If you’re a beginner or intermediate player, you might be wondering how to get better at tennis quickly without spending years on the court. The good news is? Using those methods, attitude, and practice schedules, it is possible. This guide will show you how to safely and effectively improve your tennis game.
1. Learn the Basics
Make sure you have a strong grasp of the basics before moving on to more advanced techniques. This includes:
- How to hold the racket correctly (Eastern, Continental, Semi-Western)
- Proper stance and footwork
- Consistent swing mechanics
- Keep your eye on the ball with every shot
These are the building blocks of every strong serve, smooth volley, and precise groundstroke.
2. Get in Better Shape Routine
You need strength, speed, flexibility, and endurance to play tennis. To get better quickly:
- Add cardio exercises like sprints, jump rope, and agility ladders
- Training for strength: Concentrate on your legs, core, and shoulders
- Flexibility and mobility: Yoga or dynamic stretching can help you avoid injuries and reach farther
Your reaction time and shot power are both affected by how fit you are.
3. Concentrate on One Shot at a Time
Instead of trying to learn everything, choose one shot each week to get better at:
- Week 1: Consistency in the forehand
- Week 2: How to serve and where to put it
- Week 3: Footwork for the backhand
- Week 4: Volleys and playing at the net
Focused, planned practice makes you get better faster than just hitting.
4. Drill with a Goal
You won’t get very far with random rallies. Use structured tennis drills that are like real matches:
Tennis drills that work well for quick progress:
- Cross-court rally drill to improve consistency
- Patterns for serve and volley
- Approach shot and move to the net
- Footwork drill for split-step and recovery
To build muscle memory and the ability to make quick decisions, practise with a lot of focus and a match mindset.
5. Play with Better Players
Hitting with someone better may be humbling, but it makes you adapt. You will:
- Be ready to react quickly to shots that are hard to predict
- Learn by watching better footwork and strategy
- Experience the pressure of a real match
This is one of the quickest ways to improve your level.
6. Look at Your Matches
Write down your matches and look for patterns:
- Are you missing forehands when you’re under pressure?
- Do you lose points when you serve for the second time?
- Are you rushing to get to the net?
Self-analysis helps you make specific improvements.
7. Get a Coach or Join a Club to Help You
Private lessons and group clinics speed up progress:
- A coach fixes mistakes and form early on
- Clubs give players a chance to play structured matches
- Group drills help you stay consistent when things get tough
To get better faster, sign up for programs like the Beginner Tennis Clinic at Infinity Racquet Club.
8. Get a Better Attitude About Tennis
Tennis is a game of the mind. You get better faster the more mentally strong you get:
- Stay positive even when you make mistakes
- Breathing can help you deal with nerves
- Set small goals for each match, like getting 80% of your first serves in
- Picture yourself winning before you step onto the court
You can learn how to be more confident.
9. Learn by Watching the Pros
Watching professional tennis teaches you:
- Watch how they build points
- Keep track of your footwork and recovery positions
- Look at how they change when things get tough
Pay attention while you watch. Then use one of the insights in your next practice.
10. Don’t Make These Common Mistakes
- Not paying attention to fitness: Slows down movement and raises the risk of injury
- Over gripping: Makes muscles tight and makes it hard to control your shots
- Playing it too safe or too dangerous: Find the right amount
- Not doing warm-ups and cool-downs: hurts recovery and performance
The quickest way to break bad habits is to be aware of them.
11. Play Tennis in Real-Life Situations
Get ready for real games by doing things like:
- Simulations for tie-breaks
- Second serve under stress
- Moving from defence to offence
These drills help you think faster about tactics and be more aware of your surroundings, which are both very important in a match.
12. The Most Important Tennis Gear
The right gear can help you move faster:
- Use the right racket: Beginners should use lighter frames, and more experienced players should use heavier ones for more control
- String tension: More power with looser strings, more control with tighter strings
- Grip size: keeps you from getting hurt and makes you feel better
- Shoes: Tennis shoes that give you support on the sides
Ask a coach or a store that sells only that type of thing for personalized advice.
Extra Tips for Getting Ahead Faster
- Every morning for two weeks, hit 100 serves
- Use a ball machine to find your weak spots
- In front of a mirror, shadow swing your strokes
- Keep a journal for tennis to keep track of your goals and progress
Being consistent is very important.
FAQ: Quick Tips for Your Tennis Journey
Q1: What’s the quickest way to get better at tennis?
Work on one weakness at a time, practise it every day, and check your progress once a week.
Q2: Is it possible to get better at tennis without a coach?
Yes, by practicing in a structured way, watching videos, and playing with better players.
Q3: How many hours a week should someone who is just starting out practise?
At least three to five hours of focused practice that includes drills, match play, and conditioning.
Q4: Does watching tennis help you get better?
Yes, for sure. Watching pros helps you improve your strategy, timing, and mental discipline.
Get Better and Faster
It’s not magic that will help you get better at tennis quickly; it’s a method. Concentrate on the basics, practise with a goal in mind, keep your mind sharp, and be around coaches and other people who are working on their skills. Use these strategies all the time, and you’ll see real progress in weeks, not years.
Do you want a plan for how to get better?
Call us today to set up a free consultation with one of our expert coaches.
