What age should a child start tennis?

The best age for a first encounter with tennis is 5–7 years old. But there's no "too late" at 10 or 12 either — the program will just be different.

Why 5–7

This is when coordination, ball sense and the habit of movement take root. Kids train with lightweight rackets and soft balls (the Tennis 10s method) on a smaller court — the load on the joints is minimal.

What kids' lessons look like

• Ages 5–7 — play-based format: relay races, catching and throwing balls, first strokes. The goal is to make them fall in love with moving, not to "drill technique".
• Ages 8–10 — stroke technique, simple rallies, mini-tournaments within the group.
• Ages 11+ — full-fledged play, tactics, and tournament preparation if they want it.

How to tell if tennis is "their thing"

Give it 8–10 lessons. If your child starts reminding you about practice — there's your answer. The first lesson often tells you nothing: an unfamiliar hall and a new coach can throw anyone off.

What you need to start

Sportswear, sneakers and a bottle of water. The coach will lend a racket for the first lessons — no need to buy one in advance (and better not to: the size is chosen by height — size chart here, and the coach will advise which one).