How to start playing tennis? (Beginner's Guide)

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Thinking about picking up a tennis racket for the first time? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not too late. In fact, more and more adults are discovering tennis as their go-to sport for staying active, meeting new people, and yes, even blowing off a little steam after a long day. It’s one of the most fun and satisfying ways to move your body without needing to be in crazy-good shape from the start.

Now, maybe you’re wondering: “Isn’t tennis, like... kind of a rich person’s sport?” Fair question. But nope, tennis doesn’t have to be expensive or exclusive. You don’t need a fancy club membership or a pricey racket to get started. Some people literally start by hitting a ball against a wall with a $5 racket. 

Tennis is one of those rare sports you can enjoy for life. You can play it solo, with a friend, or as part of a group. You don’t need a team or a bunch of gear. And it gives you a full-body workout that actually feels like play, not punishment. You’ll sweat, laugh, mess up, get better, and probably get a little obsessed.

So if you’ve ever stood outside a tennis court watching people rally and thought, “That looks kind of fun…” this article is for you. We will walk you through everything you need to know to start playing tennis with confidence, even if you’ve never held a racket in your life.

Ready to get into it?

Basic equipment you need to start

Let’s keep it simple: you don’t need to spend a fortune to start playing tennis. In fact, you only need a few key items to get going. Here’s what matters most, and what you can skip (for now).

1. A tennis racket

This is your main tool, and yes, it matters. For beginners, look for a racket labeled as “beginner” or “intermediate.” These rackets usually have a larger head size (more surface area to hit the ball), are lightweight, and offer a good balance of power and control. 

Don’t stress too much about brands. What matters most is how it feels in your hand. If you can, try out a few before buying. Some shops even offer demo programs. Budget around $100–$150 for a quality beginner racket that won’t wreck your arm.

2. Tennis shoes

This is non-negotiable. Regular running shoes are designed for forward motion, while tennis shoes are built to support quick side-to-side movement and sudden stops, exactly what you’ll be doing on court. 

Without the right shoes, you risk rolling an ankle or developing nagging foot pain. Look for “all-court” tennis shoes if you’re just starting out and not sure what surface you’ll play on. Expect to spend around $75–$125 for a good pair..

3. Tennis balls

Most brands are fine, but Wilson, Penn, and Babolat are solid picks. If you’re practicing solo or with a partner, you might even want to get a small bag of balls so you’re not constantly picking them up after every few hits.

4. Comfortable clothes

Wear something breathable and comfortable that lets you move freely. If your shorts or pants have pockets, even better, you’ll need somewhere to keep a spare ball when you’re serving. Leggings, gym shorts, and dry-fit tops all work great.

5. Optional: A hat, towel, and water bottle

If you're playing outdoors, don’t forget sun protection. A hat or visor goes a long way. Bring a towel for sweat and a full water bottle, hydration is key, especially in the heat.

That’s it. No need to buy the whole pro player setup right away. Start with the basics, get on court, and see how you feel. Once you’re hooked you can gradually upgrade your gear.

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Simple rules of the game

Tennis might seem complicated at first, especially with the weird scoring system, but once you get the basics down, it’s actually pretty easy to follow. Here’s a quick breakdown of the simple rules you need to know to start playing without feeling lost.

1. The goal is to keep the ball in play

You and your opponent (or opponents, in doubles) take turns hitting the ball over the net. The main goal is keep the rally going by hitting the ball into the opponent’s side of the court within bounds. If the ball bounces outside the lines or doesn’t make it over the net, the point ends.

2. Serving starts the point

Every point begins with a serve. The server stands behind the baseline and hits the ball diagonally into the service box across the net. You get two tries per point. If you miss both, it’s a “double fault” and your opponent gets the point. After each point, keep serving from alternating sides.

3. Scoring

Here’s how it works:

No points = “Love”

1 point = 15

2 points = 30

3 points = 40

4 points = Game (as long as you’re ahead by 2)

If both players get to 40, that’s called “deuce.” From there, you need to win two points in a row to win the game, first “advantage,” then “game.”

A full match is made up of sets, and each set is made up of games. Usually, you need to win 6 games to win a set (and be ahead by at least 2 games). In beginner games, don’t worry about sets too much, just play a certain number of games or for a set amount of time.

4. One bounce only

You can let the ball bounce once on your side, or hit it out of the air (called a volley). But if it bounces twice, the point is over and your opponent gets the point.

5. Stay on your side

This sounds obvious, but not reaching over the net or stepping into your opponent’s side. If you touch the net or cross over during play, it’s their point.

6. Lines count as in

If the ball touches any part of the line, it’s considered in. So even those super close shots can still win you the point.

