Getting Started

Tennis or lawn tennis is a racquet sport which enjoys a long and proud history. The game has evolved constantly and is now an Olympic sport. The rules of the modern game are easy to learn. It’s played between either two players (singles) or two teams of two players (doubles). Players use the racquet to hit the ball over the net into the opponent's court.

There are public tennis courts and tennis clubs across the country. Tennis clubs welcome players of all ages and abilities and offer lessons and coaching. There are schemes throughout the year that enable anyone to try tennis and a full coaching and support structure for talented players. Short-tennis is one of the ways in which children are encouraged to take up the sport.

The Lawn Tennis Association says: ‘Anyone can play, whether you’re a boy or girl, 5 or 95, live in London or Land’s End. This is why 3 million people in the UK play tennis. You only have one other person to organise!’

Kit you'll need

Tennis kit has traditionally been all white but this has been largely relaxed now.  There is wide choice of styles and quality available and tennis is a great game for the fashion conscious!
If you are starting out then get some advice before spending a lot on a racquet.  And perhaps most important is a good pair of tennis shoes that fit well to help avoid blisters.
Tennis has natural breaks every second game so make sure you have a drinks bottle in your bag with a good sports drink to keep yourself hydrated.

What's Good

Tennis is a highly accessible sport and is suitable for all ages and abilities.  There is bound to be a tennis club near you and new players are always welcomed.  Tennis is a great social game and you are bound to make some new friends while playing…

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