5 Tips On How To Get Better at Tennis

Learning how to get better at tennis goes far beyond just perfecting your swing. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen specific tennis skills, mastering the game takes patience, strategy, and the right mindset.

Small improvements in form, footwork, and game awareness can help you become a technically and mentally better tennis player. Below are targeted tips any level player can follow to elevate their tennis game—one shot, one practice session, one tennis ball at a time.

1 - Select One Area of Focus at a Time

The key to getting better at tennis lies in gradual progress. Trying to change too many parts of your technique at once can cause frustration and overload your brain, especially as an adult learner. Instead, slow things down. Break down your strokes into clear, manageable components and allow each part to become second nature.

When you're on the tennis court with your coach, focus on only one or two core adjustments at a time:

- Improving your grip or contact point

- Fixing the racket path during a forehand

- Adjusting your footwork for better ball setup

- Stick with those even if the ball keeps hitting the back fence. 

Trust the process—it takes time and repetition to form lasting habits. Progress in tennis is not instant. With time and focus, each change will come together into a smoother game.

2 - Commitment

You can't learn to hit a perfect shot in a few hours—not when your body has memorized an old swing over hundreds of games. Commitment to repetition is how you get better at tennis—by doing the same thing the same way until it becomes natural. Even putting on your gear, like your favorite short-sleeved tennis shirts, can signal it’s time to focus and train with purpose.

- Stick to one focus during your practice sessions

- Repeat the technique until it sinks in

- Stay patient, even if results don't show immediately

Most tennis players want fast results, but true improvement requires discipline. Stick with your goal long enough for the change to stick with you.

3 - Practice Effectively

It’s not about how much you train—it’s about how well you use your time on the court. One hour of focused, goal-driven practice beats four hours of aimless hitting.

Follow these tips for a good practice session:

- Warm up with purpose (shadow swings, footwork drills)

- Practice with one specific objective (e.g. hitting deep to the service box)

- Visualize the opponent and craft your shots accordingly

- Add scoring to create pressure situations

Make every practice session count. Structure, intensity, and clear goals are what boost your ability to play tennis at a higher level.

4 - Let Go and Trust Your Training

Tennis players often struggle with trying to be perfect. But once you're in a match, it's time to let go of overthinking and trust your training to take over. The mental game is just as important as your physical preparation—and being dressed for confidence helps too.

Whether it’s supportive compression shirts or lightweight training skirts, feeling comfortable in your gear allows you to focus on the match instead of distractions.

- Focus on your next shot, not the last

- Play boldly, without fear of mistakes

- Learn to reset between points

The real wins come when you push your ego aside and simply play. Winning more is about confidence shaped by discipline.

5 - Use Group Coaching to Learn Tactics

Playing matches and feeling like you're hitting a wall with your training, or just don’t have the time or drive to commit to more technical work? That’s totally okay. One of the most effective ways to improve your tennis game without overhauling your technique is through group coaching sessions.

Group coaching is not only more affordable than private lessons, but it’s also perfect for refining the tactical side of your tennis game with instant, practical takeaways. Instead of breaking down every detail of your swing, you’ll learn how to play smarter using the skills you already have.

For example:

• - Is your tennis ball landing without pace? Your coach might suggest hitting higher over the net to keep it deeper and defend against aggressive players.
  
  

• - Have a weak serve but a strong forehand? Learn to serve out wide on the deuce side—setting up a forehand on the second shot.
  
  

• - Struggling in long doubles points? Try the I-formation and serving down the T to get your partner involved earlier at the net.

These are real-life, game-ready solutions and tennis tips that can help you play tennis with more power and confidence without spending hours rebuilding your technique.

If you're serious about becoming a smarter, better tennis player, joining a group session could be the easiest (and most fun) next step.

Take Your Tennis Game Further

Elevating your skills starts with the right mindset, but having quality gear matters too. At Sports Gear Swag, you’ll find customizable tennis gear that moves with your game.

From high-performance tennis jerseys and eye-catching tennis uniforms to breathable tennis shorts, our products are made to support your training and matches. Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and made for every tennis player, our gear helps you show up ready to play, whether you're just starting out or chasing the win on game day.

Explore the full Sports Gear Swag tennis collection today—where performance meets personalization.