Where to play tennis

Finding a place to play tennis is easier than you might think, and no, you don’t need to join an expensive country club. There are actually plenty of accessible options out there, whether you’re in a big city, the suburbs, or even a smaller town.

1. Public tennis courts

This is the best starting point for most beginners. Many cities and towns have public parks with tennis courts that are completely free or cost just a small booking fee. These are usually first-come, first-served, though some parks allow you to reserve a court in advance through an app or city website.

2. Community centers and sports clubs

Local community centers often have courts you can rent for a reasonable fee. Some may even offer beginner clinics or open-play sessions where you can meet other new players. These places are more casual than private clubs, so you don’t need to worry about dress codes or membership requirements.

3. Schools and universities

Some schools open up their tennis courts to the public after hours or on weekends. If you live near a high school or college campus, check if they offer public access, it’s a hidden gem most people forget about.

4. Gyms and rec centers

Larger gyms or recreation centers may have tennis facilities as part of their membership. This can be a great deal if you’re already a member or looking to join for other fitness perks too. They sometimes include indoor courts, which are great for rainy or cold days.

5. Private clubs (Optional)

Yes, private clubs do exist, and they usually offer beautiful facilities, organized matches, and coaching. But they can be pricey and aren’t necessary for beginners. If you fall in love with the sport later and want access to more structured programs, you can always explore this option down the line.

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Safety and etiquette tips

Before you hit the court, it’s important to know how to stay safe, and how to be a good sport. Tennis is a physically active game, but it’s also built on respect and fairness. Here’s what every beginner should keep in mind.

1. Warm up first

Tennis involves quick stops, sprints, and sudden changes in direction. Jumping into a match cold can lead to injuries, especially in your knees, ankles, or shoulders. Take 5–10 minutes to stretch and do light movements like arm circles, side steps, or mini jogs to get your body ready.

2. Wear the right shoes

Proper tennis shoes are key. They’re designed for the kind of lateral (side-to-side) movement you’ll do on court. Running shoes won’t give you the same stability, and they can increase your risk of twisting an ankle.

3. Don’t play through pain

Feeling a little sore is normal, especially when you’re starting out. Beautiful you feel a sharp pain, that’s a warning sign. Stop and rest if something doesn’t feel right. Playing through pain can turn a minor issue into a long-term injury.

4. Keep hydrated and take breaks

Always bring a water bottle and take short breaks between games or sets, especially on hot days. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can sneak up on you fast, even if you’re just casually rallying.

5. Respect other players and the court

Good tennis etiquette is simple, wait until a point is over before walking behind someone else’s court, don’t yell across courts, and always pick up your balls. If a ball rolls onto another court, wait for the right moment and return it politely.

6. Call lines honestly

In friendly games, players make their own line calls. If the ball is close, give your opponent the benefit of the doubt. No one likes a line-caller who sees every shot as out. Keep it fair, it's part of the game’s spirit.

7. Keep your cool

Missed shots and bad days happen. Try not to slam your racket, shout, or let frustration take over. Staying calm and respectful, no matter the score, is part of what makes tennis enjoyable for everyone.

8. Clean up after you play

Don’t leave trash, water bottles, or balls behind. Put everything back in place, and leave the court ready for the next person. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference in keeping public courts available and well-maintained.

Final tips and encouragement for beginners

Starting something new, especially a sport like tennis, can feel a little intimidating at first. But here’s the truth: everyone starts somewhere. Even the pros once struggled to get the ball over the net. So don’t worry about being perfect. Focus on showing up, hitting a few balls, and having fun. That’s how progress begins.

Start small and stay consistent.

You don’t need to master every stroke in your first few sessions. Pick one or two basic skills, like the forehand or serve, and practice those. Play once or twice a week to begin with. Even short, casual practice sessions add up fast when you stay consistent.

Find your people.

Tennis is more fun when shared. Join a beginner group class, hit with a friend, or look for social tennis meetups in your area. Surrounding yourself with others who are also learning can take the pressure off and help you stay motivated.

Celebrate the little wins.

Your first clean rally. Your first ace. Your first time keeping score without getting confused. These moments matter. Celebrate them, they’re proof you’re improving.

Keep a “beginner’s mindset.”

Tennis has layers. Even experienced players still work on the basics. Stay open to learning, ask questions, and give yourself permission to mess up sometimes. That mindset is what keeps the game enjoyable for life.

Enjoy the process.

Tennis isn’t just about competition, it’s about play, movement, and finding your flow. The more relaxed and curious you are, the faster your skills will grow.

So if you’re thinking about giving tennis a try, go for it. You don’t need to be young, athletic, or “naturally sporty” to get started. You just need a racket, a court, and the willingness to have fun while learning something new.

Cheers,

Friska 🐨

Read more: Tennis vs Badminton: Key differences explained