What’s the Best Age to Start Tennis?

infoplayverse
Jul 13
2 min read

A Guide for Parents by Playverse Sports Academy, Dubai

Tennis is more than just a sport—it’s a lifelong skill that builds discipline, fitness, and confidence. If you're a parent wondering, “When should my child start playing tennis?”—you’re not alone. At Playverse

Sports Academy in Dubai, we hear this question often. So let’s dive into the right age to start tennis, what to expect, and how to support your child’s journey on the court.

What Is the Ideal Age to Start Tennis?

While every child is unique, many coaches and experts agree that the best age to start tennis is between 4 to 6 years old. At this stage, children begin developing coordination, balance, and focus—key foundational skills in tennis.

However, this doesn’t mean older kids or even teens can’t start! It’s never too late to learn tennis—what matters most is a love for the game and the right coaching environment.

Tennis for Kids Aged 4–6: Building the Basics

At this age, tennis lessons focus more on fun and movement than competition. Kids learn how to:

Hold a racket properly
Track the ball
Move with agility
Build basic motor skills

At Playverse, we use age-appropriate equipment like smaller rackets, slower balls, and smaller courts—so young players feel confident and successful from day one.

Ages 7–10: Developing Technique and Confidence

Children in this age range can handle more structure. Our programs start introducing:

Stroke technique (forehand, backhand, serve)
Court positioning and footwork
Simple scoring systems
Fun match play and teamwork

This is a great age to build confidence and start seeing rapid progress.

Why Starting Tennis Early Helps

Early exposure to tennis brings several benefits:

Better coordination: Tennis develops hand-eye and foot coordination from a young age.
Discipline & focus: Learning the rules and structure of the sport helps kids stay focused.
Social development: Tennis helps children make friends, learn teamwork, and build communication skills.
Healthy habits: Tennis is a great way to stay active, build stamina, and develop a lifelong love for movement.

Is It Too Late to Start Tennis After Age 10?

Absolutely not. Many players start later and still go on to enjoy the game competitively or recreationally. Older beginners often learn faster because they can grasp concepts more quickly and take instruction well.

At Playverse, we offer customized programs for all age groups, including teens and adults—because tennis is for everyone.