Ever watched Roger Federer glide across the court or Serena Williams deliver a blistering serve and thought, “I wish I knew how to play tennis like that”? You’re not alone. Many people probably first picked up a racquet because of the tennis GOATs like Federer, the Williams sisters, Nadal, or Novak Djokovic.
While they are all now household names, every one of them once started as a beginner. Learning how to play tennis isn’t just about becoming a grand slam champion and a famous tennis player in the world. It’s a sport that improves fitness, sharpens your mind, and connects you with a passionate tennis community across Malaysia.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how you can begin your tennis journey here with us, Superprof. By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge and resources you need to start playing tennis, whether for fun or as the first step towards a professional career.
Ready to serve up your first shot? Let’s dive in.
Photo by John Fornander on Unsplash
How to Play Tennis: A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide
If you’re new to this sport, the sport might look intimidating at first. The fast serves, quick footwork, and complex scoring can be daunting. But once you break it down into steps, it’s a lot easier than it seems. Here’s how to play tennis as a complete beginner:
Step 1: Understand the court layout
A tennis court has a baseline (where you start serving), a net in the middle, service boxes, and doubles alleys (extra width for doubles matches).
Step 2: Learn the scoring system
Game: In tennis, when calling the score, you always call the server’s points (the player who starts the point by hitting the ball first) — no matter who’s winning. Think of it as giving the server “first mention” every time.
Here’s how the points go in a standard game:
- “Love” – Fancy tennis talk for zero points
- “15” – First point won
- “30” – Second point won
- “40” – Third point won
- “Game” – Fourth point won (and you win the game!)
Set: In this game, players usually compete in the best of 3 sets (win 2 sets) or best of 5 sets (win 3 sets). To win a set, you must win at least 6 games and be ahead by two games. For example:
If the scoring looks like this:
6-5 → win the set ✅
7-5 → win the set ✅
6–5 → set continues ❌ (you need one more game to win 7–5)
If the score reaches 6–6, a tiebreak is usually played to decide the set.
Match: A match is won by being the first to win the required number of sets. In best-of-3 matches, the first player to win 2 sets is the winner. In best-of-5 matches, the first to win 3 sets wins the match.
Step 3: Master your grip
Beginners often start with the foundational grip, the Eastern forehand grip, because it’s relatively simple and a great option for players learning how to hit the forehand. As you progress, you can experiment with the Continental and Semi-Western grips for different shots.
Step 4: Practice the basic strokes
Check out this video where a tennis coach demonstrates the key strokes — forehand, backhand, serve, and volley, step by step, with clear explanations for each one.
Step 5: Work on footwork
Always stay on the balls of your feet, ready to move forward, backwards, or sideways. Prefer watching instead of reading? I thought so. Sometimes it’s easier to understand by watching, especially for sports like tennis. Here’s a video that walks you through the key footwork fundamentals, including how to stay light on your toes and move in all directions.
Step 6: Play your first rally
A rally is when you and your partner hit the ball back and forth over the net without making a mistake, aiming to keep the ball in play. Don’t focus on winning or hitting hard. You’re practising for control and consistency here. At the beginner stage, keeping the rally going is more important.
Photo by J. Schiemann on Unsplash
Essential Tennis Equipment for Beginners
When learning how to play tennis, the right equipment makes a huge difference. You don’t need all the fancy equipment from the get-go, but these are essential:
- Racket: As a beginner, choose an affordable racket or borrow from a friend. If you’re purchasing, get an affordable one with a proper grip. If you enjoy playing tennis and want to play it regularly, go for the pricier ones.
- Tennis balls: Of course, the star of the show! Beginners often start with red or orange training balls, which are softer, travel more slowly, and bounce lower, perfect for learning control and proper technique. Standard yellow balls are faster and bouncier, used on hard courts and by more experienced players.
- Shoes: When selecting tennis shoes, consider factors such as your playing frequency, court surface, and personal comfort. If you're an occasional player, a basic shoe with moderate cushioning may suffice. However, if you play regularly, invest in a high-quality pair with enhanced grip and durability for long-term use. Avoid running or cross-training shoes.
- Clothing: You can use your workout clothing as long as you can run, jump and sweat in it. If you have decided you’re going to play tennis every week, then you can invest in tennis-specific clothing.
- Bag: Get any bag that holds your gear. A bag specifically designed for tennis will have space for keeping your racquet and compartments for all your other gear. But only consider this if you’re going to play tennis regularly.
