How to: Start in Tennis.
Always wanted but never tried should be the motto of no-one. If you have always wanted to start to
play tennis but weren’t sure how to go about it then read on. We should all remember that
everyone starts somewhere and the only way to get better is to get out there and play. Tennis Club
Members should be actively playing with improvers once a week and club night is the most obvious
night for it.
If you haven’t played tennis as a junior then you are definitely at a disadvantage for when you take
up the sport as an adult. The same can be said for most things. In this article I am examining the
different ways we can be introduced to the world of tennis.
1. Start as a Junior. Everything seems easier to learn when you are a child. Starting from a
young age will ensure we learn the right technique. We learn what it means to be part of a
club and how to interact with fellow students. By starting young, even if you leave the sport
for a few years, you never forget how to swing. It’s like riding a bike.
2. Coaching. Some adults may feel that their tennis isn’t strong enough to join a tennis club
and see tennis coaching lessons as a way to improve. Coaching is certainly an advisable
route to take into tennis and your coach should be able to inform you of the next step. You
can join a group of like minded individuals or elect to go for more private lessons.
3. Club Night. Most tennis clubs have one night per week in which members can come
together and play a few matches against each other. Non-members are normally welcome
to come along for a week as a taster to see if they like it. It can be a good way to attract new
members to the club if it is well organised.
4. Word of mouth. You may know someone who is always talking about how they are getting
on at the tennis club. Get some more information from them like when is a good time to
play or are there any coaching sessions currently taking place.
5. On holiday. No matter what country you travel to you will always find a tennis court. It may
not be the type of surface you are used to but when in Rome... Next time you are on holiday
then why not try out some of the tennis workshops they have on offer. Or better yet, book
yourself and your spouse on a tennis specific summer holiday.
6. Club Open Days. In order to attract more members to their clubs, there has been a rise in
the number of Club Open Days. A tennis club will open its doors to the general public and
invite them to come and play on our courts and how would you like to be able to do that for
365 days a year. Properly planned and well executed they are a great marketing tool.
7. Public courts. Before joining a club you may wish to practice on public courts so that you
enhance your skill level and boost your confidence. Most large towns will have such
facilities where you can pay and play and are all reasonably priced.
8. Searches. You can search online for tennis clubs or courts in your area and what type of
coaching is taking place. Youtube has many videos on how to hit the perfect forehand but is
no replacement for a proper coach. Visit some of the clubs within driving distance of your
home before signing up to any.