Think you’re too late to start playing tennis? Not even close. Tennis isn’t just for kids who grew up on the the tennis court – it’s actually one of the best sports to pick up as an adult. It keeps you active, makes life a little more fun, and finally gives you the chance to understand the game. Sound like something you’ve been wanting? You’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to start playing with confidence – no experience required.
As someone who’s been promoting adult tennis camps & holidays and coaching adult programs for half my life, I won’t waste your time with the same recycled advice you see everywhere. Let’s talk adult to adult.
What Tennis Really Means for Adults
Let’s be real – adulting has gotten harder these past few years. People are more stressed out, overworked, and lonely. A lot of time is spent sitting at a desk or scrolling social media, watching other people live their lives.
Tennis changes that.
Starting tennis as an adult gets you moving – yes, even as a beginner. It introduces you to a group of adults at your age and level, instantly putting you in a fun, low-pressure social setting. You’re moving, laughing, and learning together, and that feels good.
Tennis also sharpens your mind off the court. It’s like a mental reset – more patience at work, less stress at home, and a little less anxiety about life in general. Because when you’re chasing down a little green ball, you’re not overthinking. You’re breathing hard, focused, and fully in the moment.
One of my favorite things to tell beginner adults? Once you decide you like this game, your social circle expands. You start making new friendships – real ones. Healthy ones. And soon, the game takes on a life of its own in your mind.
Tennis players get hooked for a reason. No one quite understands you like your tennis friends.
So yes, tennis makes you healthier. It’s a full-body workout, and you’ll see the benefits physically. But more importantly? Tennis makes you happier. And that’s the #1 reason to play this game.
Now, let’s go a little deeper
Tennis Equipment: What Do You Really Need to Get Started?
One of the things I see most adults freak out over is the cost of getting into tennis. And yeah, tennis does take a little money to start – but only enough to keep you injury-free while you decide if you even like the game.
As a courtesy to adult beginner players I put together another site dedicated to beginner adults – there’s a free course there you can find on youtube but here is the link to read more about it – don’t worry it’s FREE.
Once you realize you’re hooked? That’s when you’ll want to invest more in tennis lessons – because every adult wants to fly on the court. But in the beginning? You don’t need matchy-matchy Lululemon, $100 sneakers, or the most expensive racket on the shelf. Not even close.
Here’s what you actually need:
- A racket that suits you – Not all rackets are the same, and the wrong one can make tennis feel way harder than it should. Look for a lightweight, beginner-friendly racket with a larger head size (around 100–110 sq inches). This gives you more power and depth on your shots.
- Comfortable tennis shoes – Running shoes? Not gonna cut it. You need something designed for side-to-side movement, like actual tennis shoes with good grip and support. Trust me, your ankles will thank you. You can always find a deal on a decent all-court tennis sneaker on Amazon.
- Clothing that lets you move – You don’t need fancy gear, just breathable, comfortable clothes that won’t restrict your movement. If you’re playing outside – sunscreen always!
That’s it. No overcomplicated gear lists. No unnecessary expenses. Just grab a racket, lace up your shoes, and get on the court.
Tennis Grips: The One Thing That Holds Most Adults Back
There are grips in tennis that really matter, but most beginner players never learn them well, because a lot of coaches don’t have the patience to enforce them.
If you’ve never been taught the right way to hold your racket, you’re not alone. In the video above, I break it down for you, so you finally get it without the confusion.
First off, let’s clear this up:
- A tennis grip is NOT the grip on your racket handle.
- It’s NOT the over-grip you wrap around your racket handle.
- It IS the position of your hand on the handle when you hit your big shots – your forehand and backhand.
Here’s what you need to know:
- On your forehand, you’ll be in either an Eastern or Semi-Western grip.
- When the ball comes to your backhand, you’ll need to switch to a Continental grip.
This is everything! You must learn both.
