Want to get into tennis as an adult? Here's how to actually start

Starting a new sport as an adult can feel intimidating. When you’re younger, being bad at something is almost expected. As an adult, walking onto a court next to people who seemingly know exactly what they’re doing can make you want to turn around before you’ve even served your first ball. Tennis is a sport you can start later in life, and you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy it.

Start with a few lessons

You could grab a friend and head straight onto a tennis court, but a few beginner lessons will save you a lot of frustration. A coach can teach you the basics of your forehand, backhand, serve, grip and footwork before any bad habits settle in. Look for beginner group classes at tennis clubs or sports facilities in your area if private coaching feels like too much of a commitment. Group sessions also have another advantage: everyone is learning, so there is less pressure to know what you’re doing.

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@simplifiedtennis First tennis lesson pointers 📝 1️⃣ Unit Turn 2️⃣ Step In 3️⃣ Racket Head Drop 4️⃣ Swing Finish #forehand #theforehand #tennislesson #tennistips #tennisbeginner #learntennis #tenniscoach #tennisexercises #tennistricks #tennislove #tennisfan #tennistraining #tennispractice ♬ 1901 - Instrumental - Phoenix

Your tennis outfit is not important yet

Tennis has a way of making you believe you need a new wardrobe before your first session. You don't.

A comfortable sports outfit, supportive footwear and a racket are enough to get you started. Some clubs and coaches have rackets available to borrow, which is worth taking advantage of before spending money on your own.

If you decide that tennis is going to become a regular part of your routine, then you can have fun with the tennis skirts, dresses, visors and matching sets. One thing worth paying attention to from the beginning, however, is your footwear. Tennis involves a lot of quick lateral movement, so proper tennis shoes offer support that regular running shoes may not.

Learn the basics

Tennis scoring can sound complicated when you’re standing on a court for the first time. You don't need to memorise every rule before playing. Start by understanding how points are scored, where to stand, where the ball needs to land and how serving works. The rest becomes much easier once you actually start playing.

@rahultheathlete serve for ultra beginners in 20s ⚡️ #tenniscoach #tennisplayer #learntennis #serve #fyp ♬ original sound - Rahul 🎾 Coach

Find people at your level

This might be the biggest difference between sticking with tennis and giving up after three sessions. Playing against someone considerably better than you can be useful occasionally, but constantly chasing tennis balls while your opponent casually hits winners past you isn't fun. Finding another beginner gives you room to learn, laugh at terrible shots and improve together. Many local tennis clubs have social sessions, beginner leagues or WhatsApp groups where members can find hitting partners. Don't be afraid to say you're new.

Make it social

One of the best things about tennis as an adult is that your session doesn't have to end when you walk off the court. Play doubles with friends. Book a Saturday morning court and go for breakfast afterwards. Join your club's social games. Turn it into a regular midweek catch-up instead of another workout you have to force yourself to do.