Tennis is the sport of queens—and no, you don’t need to be Serena Williams to pick up a racket and have fun. It’s the perfect mix of cardio, hand-eye coordination, and the occasional dramatic grunt (optional but encouraged). Whether you’re rallying with a friend or chasing after balls that mysteriously land in the next court (oops), tennis keeps you moving and engaged while serving up a serious workout.
If you’re looking for a hobby that gets you off the couch, builds confidence, and lets you live out your best Bridgerton-meets-Wimbledon fantasy, tennis is a total smash hit. It’s a fantastic way to boost endurance, strengthen muscles, and improve agility—plus, let’s be honest, the cute activewear is a major bonus. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or channeling your inner Grand Slam champion, tennis is the perfect mix of fitness and fun.
A full-body workout that improves agility, strength, and endurance.
There’s something wildly satisfying about smashing a ball as hard as you can.
Whether it’s casual games or post-match coffee, tennis is a gateway to new friendships (and maybe a doubles partner for life).
Expect to dedicate 1-2 hours per week for practice or lessons when starting out. Even short sessions can make a big difference in building consistency and confidence.
Tennis has a learning curve, and yes, you might look a little silly at first (we all do!). The good news? The more you play, the better you’ll get. Stick with it—soon enough, you’ll be rallying like a pro (or at least making it over the net more often than not).
Tennis can be as budget-friendly or as luxe as you want:
Affordable options: Public courts are usually free, and you can find secondhand rackets and gear at a discount.
Mid-range: Group lessons or clinics typically cost $15-$50 per session.
Splurge-worthy: Private coaching can range from $50-$150 per hour, but isn’t necessary for beginners.
Before you step onto the court and unleash your inner tennis star, you’ll need the right gear. Here’s what you need to get started (no, you don’t need a diamond-encrusted racket—yet).
The right racket can make all the difference. Look for one that fits your grip and skill level. Pro tip: Head to a sporting goods store and ask the experts—they’ll hook you up with the perfect match.
Start with regular balls, not the fancy pressurized ones used in pro tournaments. If you’re practicing solo, consider getting a pack (trust me, they disappear fast).
Not all sneakers are court-friendly! Get a pair of tennis shoes designed for stability and grip (and to avoid getting side-eye from the court staff for scuffing up the surface).
A Visor or Hat – Keeps the sun out of your eyes while you gracefully execute your forehand—or at least attempt to.
Sweatbands – Functional and stylish. If you’re going for a ‘90s tennis champ aesthetic, these are a must.
Tennis Bag – Not mandatory, but a good one keeps your gear organized and stops your racket from floating around in your car.
Water Bottle – Hydration is key, especially when you’re chasing down shots like a pro.
Sporting Goods Stores – Big retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods or Decathlon have beginner-friendly options.
Online Shops – Amazon, Tennis Warehouse, or even brand-specific sites like Wilson and Babolat offer a variety of choices.
Secondhand Marketplaces – Check Facebook Marketplace, Play It Again Sports, or local thrift stores for budget-friendly finds.
Starting a new sport can feel a little intimidating, but don’t worry—everyone starts somewhere. Here are some tips to help you feel confident on the court.
Your go-to shot for most rallies. Think of it as a stylish, controlled slap.
Use two hands if needed for extra control. It feels awkward at first, but trust the process.
Start with an underhand serve if necessary (yes, it’s legal!). Once you’re comfortable, work up to a full serve.
Tennis is even better when you’re part of a community! Whether you’re looking for beginner-friendly tutorials, motivation, or just want to watch people who actually know what they’re doing, here’s where to start:
Many cities have beginner-friendly clubs and social leagues.
Apps like PlayYourCourt, TennisPAL, and Meetup help connect you with local players at your skill level.
Many offer group classes, which are great for learning and meeting other beginners.
Essential Tennis – A must-watch for learning technique, strategies, and match tips.
Intuitive Tennis – Drills, coaching advice, and skill-building exercises.
tennis. Karla – Engaging lessons, breakdowns, and beginner-friendly coaching.
Youtube videos are also a great for understanding the sometimes complex rules of the game.
If you need extra motivation to keep practicing, watching the best players in the world can be super inspiring. Here’s a quick breakdown of the major tennis tournaments and professional circuits:
(January)
Played on hard courts in Melbourne, known for intense summer heat and epic matches.
(May-June)
Held in Paris on red clay courts, favoring players with stamina and strong baseline play.
(June-July)
The oldest and most prestigious tournament, played on grass courts in London (and yes, players must wear all white!).
(August-September)
Hosted in New York on fast hard courts, bringing high-energy crowds and dramatic night matches.
ATP Tour – The men’s professional circuit, featuring tournaments worldwide where players compete for ranking points.
WTA Tour – The women’s professional circuit, showcasing the best female players in global tournaments.
Davis Cup & Billie Jean King Cup – International team competitions where countries face off in tennis battles.
Olympic Tennis – Every four years, tennis stars compete for gold, adding another level of excitement to the sport.
Check out local tennis clubs, join Meetup groups, or use apps like TennisPAL and PlayYourCourt to connect with other players at your skill level. Or, just challenge your bestie to a match (bragging rights included).
The forehand is your new best friend. It’s the easiest stroke to learn and the one you’ll use the most. Mastering a simple forehand will help you keep the ball in play and feel confident on the court.
Relax your grip, slow down your swing, and focus on control rather than power. Also, aim inside the court rather than flirting with the lines—precision beats force every time!
While a coach can speed up your progress, you can definitely teach yourself the basics with YouTube tutorials, practice against a wall, and by playing regularly with friends. Just be patient—everyone looks a little awkward at first!
Tennis scoring goes love, 15, 30, 40, game—weird, right? Just remember: if both players reach 40, it’s called deuce, and you’ll need to win by two points. If you mess up the score, just make something up confidently (kidding… kind of).
You don’t need a full Wimbledon outfit, but wear breathable athletic clothes and tennis-specific shoes for the best experience. If you want to go full tennis-core aesthetic, a pleated skirt or polo is always a vibe. 🎾
