Getting Started in the Game

Tennis enjoyed a boost in participation during the pandemic. If you didn’t join in then and are thinking about getting on the courts for the first time ever or just the first time in awhile, the guide below should help you get started.

What do you need to play tennis?

At the most basic, you need a tennis racquet and balls. A court is ideal, but a wall next to a concrete surface can do in a pinch. The right footwear for the court is important also. You want tennis shoes that provide good support and that do NOT have black soles, which can permanently mark up the court.

How do you choose a tennis racquet?

The best way to find your perfect racquet is trial and error. Most tennis centers or retailers (even online ones) allow you to “demo” a racquet at a nominal charge. The main thing to think about is the size of the grip or handle. Choose a grip size that’s comfortable, but keep in mind that a too-large grip size will force you to squeeze the racquet more tightly, tiring your forearms.

What are the basic types of tennis shots?

The ones you’ll use most as a beginner are the forehand, backhand, volley, and serve. The USTA has tips and instructions for improving tennis on its website and a plethora of instructional videos can be found on YouTube as well.

How do I keep score in tennis?

If you’re a true beginner and just playing for fun, it’s totally fine to score points as you would any other sport, awarding a point to the player who keeps the ball in bounds without hitting the net while rallying.

But if you’re ready to go legit, you may need to study up on tennis’ unique scoring system. It all starts with “love” which means nothing to tennis players . . . literally. A helpful mantra to repeat is “game, set, match.” You’ll play one game at a time. To win a game you must win 4 points before your opponent. But you don’t count points 1, 2, 3, and 4. The first point scored is counted as 15 followed by 30, then 40, then game. But if both players win 3 points, the score would be 40-40, also known as “deuce.” If a game score is tied at deuce, the only way for it to end is for one player to win two points in a row. If player A wins the point at deuce, then they are considered to have the “advantage.” But, they can quickly lose the advantage if their opponent wins the next point. Then, the score goes back to deuce until someone wins back-to-back points. The first player to win six games wins the set. The first player to win two out of three sets wins the match.

Not interested in the score and just want a good workout?

Give Cardio Tennis a try! Cardio Tennis is a high energy fitness activity that combines the best features of the sport of tennis with cardiovascular exercise, delivering the ultimate, full body, calorie-burning aerobic and anaerobic workout. If you've never played tennis before it is a great way to be introduced to the sport and if you are an experienced high-level tennis player, Cardio Tennis is the best way to train for tennis. Several providers in the Chicagoland area provide Cardio Tennis classes which are characterized by games designed to keep you moving and give you as many “touches” on the ball as possible. Agility ladders and markers as well as upbeat music help keep the class high energy.

Want to avoid looking like a complete beginner on the court? Keep these things in mind:

• Don’t assume! Make sure to call the ball out—always after it’s bounced—so that you are on the same page as your opponent. It’s also important to make sure both players know the score before the start of each point (it is the server’s job to call out the score). Remember, if the ball hits you or your racquet before it bounces when your opponent hits it over the net – even if it was clearly going to be out – you lose the point (unless you hit the ball back over the net with you racquet).

• Be strategic! Don’t try to hit the ball as hard as you can. Instead, just try to aim the ball over the net or place it strategically. Many points are lost due to errors so make your opponent hit the ball back.

• Know the court! When playing doubles, the entire court is at play. But if you’re just playing singles, the two “alleys” running along the left and right outsides of the court are considered out.

If you are getting into the swing of things (pun intended), and want to develop your game further, you may want to spend some time with a coach, either in a group or oneon-one session. When searching for a tennis coach for an adult or child, it is important to look for Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) or United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) certified coaches. Both PTR and USPTA are the accrediting bodies for tennis teaching professionals.

Certified coaches have passed tennis teaching courses and have learned the most current methods of teaching, nutrition, and off-court training. These pros are skilled in technical, tactical, mental, and physical development for tennis athletes.

In addition, certified coaches must have completed SafeSport training to help safeguard athletes from misconduct. The USTA has adopted and implemented the training and educational materials developed by the U.S. Center for SafeSport to inform tennis teaching professionals how to prevent misconduct with their players.

One way to start your search is to go to the USTA’s netgeneration.com and click on the “Search” button to look for a Net Generation SafeSport trained coach.