Tennis Mastery Ep. 1 - Bagels, Backhands, and a Fun, No-Fluff Guide to Getting Started in Tennis
Let’s face it…Tennis can feel a bit like learning a foreign language while doing a full-body workout. You’ve got weird scoring terms, mini battles of wits, and a court full of lines that look like someone spilled spaghetti. But relax—this isn’t rocket science, and we’re here to make it fun, simple, and help you win more often.
First Things First: Let ‘Em Miss
Most of us think winning is all about blasting flashy winners from corner to corner. Wrong. About 70% of points are won because someone goofs up and sends the ball sailing into the net or into outer space. So, think “keep it simple.” Instead of trying to hit the shot of the century, focus on making fewer mistakes. Let your opponent self-destruct while you calmly send that fuzzy ball back over the net. Easy.
Embrace the Oddball Scoring
Fifteen, thirty, forty…love?! Who came up with this? Don’t sweat it. Just memorize that each point isn’t one, two, three—it’s 15, 30, 40, game. If it gets to 40-40, that’s “deuce.” And when you get to deuce, if you win two points in a row, you’ve got the game…and definitely don’t forget this one…if the ball hits the line, it’s in!
Crack the Mental Code
Tennis is a head game. The best players win matches because they keep their cool. Feeling stress? Take a deep breath and take it one point at a time. Got a big pressure point? Hit your most reliable serve, and execute the strategy you are most confident in. If your opponent’s losing their cool, let them, ignore them, and kepe your cool. A calm brain equals a better game.
Attack Their Weakness, Not Your Ego
Look for their shaky spots. Maybe their backhand’s as shaky as late-night karaoke. Hit there again and again. Boring? Maybe. Effective? Heck yes. Tennis rewards the patient and disciplined. Keep poking at that weakness until it crumbles and they miss.
Don’t know where to Stand?
When you’re at the baseline, shift left or right depending on where you hit the ball. If you’re at the net, follow the ball to that side so you’re ready for whatever they send back. Tennis is all about geometry, and standing in the best place to get to whatever ball the opponent might hit. Sometimes you need to stand behind the baseline, sometimes you need to move in closer to the net, but at ALL times, you need to be on your toes, ready to move to the ball!
Serving & Returning: The Big Deal Shots
The serve starts every point, so it’s kind of a big deal. Work on consistency first, direction second, spin third, and power fourth. When it comes to your return, just get it back, in the court, and ideally, have the ball bounce between the service line and baseline. Most rallies end within four shots, so nail those first two shots (serve and return) and you’ll rack up more wins and enjoy the sport even more!
Warm Up Like a Pro
Don’t skip your warm-up. Warmup before you step on the court, and then warm up when you get on the court. Get the heart pumping. Get your eyes ready to track that little yellow ball - the goal is to be able to see the seams and writing on that ball when it comes to you, and it takes a LOT of focus! You’re also going to be moving side to side and forward and backward; you’ll be jumping, lunging, sprinting, and you’ll need to activate your core, so that you can use it to hit the ball in a balanced and controlled fashion. As a result of all of this, you need to warm it all up before the first point starts! Practice all your strokes, practice a few serves and returns, and look for your opponents strengths and weaknesses so that you can figure out a strategy to beat them!
Final Thoughts
While tennis challenges your mindset, your body, and your emotions (and that’s what makes it so FUN!), tennis doesn’t have to be a head-scratcher. Keep it simple, stay patient, and remember you can win by letting your opponent lose. Have fun with the lingo, pick on your opponents weak spots, trust your reliable shots on big points, and don’t forget to breathe deep.
With these tips, your tennis journey will be smoother, more fun, and you’ll be the one smiling when you opponent misses on match point!
Enjoy the game!
Val & Grant