Adult beginner tennis: what to expect in your first month

It is never too late to start. Many of Fawz's adult students had never played, or had not touched a racket since high school, and were rallying comfortably within a month.

Before your first lesson

• Shoes: tennis or court shoes with flat, non-marking soles. Running shoes roll on lateral movement.
• Racket: not needed. Your coach can bring one so you can try a size before you buy.
• Water and sun protection. San Diego courts get hot by mid-morning.
• A goal. Social doubles, fitness, playing with your kids, or league tennis. It shapes the plan.

Week 1: grip, ready position and contact

You will learn the continental and eastern forehand grips, the ready position, and how to meet the ball in front of your body. Expect a lot of easy, fed balls so you can feel clean contact quickly.

Week 2: forehand and backhand from the baseline

The swing gets longer and footwork starts to matter: small adjustment steps, turning the shoulders, and finishing over the opposite shoulder. Most adults start rallying a few balls in a row with the coach this week.

Week 3: the serve and the return

The serve is taught in pieces: stance, toss, the trophy position, then the swing. You will also learn to block back a serve, which is enough to start playing points.

Week 4: scoring, the net and your first points

Volleys, positioning in doubles, how scoring works, and basic court etiquette. By the end of the month you can play a friendly game.

How to keep improving

• Book weekly lessons. A 4-week pack is the best value.
• Add an adult group clinic once you can rally. Clinics give you more ball contact and new hitting partners.
• Hit against a wall for 20 minutes between lessons.

"After not playing regularly since high school, I was nervous about returning to the court, but his patient, encouraging teaching style made the process both enjoyable and rewarding."

Maria Mello, via TeachMe.to

Ready to start? Book a free assessment call and Fawz will plan your first month with you.