Getting started in the sport of tennis does not have to be hard or take a long time. Tennis is an ideal lifelong sport and starting off on the right foot will help kick off your amazing journey. You should consider our 7 items below when deciding to start playing tennis.

7 Items to Consider to Get Started Playing Tennis

1. Competition Level

• Playing just for fun, mildly competitive or highly competitive?
• Concerned more about winning or just about having fun and getting some exercise? Thus, this important question will lead you to the appropriate partner level, coaching and facilities

2. Costs

• Court fees. Ranges from free to private memberships
• Tennis shoes. Most importantly, you want a comfortable and durable pair
• Tennis racquet. Ideally fitted to your size and respective level of play.
• Tennis balls. Fairly cost friendly
• Club fees if applicable
• Coaching if applicable
• Tennis attire. Can be anything, but some facilities may have formal dress codes
• Travel expenses if applicable

3. Skill development

• Do you care for practices? 
• Can you commit to this? 
• Unquestionably, your level of skill development will relate to the competition level you are looking for

4. Coaching

• Find an instructor that matches your level and can take you to the next level
• Coaching experience
• Coaching credentials
• Is the instructor positive or negative, similarly, personable and patient?
• In addition, does the coach use tools and technology?
• Budget a little tight? Consider group lessons

5. Facility

• Type of courts? Hard court, grass or clay
• Public or private. Likely, dependent on your budget
• Good court house keeping and thus, upkeep
• For outdoor facilities, do the courts have proper lighting for games that extend into dusk or evening?

6. Matches

• Singles, doubles or both
• Tournaments, leagues, club matches, casual pickup or any? Need a tennis partner? Refer to our 9 Steps to Find a Tennis Partner
• Travel for out of town matches or tournaments?
• Are matches played at different facilities each week? Alternatively, are they held at the same facility each week? This can be a real pain when clubs and leagues are spread across a large region. You may have to look for different locations, parking, entrances or facilities every week. Nonetheless, inconvenient, even if you have Google maps!
• Matches on a regularly scheduled day-time of the week? On the other hand, do the game day and times vary each week. Again, this can be a real inconvenience and also affect the attendance and commitment level of your tennis partners. We all live super busy lives!

7. Time Required To Get Started Playing Tennis

• Do you have the time to commit to this sport? If so, how much?
• Playing just for fun and some exercise ? Then again, are you committed to develop, grow and excel in this sport?
• Above all, how flexible is your schedule? You expect punctual and reliable partners. Make sure you return in-kind.

Conclusion

In conclusion, be realistic in your expectations getting started playing tennis. It’s better to clearly understand all the costs and commitments required ahead of time leading to a great lifetime of tennis. 

Moreover, did you know that many players and clubs actively look for reliable players of all skills and levels. List yourself on subsneeded.com to get exposure. In addition, if you have high skill and experience you may even want to charge a fee for your services.

We hope you found these points helpful. Getting started playing tennis should not be a hard decision. Jump in and best of luck!