How to Play Tennis: Grip Positions, Swing Paths & Court Rules

1. The Racket Grip Positions

Everything in tennis starts with how you hold the racket. Racket handles are not round; they are octagonal, featuring eight distinct flat sides called bevels. By positioning the base knuckle of your index finger on different bevels, you change the racket face angle relative to the ball, altering spin and launch dynamics.

3. Core Stroke Mechanics

A. The Forehand

The forehand is the most common shot in tennis. The swing path begins with the unit turn (rotating your shoulders and hips back together). Keep your wrist relaxed, drop the racket head below the height of the ball, and swing in a low-to-high path. Contact the ball in front of your body, and finish with a full follow-through over your shoulder.

B. The Backhand (Two-Handed)

The two-handed backhand provides excellent stability. Hold the racket handle with your dominant hand in a Continental grip (Bevel 2) at the bottom, and your non-dominant hand in an Eastern Forehand grip (Bevel 3) above it. Think of the backhand as a left-handed forehand (for right-handed players) pushing through the ball, using your non-dominant hand to supply the power.

C. The Serve

The serve starts the point. Use a Continental grip (Bevel 2). Position your body sideways to the net. Toss the ball high, slightly in front of your lead shoulder. Bend your knees, drop the racket behind your back, and extend upwards to contact the ball at the peak of its rise, snap your wrist downward, and follow through across your body.

4. Footwork & The Split Step

Tennis is a game of footwork. The most critical step is the split step. This is a small, low hop executed just as your opponent is about to make contact. By landing on the balls of your feet with your knees bent, you pre-load your leg muscles. This allows you to react and move in any direction instantly.