Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any exercise programme or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
You can start tennis with a borrowed racquet, a few balls and a court or beginner session. You do not need to buy every piece of gear or join a competition first. Decide whether you want a casual hit, a lesson or a social group, then check what your local venue offers.
Where should you start?
Use KeepActive to find tennis groups near you, then ask a club which sessions suit someone new or returning after a break. A group lesson can teach grip, rallying and simple scoring. A casual court booking with a friend lets you practise at your own pace. Tennis Australia lists coaching options for adults, while its booking service covers courts and programmes. Ask the venue whether you need membership, a booking or a loan racquet.
What do you need for a first hit?
You need only a few things for a first hit. Tennis Australia's beginner guide helps with the choices:
- Racquet: A lighter frame with a comfortable grip can be easier to swing. Ask whether the venue lends one before buying.
- Balls: Slower, low-compression balls give beginners more time to connect and rally.
- Clothes and shoes: Wear clothes you can move in and footwear with good court grip. Bring water and sun protection for outdoor play.
A coach or venue can suggest a racquet size and ball type for the session. There is no need to buy specialised gear before you know what you enjoy.
Courts involve side-to-side movement. Choose footwear the venue accepts; tennis shoes offer lateral support, while some beginners use suitable runners for a first try. For outdoor play, bring sun protection and water. Start with short rallies and ask for help with the basic strokes rather than trying to hit hard from the start.
What happens in a first lesson?
A beginner coach will usually help with grip, footwork, forehands and backhands before asking you to play a full match. Tennis Australia's play guide explains the basic sequence: serve diagonally into the opposite service box, then hit the ball back and forth within the court lines. A rally can be the goal for a first visit; you do not need a powerful serve.
If your session moves into scoring, the first points in a game are called love, 15, 30 and 40. At 40-all, called deuce, standard scoring needs two points in a row to win the game. Some social formats use shorter rules, so ask the coach what applies. The full scoring guide is there when you are ready.
Which kind of session fits you?
A beginner lesson focuses on technique. Social tennis usually adds shared play and simple matches; ask whether the session welcomes new players and how people are paired. If you prefer movement and drills over match scoring, Cardio Tennis is a coached group option set to music. Tennis Australia says coaches adapt it for beginners.
In a 2026 account, first-timer Felicia Arhontissas joined a Sandringham session, met players with different experience and worked through ball-control and serving drills. Her account shows what one introductory session can look like; local classes may differ. If you want more time on strokes and scoring, choose a beginner lesson instead.
What about fitness and safety?
Tennis gives you a reason to move, practise coordination and spend time with other players. How demanding it feels depends on the session and your pace. A beginner lesson, a short casual hit and a Cardio Tennis workout can feel quite different. Take breaks as needed and tell the coach about any movement limits. If you have an injury or health condition, ask a health professional what level of play is suitable.
Before leaving, ask what the next suitable session is, whether equipment can be borrowed again, and how to book. One enjoyable first hit is enough to decide whether you want another.
