Introduction: Preparing for Your First Lesson
If you’re about to start tennis lessons in Katy or Fulshear, you may be asking: “How can I prepare before stepping onto the court?” The truth is, showing up with some familiarity in beginner tennis drills makes your first session easier, more fun, and more productive.
At Infinity Racquet Club, we want new players to feel confident from day one. By practicing a few tennis drills before your first lesson, you’ll improve your hand-eye coordination, footwork, and timing—skills that make the game much easier to learn.
Why Practice Drills Before a Lesson?
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Confidence Boost – You won’t feel like a complete beginner.
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Faster Progress – Coaches can move you forward more quickly.
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Better Fitness – Drills prepare your body for tennis movement.
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Mindset Advantage – Arriving prepared makes learning enjoyable.
Drill 1: Ball Bounce & Control
Focus: Hand-eye coordination
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Hold your racket like you’re shaking hands with it.
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Drop a ball on the strings and keep it bouncing up and down.
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Try 20–30 continuous bounces without losing control.
👉 Pro Tip: Switch hands or bounce on the backhand side for variety.
Drill 2: Wall Rally Practice
Focus: Timing & consistency
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Stand 10 feet from a wall.
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Hit the ball softly against it and control the rebound.
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Aim for 10–15 rallies in a row.
👉 Even advanced players use wall drills to sharpen consistency.
Drill 3: Shadow Swings
Focus: Stroke technique
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Stand in ready position, knees bent.
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Practice forehand and backhand swings without a ball.
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Visualize hitting clean shots with full follow-through.
👉 Repeat 20 times for each stroke to build muscle memory.
Drill 4: Footwork Basics
Focus: Agility & positioning
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Mark spots on the ground with cones (or shoes).
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Practice side steps, forward sprints, and quick split steps.
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Always return to the center (ready position).
👉 Tennis is about movement—this drill prepares you to chase balls effectively.
Drill 5: Serve Toss Practice
Focus: Serve foundation
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Hold the ball in your non-dominant hand.
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Toss it slightly in front of you, just above racket height.
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Practice keeping the toss consistent in the same spot.
👉 A reliable toss is the #1 key to learning serves quickly.
Beginner Drill Routine (15 Minutes)
Time | Drill | Focus |
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0–3 min | Ball bounce control | Racket feel |
3–6 min | Wall rally | Timing |
6–9 min | Shadow swings | Technique |
9–12 min | Footwork patterns | Agility |
12–15 min | Serve toss | Serve prep |
Practice this 2–3 times a week to build confidence before your first lesson.
What to Expect in Your First Lesson
At Infinity Racquet Club, beginners get:
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Step-by-step coaching on grip, swing, and movement.
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Fun beginner drills that build on what you practiced at home.
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Personalized guidance on racket size, ball type, and gear.
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Friendly community environment—so you never feel out of place.
Internal Links for Faster Growth
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Already tried some drills? Read: How to Improve Your Tennis Game Fast.
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Want structured practice? Explore our beginner programs in Katy & Fulshear.
FAQs
Q1. Do I need a racket to start practicing?
Yes, but affordable beginner rackets are widely available. Coaches can suggest the right size.
Q2. Can I practice without a court?
Absolutely—drills like ball bounce, shadow swings, and toss practice can be done at home.
Q3. How long should I practice before my first lesson?
Even 10–15 minutes a few times a week is enough to prepare.
Q4. Will these drills make my lesson easier?
Yes—your coach can focus on refining skills instead of teaching very basics.
Q5. Can adults practice the same beginner drills?
Definitely. These drills are effective for both kids and adults starting tennis.
Conclusion: Start Confident, Learn Faster
Starting tennis should feel exciting—not overwhelming. By practicing a few beginner tennis drills before your first lesson, you’ll step onto the court ready to learn, improve, and enjoy.
At Infinity Racquet Club, we welcome new players of all ages in Katy & Fulshear. Our certified coaches and community make the journey simple and fun.