What Should Coaches Teach in the First Tennis Lesson

As a tennis coach, the first lesson with a new student is crucial for establishing a connection and setting the tone for future lessons.

I have found that incorporating a mix of fun and technique-based activities in the first lesson helps to engage the student and lay a strong foundation for their future progress.

Before beginning the lesson, take the time to get to know your new student. Ask questions such as:

  • Why do they want to learn tennis?
  • What do they already know about tennis?
  • Have they ever played tennis before?
  • Do they have a favorite pro player?

The answers to these questions will provide insight into the student’s motivation and level of experience and will help you tailor the lesson accordingly.

When introducing yourself to the student, keep it simple but enthusiastic.
Let them know your name and how long you have been playing and teaching tennis.
Express how excited you are to have the opportunity to introduce them to this sport.

To structure the lesson, here are a few key elements to include:

  1. Court dimensions and line names
    It is important for new players to learn the names of the lines, such as the baseline, singles side lines, and service lines. This will help them navigate the court and follow instructions.
  2. Racquet basics
    Explain the different parts of the racquet, including the head, neck, and handle. You can also introduce basic grips without getting into too much detail.
  3. Hand-eye coordination drills
    These will test the student’s physical skills and help them become more comfortable with the racquet.
  4. Forehand groundstroke technique
    This is one of the most basic strokes in tennis and is a good starting point for beginners. Demonstrate the proper technique and then have the student practice the stroke through drills and fun games.

Throughout the lesson, it is important to keep it fun and engaging while also focusing on technique.
Encourage your student, regardless of age, and praise their efforts.

For children, consider providing a small gift at the end of the lesson, such as stickers or candy, to show your appreciation and encourage them to continue coming to lessons.
For adults, pay attention to their needs and interests, and incorporate drills that challenge them and provide a good workout.

By focusing on both technique and fun in the first lesson, you can establish a strong connection with your new student and set them on a path toward success in the sport of tennis.

Cosmin Miholca

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Check out my work at WebTennis24 where I share with you my best video tennis lessons, drills and tips for players, coaches and tennis parents.

The FIRST Things I Teach Beginner Tennis Students

When teaching tennis to a new and beginning student, I have always emphasized a combination of fun and technique.

When a new student books me for a lesson, in the first 5-10 minutes I try to find out about them: why they want to learn tennis, what they know about it, and if they have ever tried tennis before.

For example, someone might want to learn so that they can play with their family. Or they consider tennis a good way to stay in shape. Or they are just being brought in by their parents. Whatever the reason, it is good to ask them – you’ll find some interesting answers for why people pick up a tennis racquet.

After you familiarize yourself with your new student, it is good to let them know a “very” little bit about yourself – do not bore them too much about your life. Just keep it to simply letting them know your name, and how long you’ve enjoyed playing and teaching tennis, and enthusiastically letting them know how glad you are to have the opportunity to teach tennis.

To keep this article short, I’d suggest that in the first lesson you should introduce your students to the following:

1. Court dimensions and names of the lines – it is important for new players to learn the names of the lines (e.g. baseline, singles side lines, service line, etc.) so that when you ask them to practice from a certain spot on the court, they should know their way about the court.

2. Racquet introduction – explain to your student the different parts of the racquet: head, neck, and handle. If you want, you can show them the basic grips without getting into much detail.

3. Introduce some hand-eye coordination drills to test their physical skills.

4. Begin by demonstrating and teaching the basic forehand groundstroke technique followed by drills and fun games that put into practice the skills they learn.

These are the main points that a student should learn in the first lesson. Make sure to keep it fun and try as much as possible to connect with the students by listening to them and allowing them to ask you questions during the lesson.

If your student is a child, encourage them all the time and praise their effort. At the end of the class, have a little prize for them (e.g. small candy, stickers, etc.). Kids love that and will continue coming to your lessons when you show that you care.

If your student is an adult, again, listening to their needs and allowing them to ask questions is important. Adults, more than kids, are interested in detailed techniques and… a good workout. Do drills that make them “break a sweat” from time to time. They should leave your classes smiling. (:

Have fun on the court and write to me if you have any questions, below.

Cosmin Miholca

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Check out my work at WebTennis24 where I share with you my best video tennis lessons, drills and tips for players, coaches and tennis parents.