Tennis looks harder to start than it is. You need a racket, a court and someone to hit with. Everything else can wait.
Here is a simple way through your first month.
Get a racket you won't outgrow in a week
You don't need a pro racket. A light, beginner-friendly adult racket is enough, and many sports shops let you hold a few before you buy. If you're unsure, borrow one for your first two or three sessions — most coaches and many venues have spares.
Buy a can of balls and comfortable court shoes with flat soles. Running shoes slide and grip unevenly on hard courts, which is how ankles get twisted.
Book a court, not a membership
You can play at public courts, private venues that rent by the hour, and some subdivision or club courts that allow guests. Start with pay-per-hour courts. You'll learn which surface, time and location you like before committing to anything.
When you book, ask three things:
- Is the rate per hour or per person?
- Are lights, a ball boy or a guest fee extra?
- How do they take payment — cash, GCash or a booking link?
Our court guides list courts by city, with rates and whether you can book online.
Take one lesson early
A single lesson in your first week saves months of bad habits. A coach will fix your grip, show you how to stand, and give you two or three drills you can practise alone against a wall.
Ask for a beginner lesson and say so clearly when you book. Many coaches run small group clinics, which are cheaper and more fun than you'd expect.
One good lesson teaches you more than ten afternoons of guessing.
Play with people at your level
Open plays and social sessions are the fastest way to meet hitting partners. Tell the organiser you're a beginner — most will pair you with someone patient.
Your first month, simply
- Week 1: one lesson, then one practice session
- Week 2: two practice sessions, focusing on the forehand
- Week 3: add the backhand and a few serves
- Week 4: join an open play or play a friendly rally game
Keep sessions to an hour at first. Tennis uses muscles you didn't know you had.
Ready to start?
Find a coach near you in our coach guides, or browse all coaches.