Other accessories: Grip tape for better hold, vibration dampeners for comfort, a cap or visor for sun protection, and sweatbands. If you’re playing on an outdoor court, you might also want a portable net.
Looking to buy tennis equipment in KL? This article highlights the best places to shop, both online and offline!
What is the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia, and Why Should You be Aware of it?
If you’re serious about tennis and want to turn it into a career, then you should know about the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM). Even if you don’t, just get to know about them, okay?
LTAM was officially launched in 1965 and acts as an affiliate of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in Malaysia. At present, it is more commonly known as Tennis Malaysia.
The organisation acts as a national body to promote tennis in every state of Malaysia, to cultivate and develop potential among young athletes, as well as to organise national and international tournaments across the country.
Regardless of whether you are a regular fan, a player or an aspiring coach, here are some of the takeaways you can gain from knowing the role of LTAM.
a) Get the latest updates and information on past tennis happenings in different states of Malaysia
From the LTAM official website, you will be able to check on the announcements on future local tournaments and also past events that have taken place.
Some of the important information that you can take note of as a player/coach/parent includes:
- Tournament Date
- Organizer
- Location
- Entry Deadline
- Withdrawal Deadline
- Events (Singles/Doubles/14 & Under/16 & Under)
- Draws and Final Results (PDF)
b) Review and check on the official rankings of players and their international tournaments
Bear in mind that LTAM oversees and publishes the latest national rankings of tennis players in all categories.
Junior Tour Rankings
- 10 & U Girl's Single Ranking
- 10 & U Boy's Single Ranking
- 12 & U Girl's Single Ranking
- 12 & U Boy's Single Ranking
- 14 & U Girl's Single Ranking
- 14 & U Boy's Single Ranking
- 16 & U Girl's Single Ranking
- 16 & U Boy's Single Ranking
- 10 & U Girl's Doubles Ranking
- 10 & U Boy's Doubles Ranking
- 12 & U Girl's Doubles Ranking
- 12 & U Boy's Doubles Ranking
- 14 & U Girl's Doubles Ranking
- 14 & U Boy's Doubles Ranking
- 16 & U Girl's Doubles Ranking
- 16 & U Boy's Doubles Ranking
National Circuit Rankings
- Men's Singles Ranking
- Men's Doubles Ranking
- Women's Singles Ranking
- Women's Doubles Ranking
c) Aspiring tennis coaches can join the Tennis Malaysia Coach Certification Scheme
In collaboration with ITF, LTAM launched this coaching scheme to provide a platform for aspiring tennis coaches in Malaysia to receive a formal and world-recognised tennis coaching qualification.
You may refer to the table below to learn more about the modules.
| Coaching Modules and Level | Duration |
|---|---|
| Basic Coaching Course | 12 hours |
| ITF Play Tennis Course | 35 hours |
| Tennis Malaysia Level 1[ITF 1BCI] | 45.5 hours |
| Tennis Malaysia Level 2 [ITF 1BCI] | 44.5 hours |
| Tennis Malaysia Level 3 [ITF 2 CAP] | 88 hours |
| Tennis Malaysia 4 [ITF 3 CHP} | 100 hours |
Note: The coaching certification information presented is based on available sources and may not reflect the most current details of LTAM's complete six-level certification scheme. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about all coaching modules, durations, and requirements, please contact LTAM directly or visit their official website.
Talking about LTAM probably makes you think of the Grand Slam tournaments. We’ve covered this in the article. Check it out!
Which Local Tennis Competitions Can You Join As a Beginner?
If you have learned tennis for a period of time (whether it is in school or through a private tennis coach), you should certainly consider giving tennis competitions a go.
As a student, playing against an opponent in competitions is a great way to foster healthy goal-setting while learning and mastering a sport. Facing an opponent teaches us to perform at our best, challenge ourselves, and appreciate the beauty of sportsmanship regardless of the outcome.
Here are some local competitions that you can consider joining if you are keen to take your tennis skills to the next level.
Tennis Competitions Organised by Schools and Universities
You can start small by representing your school or university in localised or friendly tennis tournaments.
It will definitely help you to build a strong foundation from a young age and will expose you to the real tennis tournament format and rules. From there, you'll gain confidence and experience through meeting different opponents.
It can also help boost your co-curricular marks (participation and achievements) in school. This is especially useful if you are interested in applying for scholarships in the future.
