5 Common Tennis Mistakes Beginners Make

1. Poor Grip Technique

One of the most fundamental aspects of tennis is your grip, yet many beginners either don't know the proper grip or don't realize when their grip has shifted during play.

The Problem: Using the wrong grip (often too tight or in the wrong position) limits your ability to generate power, control the ball, and hit different types of shots effectively.

The Solution: Learn the proper Eastern or Semi-Western forehand grip and Continental grip for serves and volleys. Practice holding the racquet correctly until it becomes second nature. A good coach can quickly identify and correct grip issues.

2. Not Following Through

Many beginners stop their swing as soon as they make contact with the ball, which robs them of power and control.

The Problem: A short, choppy swing results in weak shots and poor accuracy. The follow-through is crucial for generating power and maintaining control.

The Solution: Practice completing your swing. For a forehand, your racquet should finish over your opposite shoulder. For a backhand, extend through the ball and finish with the racquet pointing toward your target. Think "swing through the ball, not at it."

3. Standing Flat-Footed

Tennis is a game of movement, but beginners often plant their feet and try to reach for the ball instead of moving their feet to get into position.

The Problem: Poor footwork leads to off-balance shots, rushed preparation, and missed opportunities. You can't hit a good shot if you're not in the right position.

The Solution: Stay on the balls of your feet, keep moving between shots, and learn to split-step when your opponent is about to hit the ball. Good footwork makes everything else easier. Practice side shuffles, cross-overs, and recovery steps.

4. Overhitting the Ball

Many beginners think that hitting the ball harder will make them better players. This often leads to unforced errors and frustration.

The Problem: Overhitting causes the ball to go long, wide, or into the net. Power without control is useless in tennis.

The Solution: Focus on consistency and placement first. Learn to rally consistently before trying to hit winners. A well-placed, moderately-paced shot is often better than a hard shot that goes out. Power will come naturally as your technique improves.

5. Not Watching the Ball

It sounds obvious, but many beginners take their eyes off the ball, especially when they're trying to see where their shot is going or worrying about their opponent.

The Problem: Taking your eye off the ball, even for a split second, leads to mishits, poor contact, and missed shots. Your eyes are your best tool for timing and contact.

The Solution: Watch the ball from the moment it leaves your opponent's racquet until it makes contact with yours. Practice tracking the ball with your eyes. You should see the strings of your racquet make contact with the ball. This simple focus dramatically improves your consistency.

How Professional Coaching Helps

While these tips are helpful, having a qualified coach observe your technique and provide personalized feedback is invaluable. A coach can:

• Identify mistakes you might not notice yourself
• Provide drills to address specific weaknesses
• Correct technique issues before they become habits
• Accelerate your learning curve significantly

At Ojo Coaching Academy, I work with beginners to build solid fundamentals from day one. With 14+ years of teaching experience, I know how to help you avoid these common pitfalls and develop proper technique from the start.