It’s Never Too Late to Play
New to tennis or coming back after years away? Here’s how adults start playing in Florida. Find beginner-friendly Love to Learn programs, lessons, and clinics near you, learn what gear you actually need, and see how to go from your first lesson to joining a local league. No experience required and no pressure, just an easy on-ramp to a game you can enjoy for decades.
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.
Gear Basics
Simple guidance on rackets, shoes, and what to bring.
Good news: you need less than you think. A beginner-friendly racket, court shoes, and a can of balls will get you started. Add comfy clothes and water, and you’re set. No need to spend big to begin.
Junior Racquets
Tennis racquets come in all sizes ranging from 19″ to 26″ for players as young as toddlers on up. 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 larger and great for ages 3-5 |
| Red | Moves slower and bounces lower than an orange ball. Perfect for players just staring or family play juniors playing on a 36-foot court. These are felt balls with low compression and are perfect for use on 36′ foot courts |
| Orange | Moves slower and bounces lower than a green ball. Great for play on smaller 60-foot courts. 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 For Juniors
With smaller courts, shorter racquets, and lower bouncing balls, youth players will achieve greater physical activity and feel successful at tennis right from the start. 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 |
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.
Join a League
Once the basics click, leagues are where the fun really starts. Meet players at your level, play regular matches, and make tennis part of your week.
Beginner Programs
There are beginner programs for adults at facilities throughout Florida. Contact your local tennis facility for more information or click the link below for some upcoming programs around Florida.