Beginner Tennis Tips: How to Start Strong on the Court
At Gripspin Tennis, we believe everyone in the San Jose community should have the chance to fall in love with the game—whether you're 6 or 60. Tennis not only keeps you active but also builds focus, coordination, and confidence. If you’re just getting started, welcome! These beginner tennis tips will help you feel confident the next time you step on court.
1. Choose the Right Equipment
You don’t need to break the bank to begin. A few well‑chosen essentials are all you need:
Racquet: Look for a lightweight frame with a larger head size (around 100–110 sq in); the bigger "sweet spot" helps you make solid contact more often.
Shoes: Court‑specific shoes with sturdy lateral support are crucial—running shoes won’t protect your ankles during side‑to‑side movement.
Balls: Slow, low‑compression balls (red, orange, or green‑dot) make rallies last longer and help you develop timing.
Pro Tip: Ask a coach or reliable pro shop before buying your first racquet.
Local Tip (Bay Area): Need expert gear advice? Swetka’s Tennis Shop in Mountain View has been fitting Bay Area players for 50+ years. Swing by 1039 El Monte Ave to demo racquets and chat with their knowledgeable staff. Be sure to let them know Coach Javon Montgomery sent you—and while you're there, check out some great Wilson gear! We’re proud to be sponsored by Wilson and highly recommend their beginner-friendly racquets and accessories.
2. Master the Basics
Focus on the fundamentals before worrying about power:
Forehand & Backhand: Use a relaxed and steady low to high technique focusing on a smooth and long swing path.
Grip: We recommend and teach the eastern grip for the forehand and a double-handed backhand using the continental grip for the backhand. The non-dominant hand should be in the eastern forehand grip for lefties.
Footwork: Stay light on your feet—focusing on keeping your weight on the front part of the feet (like a boxer).
Our beginner classes are built around these building blocks so you develop sound technique from day one.
3. Focus on Rallying, Not Winning
Early success is about keeping the ball in play. Short‑court rally games or mini tennis help you build rhythm, timing, and confidence without the pressure of scoring. In our private lessons as well as our Adult Beginner Tennis 101 class we focus on feeling comfortable in the short-court before moving to the full 78 foot court. This gives players more confidence and a point of reference when we learn to play in the full court singles and doubles. It also would be a great idea to start with red, orange or green level practice balls instead of jumping right to the standard tennis balls. These balls will give you more time to work on technique and spin and are much more forgiving.
4. Learn the Rules (But Don’t Stress!)
Tennis scoring—15, 30, 40, game—can feel odd at first, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly. Start with:
Serving from behind the baseline into the opposite service box
Singles and doubles boundaries
Changing ends on odd‑numbered games
We cover all this (and more) in our Adult Beginner Tennis 101 and Red Ball Tennis 101.
5. Take a Lesson or Join a Class
Self‑teaching is possible, but guidance from a certified coach accelerates progress and prevents bad habits. Gripspin Tennis offers:
Adult Beginner Tennis 101 – Sundays, 10:30 AM–11:30 AM at Herbert Hoover Middle School in San Jose
Adult Intermediate & Advanced Beginner – Tuesdays, 6:00 PM–7:30 PM at Herbert Hoover Middle School in San Jose
Red Ball Tennis 101 (Ages 6–8) – Saturdays, 9:00 AM–10:00 AM at Herbert Hoover Middle School in San Jose
Choose six‑week blocks that fit your schedule, and remember each class needs a four‑player minimum to run.
6. Practice Makes Progress
Consistency beats perfection. Aim to hit at least once a week—whether with a coach, hitting partner, against a wall, or with a ball machine. Repetition builds muscle memory and confidence.
7. Stay Positive and Have Fun
Everyone hits the net. Everyone frames a shot. What matters is that you show up, enjoy the game, and stay open to learning. Remember: every Grand Slam champion was once a beginner—just like you!
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re new to tennis and live in the South Bay, Gripspin Tennis is here to help. With experienced coaches, low student‑to‑teacher ratios, and a mission to keep tennis affordable, we’re proud to serve as your community hub for the sport.
Contact Us for private lessons, youth programs, or special events.
See you on the court!