Johor Junior Tennis Tournament/Other State-Level Tournaments
After your participation at the school level, you can proceed to join state-level tournaments.
The Johor Junior Tennis Tournament is one of the examples of state-level tennis tournaments that is supported by LTAM.
It is open to Malaysians and non-Malaysians, and the entry fee is only RM30 (check for the latest price). You can get more details about the tournament on the official social media platforms such as Facebook & Instagram.
If you’re looking for experienced tennis coaches in Johor Bahru, this article has everything you need to get started.
Tennis Malaysia Junior Tour
This is where the best Malaysian junior tennis players gather to battle.
Most players who join this competition have previous experience representing their respective states in national contests and even the country in international tennis tournaments, and their goal is to improve their overall rankings.
The tour not only helps players gain competitive experience but also provides exposure to higher-level coaching, training techniques, and the opportunity to be scouted for national development programs.
New to the game? Looking for some inspiration?
One of the best ways to learn is by watching the most famous games ever played by the champions themselves. We’ve put together a list of iconic matches you can watch for free to spark your motivation and deepen your love for the game.
Photo by: cottonbro from Pexels
Beginner-Friendly Tennis Drills You Can Try Anywhere
Yes! You read that right. You don’t need to be on a tennis court every day to get better. You can literally try practising anywhere— you just need a bit of space and a racquet. These beginner-friendly drills are designed to help you develop solid strokes and improve your footwork.
You can try these slowly at home first, then pick up the pace as you improve.
Wall rallies
What it is: Stand a few meters from a wall and keep hitting the ball so it bounces back, maintaining the ball in a rally. You can do this on a wall at home, just make sure to clear the space to avoid breaking anything and getting scolded by your mom!
Watch the video below to understand why this drill is used and how it can benefit you.
Target serves
What it is: Place cones or markers in the service box (the rectangular area where your ball must land) and aim for them while serving.
Target serves are excellent for developing serve accuracy and consistency. Watch the video below that demonstrates how it works.
Mini tennis
What it is: It’s similar to a rally, but with a partner, where both players stand inside the service boxes and hit soft, controlled shots to each other.
You can practice these drills at home or anywhere with enough space. Use a portable net, tie a rope between two chairs, set up cones, or draw a line with chalk to act as a temporary “net”. Play with softer balls (foam or low-compression) and aim to keep the rally slow and controlled. If there’s no partner, you can practice wall rallies instead.
Play the video below to watch a demonstration of this rally, and learn from the best!
- Agility ladder drill: This is an excellent way to improve footwork, coordination, speed and better court movement. There are many drills, such as lateral high knees, in-and-outs, and ickey shuffle, that you can practice to improve your footwork.
Let’s find out the different types of agility drills that you can practice as a beginner. Choose the ones you can comfortably practice both at home and on the court.
You can talk to your coach about your interest in trying different drills or techniques. This open communication will help both of you determine the best approach to learning tennis.
Want to dive deeper? Check out this article where we’ve covered essential tennis drills to help you progress faster.
How Can You Find Tennis Classes Near You in Different Cities in Malaysia?
Okay, now you know some of these things:
- Basic information about tennis
- How to find opportunities to join state or national-level competitions
- How to explore career opportunities in the sport
- How can you practice at home
We believe that it’s time for your interest to take another level. To truly get better at something, it’s essential to have a coach. Think about it; famous CEOs, politicians, celebrities and top athletes all have coaches to help them with training, speeches, presentations, public relations, and more.
You, too, would need a coach who can guide you in the right direction, refine your skills, and help you achieve your goals.
If you are currently thinking of learning tennis as a beginner (regardless of your age), here are a few suggestions on where you can kickstart your journey with a private tennis tutor around you.
i. Superprof
Prefer to do your own research and evaluation when you are seeking a private tutor? Look no further!
Superprof is a platform where amazing tutors, coaches, professionals, teachers and mentors of different fields and subjects come together to share their knowledge and passion!
You can easily access over 1,000 subjects (including tennis!) on the website and start learning from tutors from all parts of Malaysia and different countries.
All you need to do is just key in "Tennis" in the Search Box.
From there, Superprof will direct you to the perfect tutor (online or in-person) that matches your preference and requirements (teaching qualification and experience, hourly rates of lessons).
You can choose the perfect coach to match your goals from over 531 coaches across Malaysia, with the option of taking online classes with international tutors too! Our classes start from as low as RM 50 per hour, though prices may vary depending on the tutor.