Most adult beginners never get past the intermediate stage because they don’t know – nor like—the Continental grip. And I get it. It feels foreign when you first try it. But here’s the thing:
You need the Continental grip for your backhand, serve, volleys and overheads.
See where I’m going with this? You won’t only hit forehands. Sure, you’ll use your forehand 70% of the time, but if you avoid learning the Continental grip, you’ll always feel stuck.
So trust me on this one – learn both grips now, and thank me later.
Tennis Lessons: Group Clinics vs. Private Lessons -Which One is Right for You?
Group clinics are a great way to test the waters. These sessions typically have one coach for every four players – any more than that, and you’re not getting enough attention or balls. They’re budget-friendly, social, and a fun way to get a feel for the game while meeting potential hitting partners.
Private lessons? That’s where things get personal. Every ball, every correction, every moment is about your game. Yes, they cost more, but if you’re serious about improving, private coaching speeds things up – fast.
The best way to start? Play at least three times a week. A mix of private lessons, group clinics, and extra hitting sessions (with a partner or even against a wall) will have you improving in no time.
For beginners who want a real jumpstart, we now offer 10 private lessons over 5 days for €947 in Mallorca and Gran Canaria, Spain. It sounds like a lot, but it includes court fees and is way more effective than stretching lessons out over weeks & months.
Two hours a day of focused coaching locks in skills faster – your subconscious absorbs the commands, and before you know it, they stick. That’s why these packages are so popular.
We don’t offer adult tennis camps & holidays for beginners just yet because we don’t find enough beginners who are willing to travel to make a group class. But you know who does? The Rafa Nadal Academy – our partner. They’re located on Mallorca and if you’re fan of Rafa’s you can join their adult tennis camps.
Rafa has adult tennis camps year round and for all levels. So there’s always a potential court of beginners getting group coaching. I’ll add our promo code and you can use it for any time of year in 2025 + accommodations and take a discount at check-out.
The 3 Shots You Need to Know: Forehand, Backhand, and Serve
Now you need to learn the 3 big tennis basic strokes: the Forehand, the Backhand, and the Serve.
These three strokes are the heart of your game and mastering them will give you confidence, no matter your level. And the best part? Once you really get those contact points – where your racket meets the ball – you’ll experience that sweet, satisfying feeling that hooks every player. You’ll find progressions for these 3 strokes on the free course on youtube.
1. The Forehand
The forehand is often the shot that you’ll hit most often – up to 70% of the time! Getting your contact point right is key to sending that ball deep, fast, and accurate. It’s all about the timing and positioning. Get it right, and you’ll start feeling the power in your shots and watching them fly across the court. You’ll likely fall in love with tennis when you find your first POP on your forehand.
2. The Backhand
The backhand can be a bit tricky for beginners, but once you get the grip and movement down, it’ll start to feel smoother. Whether you use a one-handed or two-handed backhand, learning the proper technique helps you stay balanced and hit the ball with control. Plus, the satisfaction of hitting a backhand cleanly is something that’ll keep you coming back for more.
3. The Serve
Your serve is your ticket to controlling the game. Your ball toss is your key to controlling your serve! It’s the only shot where you’re completely in control, and learning how to serve with consistency and power makes a huge difference. Nail your toss, your grip, and that sweet contact point, and the serve will become one of your favorite shots to hit.
Once you start getting these strokes right, you’ll feel the rush of hitting a clean shot, and honestly, it’s addictive. These are the core shots that will get you hooked on tennis. That’s why I’m offering this free online tennis course – so you can start practicing these key strokes, and every time you step on the court, you’ll notice how much better you’re getting. You’re gonna love that feeling of improving.
You can also take our private lesson package at any time of year. Combine it with one of our tennis holidays and enjoy the camaraderie of our small group setting. Find us at costadeltennis.com, or if you want to take a week-long group tennis camp at the Rafa Nadal Academy, more info and discount are here in this post.
Thanks for joining us, players! Post-COVID, there are so many new players in the game, and we’re really happy to have you wherever you are in the world.
