While many people associate tennis practice with rallying with someone, in fact, the period of most rapid improvement is often “when you”ve thoroughly practiced simple drills alone.”

Just going to school isn”t enough; you want to be able to enjoy rallying sooner. For such beginners, “we”ve summarized the strongest practice menu for “improving alone” regardless of the place.

What should I practice on days when I don't have a partner? Just running isn't enough...

In that case, let's focus on 'shadow swinging' and 'wall practice.' Especially shadow swinging is the only way to acquire 'correct form' without being distracted by the ball.

1. Shadow Swinging: Fortifying the Strongest Form

Many people tend to underestimate shadow swinging, but it’s a basic practice that even pros never skip.

Use with Mirror and Video

Rather than just swinging the racket, it’s important to see yourself .

1. Film your swing from the side and back with a smartphone.
2. Compare it with a video of a professional role model.
3. Identify parts that feel awkward (elbow height, waist rotation, etc.) while checking in slow motion, and correct them.

Shadow Swinging with a Towel

Swing a “towel with a knot at the end” instead of a racket. This removes tension from the arms and helps you acquire the ideal inside-out swing trajectory (movement like a whip).

2. Wall Practice: Polishing Practical Skills

Wall practice is the best coach, where the ball you hit returns accurately and at double the speed.

• Keep a Rhythm : There”s no need to hit hard. Practice continuing to return with a good rhythm of “pon, pon, “pon” on one bounce.
• Check the Hitting Point : Sensing where the ball bounces and where to catch it for an easy return. Get a feel for keeping the hitting point consistent.
• Volley Practice : Stand near the wall and continue returning on the fly. You can develop a sense of pushing the ball out with the palm of your hand.

▲ Source: From the YouTube channel “Ray Tennis Team.” Hitting point confirmation with wall practice is very effective for beginners.

3. Latest 2026: “God Gear” to Turn Your Home into a Practice Ground

Finding a place for wall practice used to be difficult in solo practice, but as of 2026, tools are available that allow for authentic practice even in a home garage or indoors.

Recommended Practice Equipment

4. For Beginners: 15-Minute Daily Menu

This is a daily routine proposal for those times when you’re short on time.

1. Toss-Up Practice (2 min) : Practice tossing the serve to the same height and location while sitting in a chair.
2. Ball Lifting (3 min) : Bounce the ball up and down on the face of the racket. Acquire wrist flexibility and power adjustment.
3. Shadow Swinging (5 min) : 25 times each for forehand and backhand. Image “virtual balls” one by one and do it carefully.
4. Stepwork (5 min) : Stepping out to the left and right from a split step in time with music.

Summary: Skills Polished Alone Will Not Betray You

You might feel that “practicing alone is lonely,” but solitary effort is what creates the brilliance on the court, and the same goes for tennis.

If you gain “stability” through solo practice, you”ll be able to rally in a way that pleases your partner when you finally participate in interpersonal practice or matches. Let”s keep a virtuous cycle going, where that in turn leads to motivation for the next practice!

Come on, why not start by gripping the racket for just 5 minutes today?