In my late twenties three work friends and I decided to learn how to take tennis lessons. I had played softball high school, another friend had played field hockey and the third friend had played basketball while the forth friend had done ballet/dance. The three of us who had experience with hand eye coordination quickly picked up tennis really quickly while the ballet dancer really struggled. She just never seemed able to time the ball well. After a few months we were at an intermediate level and she was still at a beginner level.

The following year we all took golf lessons together. She did much better at golf. She appreciated that the ball wasn’t moving and she could go to the golf course and practice by herself at the driving range and putting green.

I would try golf or pickle ball instead of tennis. So many tennis courts have been converted to pickle ball courts now.

I started at 52, and it's been 3 years now. I love tennis, and have reached a solid intermediate level, but recognize that I will not be playing WTA anytime soon.

I do a private lesson once a week and a shared lesson with a friend once a week. Plus, I try to organize a singles match or at least hitting session once a week, and then play doubles twice a week.

Tennis is technical and strategic. So you need to have skill, endurance and quick thinking to be solid on the court.

Injuries that I've learned the hard way to avoid:
1) Tennis elbow. Explore different types of strings, different tensions and different racket weights until you get a combo that works for you and is kind on your arm.
2) Plantar fasciitis. Stretch your feet and make sure not to wear your court shoes on the street, as they are really stiff.
3) Core strength. I do pilates 3x per week to help with this.
4) Rest. Make sure to carve out 1-2 rest days per week and take multi-vitamins (esp magnesium) to allow your body to recover.

Try pickleball first - so easy and you can start playing with others quickly.

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Agree! But what do I know, I’m 41 and trying to learn as well. I’m athletic and in good shape, but danced growing up. I never played sports and it is HARD to learn at 40, especially when you’ve never trained in similar athletic endeavours. It’s much easier for someone that played basketball, volleyball, baseball to pick up tennis at any age.

I took a beginner class. It’s a dumpster fire. For one, it will be mostly people over 60 that are not at all athletic. It is hard to even get a rally going. Every ball is going to be hit into the net, hit into the ceiling, hit off the court…pretty much go in any direction other than over the net to you. Just get some private lessons. It’s on my to-do list

If you want to learn to play tennis "in the 40s" you need a time machine.

If you want to learn how to play in *your* 40s, you have received good advice already.

Check out your county or city park recreation center. There are usually beginning classes through them. You could also check tennis centers near you

Anonymous wrote:DP. Suggestions on where to go for classes/coaches?

YMCA is a good intro

DP. Suggestions on where to go for classes/coaches?

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Agree with PP. Tennis is very technical - you need to learn proper form first.