Our tutors typically reply in under 6 hours, so you can chat with them to discuss your needs before booking a session. Still unsure? Many tutors even offer the first class for FREE, giving you the chance to experience their teaching style before committing.
At Superprof, we believe in diversity and flexibility in learning. Hence, we provide students with the option of choosing between a physical tennis lesson and an online tennis lesson according to their schedules and learning level.
Online lessons are on the rise because they offer you an alternative to continuing learning when physical lessons are limited or when you prefer to learn in the comfort of your home. It also enables you to learn from the coaches around the world.
ii. Word Of Mouth/Recommendations From Family and Friends
Another way you can find a good tennis tutor is to reach out to family and friends for direct recommendations and enquiries.
Let them know that you are actively looking for a place or a private tennis coach to start learning tennis.
You can also talk to parents who have previously sent their kids for tennis lessons and ask them about the facilities, teaching styles and the rates of the lessons.
From there, you can do a detailed comparison and decide where to go based on their reviews and suggestions.
iii. Official Social Media Pages of Tennis Associations
Never underestimate the power of social media these days!
You'll be surprised to discover many tennis recreational clubs of state tennis associations that are actively recruiting students or members for weekly or even monthly tennis learning and games.
Some of the associations that you can find on Facebook include Persatuan Tenis Johor, Persatuan Tenis Perlis, Perak Lawn Tennis Association and many more.
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels
The Physical and Mental Benefits of Playing Tennis
You would agree that playing sports definitely benefits your body and mental health—it’s often seen as similar to working out at a gym. It’s simply because playing a sport is not just about competition; it’s about staying active, healthy, and engaged. Tennis comes with a wide range of physical and mental health benefits that make it a sport worth picking up.
Some of the physical health benefits are:
- Cardiovascular disease prevention
- Reduced obesity & diabetes risks
- Improved bone health
- Improved coordination and increased energy levels
There are also some mental health benefits, such as:
- Stress and anxiety management
- Higher cognitive function, reduced stress, better thinking skills and coping strategies
These are certainly not the only benefits of playing tennis. Many news outlets and credible sources have reported on tennis being ranked as the number 1 healthiest sport and how it has a powerful impact on the mind and body. You can read more in this article about the benefits of playing tennis beyond physical and mental health.
This is not a cure for any existing health issues you may have. Just like supplements, sports are meant to support you in achieving better health. Remember, there’s no guarantee that you’ll achieve better health with sports alone. Your overall well-being is shaped by your lifestyle, eating habits, environment, and more.
What Characteristics Should You Look For In A Private Tennis Tutor?
Whether you are browsing the tutors' profiles online or you are meeting a potential tennis coach in person, here are some key qualities to look for when picking a tennis tutor.
1. Patience
A good tennis coach should be patient in listening and teaching their students, regardless of their age level and learning pace.
This is extremely important if you are starting from zero and have no idea what to expect for your first few lessons.
Granted that mistakes are inevitable, a good tennis coach should patiently guide students through simple and clear instructions until they get the playing right.
2. Good eye for details and keen observation
A good tennis coach should also be able to point out a player's strengths and weaknesses through their playing routine and style.
From there, he or she can make the relevant adjustments in their coaching and exercise drill for the students to gradually improve during future practices.
3. Relevant coaching experience or qualification
It would certainly be a great added quality if your tennis tutor has years of teaching experience nd a certified coaching qualification.
They would know how to incorporate a balance of techniques, tactics, and drills to boost your performance on the courts, offer you tips to strengthen your stamina, as well as give the right encouragement and advice to boost your confidence and mental capacity.
If you are thinking of turning into a professional tennis player who participates in local/international tournaments, you can also specifically request to learn from national tennis players who have relevant tournament experience.
Whether you are learning tennis as a hobby or you are intending to pursue tennis competitively, you can always depend on your tennis coach to have the best playing experience!
We have come to the end of the article. Thank you so much for staying with us until the finish line! . We hope this article has given you the information you need to get started. After all, every legendary athlete you’ve watched showcasing their forehand or backhand shots in an Open match had a starting point. We’d be honoured if yours begins with us.
Want to feel inspired? Check out our article on the incredible stories of famous tennis athletes who have played their way into history! Before you go, read this quote:
Everyone needs a coach. It doesn't matter whether you're a basketball player, a tennis player, a gymnast or a bridge player. - Bill Gates
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