Learning tennis as an adult: what to expect in your first 5 weeks

Starting tennis as an adult can feel a bit exposing. You might worry about missing every ball, holding everyone up or looking out of place at a club. The reality is that adult beginners are common, coaches are used to working with them, and with a bit of structure you can be rallying and playing friendly games within a few weeks.

This guide explains what to expect, week by week, if you start lessons in Solihull or South Birmingham.

Is it too late to learn tennis as an adult?

No. Tennis is a sport people take up at all ages, and doubles in particular lets you enjoy proper games without needing to cover the whole court yourself. Adults also have advantages children don't: you can understand why a technique works, you can practise on your own between lessons, and you can choose to focus on the parts of the game you enjoy most.

It's also a good way to stay active. The NHS recommends adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week, and it lists doubles tennis as a moderate intensity activity.

What will you learn in your first 5 weeks?

I run a 5-week starter programme (£165) for adult beginners and returners. Each week has a clear focus, so you build skills in a sensible order rather than trying to learn everything at once.

The aim is that by the end of week five you can serve, rally and keep score in a friendly match. Everyone progresses at their own pace, so some weeks will click straight away and others will take more repetition.

What does a typical first lesson feel like?

Expect a warm-up, a quick chat about any previous sport or injuries, and then plenty of hitting. A good first lesson keeps you busy and gets you making contact with the ball early, often starting closer to the net before working back towards the baseline.

You'll probably be surprised how much of tennis is about footwork and timing rather than strength. Most beginners try to hit too hard. Learning to swing smoothly and let the racket do the work is usually the first breakthrough.

What are the most common adult beginner mistakes?

• Swinging with the arm only: power comes from turning the body, not muscling the ball.
• Standing still: small adjustment steps before each shot make a huge difference.
• Gripping too tightly: a relaxed grip gives you more control and is kinder on your elbow.
• Trying to win every point with one shot: early on, getting the ball back is the goal.
• Only practising in lessons: a weekly hit with a friend speeds things up considerably.

One-to-one, shared or a programme?

For adults, each format has its place:

• Intro lesson (£20, one hour): a low-cost way to try tennis and see if we work well together.
• One-to-one (£35 an hour): the quickest route to sorting your technique.
• Shared lesson (£45 an hour, split between two): great with a partner or friend, as you have a ready-made practice partner.
• 5-week starter programme (£165): structure and a clear end point.
• 3-week focused programmes (£99): for when you've got the basics and want to work on one area, such as Serve School, spin and rally control, net play or match mindset.

If you want to compare these with what other coaches charge locally, see how much tennis lessons cost in Solihull and Birmingham.

What do you need to bring?

• Trainers with a flat, non-marking sole. Running shoes with deep treads aren't ideal for side-to-side movement.
• Comfortable sports clothes, with layers for cooler evenings.
• Water.
• A racket if you have one. If not, borrow one for the first session before you buy.

Where can you practise between lessons?

Practice is where lessons really pay off. In Solihull, the council's park courts at Bentley Heath, Elmdon Park, Knowle Park, Malvern Park and Shirley Park are free to book online. In Birmingham, the parks tennis programme covers courts including Cannon Hill Park, with pay and play at £7 an hour or a £52 annual pass. Full details are in where to play tennis in Solihull and Moseley.

Once you can rally comfortably, joining a club opens up social sessions and other players at your level. I coach at West Warwickshire Tennis Club in Olton, Moseley Tennis Club and Streetly Tennis Club.

Why learn with me?

I'm an LTA accredited Level 3 coach with more than 20 years of playing behind me, and I play Division 1 in the West Midlands league. I'm DBS checked, first aid trained and fully insured. I coach adults of all levels, from people who've never held a racket to club players looking to sharpen up.

My approach with adult beginners is to keep it relaxed, explain the "why" behind each technique, and get you playing actual points as soon as possible, because that's when tennis becomes fun. For an overview of lesson types, venues and costs, have a read of the complete guide to tennis lessons in Solihull and South Birmingham, or head to my tennis coaching page.

Ready to start?

If you've been meaning to try tennis for a while, send me a WhatsApp on 07914 046329 and we can book a one-hour intro lesson. No experience needed, and no pressure to sign up for more.