5 Common Mistakes Beginners Make — and How to Fix Them

Starting tennis is a thrilling experience—but a lot of new tennis players do things that stagnate their progress. Let’s look at five of the most common issues that new players encounter, and how to improve them:

1. Flat-Footed Position

Many new players just stand still while waiting for the tennis ball, which prevents them from moving and forces them to be late in responding.

Fix: Stay on the balls of your feet. Naturally bounce lightly between shots. Always be on the move.

2. No Follow Through

A lot of new players stop their swing right after they hit the tennis ball. This hurts power, distance, and doesn’t help with shot placement.

Fix: Swing all the way through the tennis ball. A proper follow-through should finish over your opposite shoulder and helps generate spin and accuracy.

3. Holding the Racquet Too Tight

Holding the racquet too tightly leads to stiff wrists and jerky, inconsistent shots.

Fix: Use a relaxed grip. Think of it like holding a small bird—you don’t want to crush it, but you also don’t want it to fly away.

4. Standing Too Close to the Ball

Most beginners crowd the ball too much, leading to cramped, awkward strokes.

Fix: Create space. Use your arm’s natural extension as a guide, and move your feet to adjust your position.

5. Not Focusing on Footwork

Without proper footwork, you’ll often find yourself out of position and off-balance—especially when chasing wide balls.

Fix: Master the split-step and lateral movement. Great players control the game with their feet. The better your footwork, the more consistent and confident your shots become.