How to get started
There are different routes to take when trying to learn tennis. You can get started all by yourself with online resources or join a club and get a coach.
Assuming you don’t want to spend too much money straight away and might not even be sure if the sport is for, these are the steps I would recommend as a quick start guide for beginners.
Look for an affordable racket and balls
All you really need is a racket that is in decent enough shape and fits your measurements.
You can find good used ones for cheap on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay.
The risk is shallow since you are not spending much money anyway and could potentially resell it if needed.
Most important when selecting a racket is that it has the right measurements for your build.
Make sure to find out the size you need by using a guide like this one.
Alternatively, feel free to visit a local store to directly compare and test different rackets and get recommendations from the staff. Just be aware that you will almost certainly spend quite a bit of money.
Additionally, you should get a large number of tennis balls to not have to worry about interrupting your training constantly to collect the balls you have served.
A large bucket in which you place the balls can also be useful to have new ammunition always by your side.
Learn the rules
Without making it too complicated you should at least have a good overview of the basic rules of tennis.
You can find a simple explanation here.
Technique videos
Before just blindly trying to find out how to hit the ball properly, you should check out some technique videos of the basics. That way you can avoid making mistakes that will later be hard to fix.
The following video gives you a quick overview:
Practicing your technique
In the beginning, you can practice your form in front of a mirror or film yourself for example by setting up your phone with a tripod.
This way you can quickly compare your execution with the videos you have watched and don’t dilute yourself just because it might feel like you are doing it the right way.
If you don’t have a training partner/court or don’t yet feel comfortable playing with others, you can start practicing by practicing different strokes at a large wall.
Find a partner and a court
To increase your motivation and have fun as soon as possible you should look for a training partner with a similar experience level.
To find a tennis court near you, check out this website.
Consistency is key
Always remember that most people give up way too early before they even have a chance of seeing results.
Aim for regular training sessions instead of overdoing it a few times and losing the zest for tennis.