Tennis is one of the best sports you can pick up as an adult – it’s sociable, great exercise, and accessible at every level. But walking onto a court for the first time can feel intimidating. This guide covers everything you need to know to start playing confidently, from choosing a racket to finding courts and coaching.
Essential Equipment for Beginners
| Item | Budget Pick | Mid-Range Pick | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Racket | Wilson Burn 100LS | Head Ti.S6 | £30 – £60 |
| Balls | Wilson Championship (4-pack) | Head Pro (4-pack) | £5 – £8 |
| Shoes | Any flat-soled trainers to start | ASICS Gel-Dedicate | £0 – £50 |
| Bag | Any sports bag | Head Tour Team 3R | £0 – £25 |
| Overgrip | Wilson Pro Overgrip (3-pack) | Tourna Grip (10-pack) | £5 – £10 |
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Choosing Your First Racket
Don’t overthink this. As a beginner, you want a racket that’s forgiving, lightweight, and not too expensive. Here’s what to look for:
| Spec | Beginner Ideal | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Head size | 100–110 sq in | Larger sweet spot = more forgiving |
| Weight | 260–285g (unstrung) | Light enough to swing easily |
| Balance | Head-heavy | Adds power without extra effort |
| String pattern | 16×19 (open) | More spin-friendly and forgiving |
| Price | £30–£60 | No need to spend more until you know your style |
Learning the Basic Shots
The 4 Essential Shots
| Shot | What It Is | When to Learn |
|---|---|---|
| Forehand | Hitting on your dominant side with a natural swing | First – this is your bread and butter |
| Backhand | Hitting on your non-dominant side (one or two-handed) | Second – practice alongside forehand |
| Serve | Starting each point by hitting into the service box | Third – start with an underarm serve, progress to overarm |
| Volley | Hitting the ball before it bounces (at the net) | Fourth – once rallying is comfortable |
Finding Courts & Coaching in the UK
Where to Play
- Public park courts: Many are free or £3–£8/hour. Book through the LTA’s ClubSpark system or your local council website
- Tennis clubs: Membership typically £50–£200/year. Most offer beginner sessions and social tennis
- Leisure centres: Indoor courts available at many council leisure centres (£8–£15/hour)
- LTA’s Tennis for Free: Free coaching sessions for beginners in parks across the UK
Getting Coaching
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Group beginner course (6–8 weeks) | £40–£80 total | Best value, social, structured learning |
| LTA Open Court sessions | Free – £5 | Trying tennis before committing |
| Private coaching | £25–£45/hour | Fastest improvement, personalised feedback |
| Cardio Tennis | £5–£10/session | Fitness-focused, fun group format |
Tennis Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules
- Call your own lines honestly – if you’re not sure, the ball is in
- Return stray balls promptly – roll them back to the adjacent court when there’s a break in play
- Don’t walk behind courts during a point – wait for the point to end
- Warm up properly – rally cooperatively for 5–10 minutes before keeping score
- Bring water – tennis is more physically demanding than it looks
- Wear appropriate shoes – running shoes can mark courts and roll ankles; flat soles are best
What to Expect in Your First Month
| Week | Focus | What You’ll Be Doing |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Getting comfortable | Bouncing the ball, forehand rallying, basic serve |
| 3–4 | Building consistency | Longer rallies, backhand introduction, moving to the ball |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Am I too old to start playing tennis?
No. Tennis is one of the most age-friendly sports. Beginners in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond take up the game every year. Doubles is particularly popular with older players – less running, more strategy. Many clubs have dedicated veteran and social sessions.
How fit do I need to be?
You don’t need to be fit to start – you’ll get fit by playing. Beginner sessions are paced appropriately, and you can always take breaks. Tennis improves cardiovascular fitness, coordination, balance, and mental sharpness.
Do I need tennis-specific shoes?
For your first few sessions, any flat-soled trainers are fine. Avoid running shoes with thick heels – they can catch on the court surface and cause ankle injuries. Once you’re playing regularly, invest in proper tennis shoes (£40–£60) with lateral support and a durable outsole.
How often should I play to improve?
Twice a week is ideal for steady improvement. Once a week maintains your level. Three times a week and you’ll improve noticeably within a month. Even 30–45 minute sessions count – consistency matters more than session length.
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