Learning to play tennis in the 40s

[Anonymous]

I'm quite fit and into training, but I've never been good at sports since I was a child. Is there hope for me to pick up tennis at my age (45, F)? I mean, I have no idea where and how to start.

Thanks for your help!

[Anonymous]

Yes! I learned as a 40 year old. It isn’t easy. You definitely need to spend money on private coaching, and play as much as possible. I play 5 days a week now. I will never be a professional, but I’m now a solid intermediate player. There is hope, but it takes commitment.

[Anonymous]

Ditto what the PP said. Join a beginner class and then hire a coach for private lessons. Plan to play/practice a few times a week. (Another tip: Don’t play with players who are more advanced - it’s frustrating for you and the other player).

[Anonymous]

Pp here. Also, allow yourself time to improve. I started playing when I was 41. I still think of myself as an advanced beginner/just barely intermediate. Focus on strokes, don’t worry about serving aces (but learn to at least get it in the box).

[Anonymous]

My mom started in her 60s and is pretty good! It’s definitely possible.

[Anonymous]

Of course! It never hurts to try.

[Anonymous]

I've been playing since my early twenties - now 50.

You can absolutely learn to play.

However - please make sure to do something in terms of stretching and strengthening. You'll be using muscles you don't use much. I would recommend 1) pilates for core, or other core-strengthening exercise, 2) look up "how to prevent tennis elbow" for some forearm/wrist stretching/strengthening, and 3) make sure you are stretching your hamstrings, achilles, and hips regularly.

I've seen some very athletic women start and then quit tennis quickly because they get tennis elbow or some other injury.

[Anonymous]

My mom is 73 and started a few years ago. She now plays with a team in tournaments. It is never too late!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pp here. Also, allow yourself time to improve. I started playing when I was 41. I still think of myself as an advanced beginner/just barely intermediate. Focus on strokes, don’t worry about serving aces (but learn to at least get it in the box).

Are we to guess at your current age ? 41.5 maybe ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pp here. Also, allow yourself time to improve. I started playing when I was 41. I still think of myself as an advanced beginner/just barely intermediate. Focus on strokes, don’t worry about serving aces (but learn to at least get it in the box).

Are we to guess at your current age ? 41.5 maybe ?

(Fair point, and I’ll ignore the rude phrasing) I’m 44!

[Anonymous]

This is an awesome question - go for it, OP! Let us know how it goes.

[Anonymous]

Group classes would be great, and sure, if you have lots of money, private coaching would help. But really, the most effective use of your time in the beginning would be to find a wall and regularly spend 15-30 minutes hitting against it.

[Anonymous]

I'm 44 and played for a few months as a teenager. I'm hoping to get the whole family playing this summer. It's never too late to start anything. I think it's just a matter of what you are looking to achieve. Have realistic expectations for yourself and just have fun!

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thanks for all the great tips and suggestions!! ♥️

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Group classes would be great, and sure, if you have lots of money, private coaching would help. But really, the most effective use of your time in the beginning would be to find a wall and regularly spend 15-30 minutes hitting against it.

I totally disagree. You will develop bad habits, bad form. Invest in a series of private lessons and then start doing beginner level group clinics.