10 Tennis Drills for Beginners to Master the Game

Starting out can be both exciting and challenging when playing tennis for beginners. The game requires a mix of skills, from footwork and stroke mechanics to timing and court awareness that need to be developed gradually. 

For those new to the sport, the key to improvement lies in consistent practice with effective drills designed to build a solid foundation. Today, we’ll explore how beginners can enhance their tennis game step-by-step and introduce 10 essential drills that are highly effective. 

How to Enhance Your Tennis Game as a Beginner

Before diving into drills, it’s important to understand the main areas beginners should focus on to improve:

1. Footwork and Movement

Tennis is as much about movement as it is about hitting the ball. Good footwork helps you get in the right position, stay balanced, and hit with power and accuracy. Beginners often struggle with quick, controlled movements on the court, so drills that enhance agility and foot speed are crucial. 

2. Stroke Fundamentals

Mastering the basics of forehand, backhand, serve, and volley strokes early on builds muscle memory and confidence. Poor technique can lead to inconsistent shots and even injuries.

3. Consistency and Control

Learning to keep the ball in play, control placement, and reduce errors are key objectives. Beginners should practice hitting with steady rhythm and accuracy rather than focusing solely on power.

4. Court Awareness

Understanding positioning, anticipating your opponent’s shots, and moving efficiently on court are part of tactical growth for any beginner.

5. Endurance and Conditioning

Tennis demands quick bursts of speed and sustained effort. Improving fitness helps you maintain quality play through longer matches.

10 Tennis Drills Every Beginner Should Practice

Here are ten essential drills to help you develop these key areas:

1. Shadow Swinging (Stroke Practice without a Ball)

A simple yet effective drill where you practice forehand and backhand swings without hitting a ball, focusing on grip, swing path, and balance to build muscle memory. Do this for 5–10 minutes per stroke.

2. Ball Toss and Catch (Hand-Eye Coordination)

Stand on the court and toss a tennis ball up, then catch it with your hitting hand. Progress to tossing and hitting the ball softly against a wall. This drill enhances timing and coordination, essential for hitting clean shots.

3. Wall Rally Drill

Find a solid wall and rally the ball back and forth at a controlled pace. Try to keep the ball bouncing in a target zone on the wall. This improves stroke consistency, reaction time, and rhythm. Beginners learn control while having fun. 

4. Cone Agility Drill (Footwork and Speed)

Set up cones in a zigzag or square pattern and move around them with quick lateral steps, forward sprints, and backpedaling to boost agility and court coverage speed. Tip: use short, explosive steps and stay light on your feet.

5. Mini Tennis (Short Court Practice)

Play or practice hitting within the service boxes (the smaller, front part of the court). This drill forces you to focus on control, softer strokes, and placement rather than power. It’s great for developing touch and control. 

6. Serve Toss Practice

Practice your serve toss without hitting the ball. A consistent toss is vital to a reliable serve. Focus on keeping your arm straight and the ball tossed to the same spot each time. Once consistent, start serving into the service box.

7. Partner Feed and Return Drill

With a partner or coach, practice returning feeds from the baseline. Concentrate on footwork, balance, and clean contact. Beginners should focus on getting the ball back consistently and learning to anticipate the feed direction.

8. Volley Practice Close to the Net

Stand near the net and practice volleying gently tossed balls. This develops hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and net positioning — all critical for finishing points.

9. Two-Ball Drill

A fun drill where a coach or partner feeds two balls in rapid succession. This forces you to work on quick recovery and switching between strokes, simulating game-like pressure and improving reaction time.

10. Court Coverage Drill

Start at the baseline, and a partner feeds balls randomly to different parts of the court. Move quickly to hit each ball, then recover to the center. This builds endurance, footwork, and court awareness essential for match play.

Improve Your Tennis Skills With These Tennis Drills!

These 10 drills provide a comprehensive way to master the basics. Remember, progress comes with patience and persistence, so keep practicing regularly, stay positive, and enjoy the process of learning.

For those serious about taking their skills to the next level, Rockstar Academy offers the ideal tennis class to grow. As a leading Sports & Performing Arts Academy, Rockstar provides expert coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive community that nurtures both skill and passion. 

Through Rockstar’s exciting RockOlympics, players gain valuable match experience that sharpens their competitive edge. Joining Rockstar Academy means access to personalized training programs designed to accelerate your progress, improve technique, and boost your mental game. 

Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to compete seriously, Rockstar Academy’s proven approach and nationwide presence make it the best choice for young athletes across Indonesia ready to master tennis and enjoy the journey. Enroll today and don’t miss our free trial class before signing up!

FAQ

How often should beginners practice these drills?

Aim for 2-3 practice sessions per week, 45 minutes to an hour each. Consistency is key to building skills.

Can I do these drills alone, or do I need a partner?

Many drills like shadow swinging, wall rallies, and cone drills can be done solo. Others, like partner feeds or volley practice, require someone else but can often be done with a coach or fellow beginner.

How soon will I see improvement?

With regular practice, beginners typically notice better control and footwork within a few weeks, but skill development is an ongoing journey.