New to tennis? Let’s get you playing.
Whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time, coming back after years away, or getting your kids into the game, this is your on-ramp. Find beginner-friendly programs, lessons, and clinics near you, learn what gear you actually need, and see the clear path from a first swing to leagues, teams, and tournaments. No experience required, and no pressure. Just an easy way into a sport you can love for life.
The Basics Of Tennis
How To Get Started
Confused by tennis terminology, court layout, how the game is played, and more? Check out some of these helpful tips!
Playing with the appropriate racquet and ball type allows players to achieve greater physical activity and feel successful at tennis right from the start.
Racquets
Tennis racquets come in all sizes ranging from 19″ to 26″ for players as young as toddlers on up to adult player. Below are some recommended sizes for various ages:
| Ages | Racquet Size |
| 3 – 5 | 19 – 20″ |
| 6 – 8 | 21 – 23″ |
| 9 – 10 | 24 – 25″ |
| 11+ | 26+” |
Tennis Balls
Varied compression tennis balls for various level of bounce and are great for players to start and develop over time. The types of balls are:
| Ball Type | Ball Description |
| Red Foam | These are starting point for young children. Larger and great for ages 3-5. |
| Red | Moves slower and bounces lower than an orange ball. These are felt balls with low compression. Perfect for players just staring or family play juniors playing on a 36-foot court. |
| Orange | Moves slower and bounces lower than a green ball. These have slightly more compression than red balls and are great for use on 60′ courts |
| Green Dot | Slightly reduced bounce and great for players starting out on full-sized courts. These have more compression than orange balls and can be used on full-sized 78′ courts |
| Yellow Ball | Typical tennis ball used primary on full-sized 78′ courts |
Court Sizes
Smaller courts, shorter racquets, and lower-bouncing balls help younger kids rally and feel successful from day one. As players grow, the court grows with them, up to the full-size court adults play on. Typical court sizes are:
| Ages | Racquet Size |
| 36′ X 18′ | Great for play with a Red Ball |
| 60′ X 21′ OR 60′ X 27′ (Doubles) | Great for play with an Orange Ball |
| 78′ X 27′ OR 78′ X 36′ (Doubles) | A traditional sized court and great for play with a Green or Yellow Ball |
Tennis Scoring
Tennis matches are organized into games and sets to win the match. Below we provide you with the scoring basics and terminology.
Basic Tennis Scoring
| GAME | Consists of 4 points. The player typically must win by 2 points |
| SET | Consists of a certain number of GAMES won |
| MATCH | Consists of a certain number of SETS won |
Scoring Terms
| LOVE | A score of 0 (zero) in traditional tennis scoring |
| ACE | A serve that lands in the service box and is untouched by the opponent |
| DEUCE | A game that is tied at 40 – 40 or 4 – 4 |
| ADVANTAGE | Player who wins the next point after DEUCE is said to have the ADVANTAGE |
| NO-AD | Player doesn’t have to lead by 2 points to win a game |
Youth Programs
Junior Tournaments
Junior Team Tennis
High School Tennis
Tennis on Campus
Adult Programs
USTA Florida Leagues
Love to Learn (Adult Beginners)
Adult Tournaments
College Tennis
Featured Program
Love to Learn Programs
Both programs are short programs that combine professional & mentor coaching to create fun no-judgment experiences for beginner and intermediate players. Players learn the basics and get on-court fun match play experiences preparing them for on-court tennis fun for years to come. Check out the comparisons below.
Helpful Videos to Get You Started
Watch, then play. These short clips cover the strokes, plus fun drills and games to keep it interesting.
Serving
A serve starts a point. A player hits the ball so it will land diagonally in the opposite service box. Click the image above to watch and learn how to serve, and techniques on how to improve your serve over time.
Forehand
A forehand is a shot made by swinging the racquet across your body with your palm facing toward the ball. Click the image above to watch and learn how to properly hit a forehand and techniques on how to improve your forehand shots over time.
Backhand
A backhand is a shot made by swinging the racquet with either one or two hands and the palm of your lower hand facing towards your body. Click the image above to watch and learn how to properly hit a backhand and techniques on how to improve your backhand shots over time.
Play Anywhere
You can set up a court just about anywhere – in a driveway, a basketball court, or a park. Either use a portable mini-net or tie caution tape or rope between 2 chairs. Have fun just hitting the ball back and forth or set up lines with chalk.
Fun Drills & Games
From Bump Ups to Tap Downs to Toss Hit Catch to The Weave and more, these fun drills and games will help you improve your game!
Places to Play
From public parks to local clubs, tennis is closer than you think! Find courts and programs near you on the map below.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Started
Quick answers for anyone stepping onto a court for the first time.
Find a beginner-friendly program near you, like a Love to Learn class, a group clinic, or a local coach, and just show up. No experience or gear needed to begin, and you’ll learn the basics alongside other beginners.
Not to start. Many beginner clinics and try-it events have loaner racquets and balls so you can try it first. Comfortable clothes and court shoes are all you really need early on.
Tennis scoring sounds funny at first, with love, 15, 30, and 40, but it clicks quickly once you play a few points. Most beginner clinics teach scoring and the basic rules as you go, so you learn by doing.
Use our places to play directory to find courts, clinics, and coaches close to home. Many spots offer beginner lessons, so you can search for a place and a program at once.
Both, absolutely. Tennis is a lifetime sport, and plenty of Floridians pick it up as adults or come back after years away. There are beginner programs for every age.
Kid-friendly programs use smaller courts, lighter balls, and right-sized racquets so kids can rally and have fun fast. Junior Team Tennis and school and community programs are great on-ramps.
Of course. Tell us a bit about who’s playing and where you are, and we’ll point you to the right program. Reach out to us and we’ll help you find your starting point.
Connect With Us
Have a question, need some guidance, or want to learn more?
Reach out anytime, and our team will be happy to point you in the right direction.