To master this fundamental stroke, always use a short grip on the club. 
3. Remember to use a simple follow through instead of trying to do something unique or fancy. Learning the groundstroke at its basic stage is what you are up to.  
4. Try to extend your backswing going at a slow pace. 
5. You can slide the grip towards the handle. 
6. As a beginner, you need to drop feed first. Your second priority is to perfect the drop feed and lastly, following the short drop feed you will feed from your racquet. 
7. Start at a slow pace and usually try to end with a run.  

While trying to learn the overhead strokes remember to: 

1. The swing should start at the point of contact gradually moving on to a larger swing. 
2. Start standing close to the net. Then gradually move backwards. 
3. Start with a really soft-feed right to the racquet. 
4. Do your practice for short duration of time; say 30 minutes at a stretch. This will not tire you out and your can remain fresh and attentive. There are some players who get so taken away by the game that they go on practicing for hours on end. In case you also feel like continuing practicing and you are in no way uncomfortable, like a sprained or swollen muscle or tendon or a sore arm, then go on playing.  Irrespective of the duration of your practice session, it is important to remember to continue practicing on a regular basis. For beginners it is recommended to practice several times a week.  
5. Once you are in control of this basic stroke, you could proceed towards more advanced strokes and drills. 

Whichever stroke you are trying to master, remember the golden rule. That is, you must practice the precise technique with the right kind of posture and movement.