Eight mistakes almost everyone makes in their first months, each with a simple fix.
Every beginner goes through similar mistakes. Spotting them early stops bad habits from lasting for months.
1. Late preparation
Mistake: Taking the racket back only when the ball reaches your side.
Fix: As soon as you see which side the ball is coming to, turn your shoulders and take the racket back.
2. Gripping the racket too tightly
Mistake: Squeezing the handle with all your strength; this reduces control and tires your arm.
Fix: Hold the racket with control but loosely; the grip tightens naturally at contact.
3. Not using your feet
Mistake: Standing still and reaching for the ball with your arm.
Fix: Move into position with small steps. In tennis, most shots are won with the feet.
4. Not watching the ball
Mistake: Lifting your head to look at your opponent just before contact.
Fix: Watch the ball until contact and lift your head after the shot.
5. Hitting with just the arm
Mistake: Taking all your power from the arm.
Fix: Use the rotation of your hips and shoulders; power comes from the body.
6. Meeting the ball too close to your body
Mistake: No space between you and the ball, so the stroke gets cramped.
Fix: Position yourself about an arm’s length from the ball.
7. Trying to hit every ball too hard
Mistake: Losing control for the sake of power.
Fix: First learn to keep the ball in the court. Consistency wins most beginner matches.
8. Skipping the warm-up
Mistake: Arriving on court and going straight into hard hitting.
Fix: Build a 10–15 minute warm-up routine; see warming up before tennis.
Mistakes caused by equipment
A racket that’s too heavy, the wrong grip size or running shoes can also cause technical problems. Have a look at choosing a racket and choosing shoes.