Sport & Fitness
Tennis
Trade groundstrokes, serves, and volleys on a court in a sport played at every level.
Reviewed May 25, 2026
Practice-forward — progress shows up as capability, not a physical artifact.
Outdoor conditions matter
Ideal for those who exceptional cardiovascular and agility workout through match play.
How it feels
Physical
Intense
Mental
Analytical
Social
Group-friendly
Structure
Structured
Payoff speed
Fast feedback
Who's drawn to this
R
Hands-on
Drawn to physical skill, real tools, and tangible results you can see or hold.
E
Driven
Thrives on measurable goals, competition, and a clear performance ceiling to push.
C
Organised
Likes structure, precision, and the satisfaction of following a well-defined process.
Is this for you?
You'll enjoy this if
- Exceptional cardiovascular and agility workout through match play
- A genuinely lifelong sport — competitive and enjoyable well into your 70s and beyond
- Club membership provides social access to regular partners and organised match play
Not for you if
- Requires a court — either club membership or booking public courts
- Higher technique barrier than some sports — without lessons, beginners struggle to rally consistently
- Requires a hitting partner for most practice, adding a scheduling dependency
How to get started
First Rallies
1
Buy the right racket
Mid-plus or oversize head (100–110 sq in), light weight (270–285g), pre-strung. Avoid small-head advanced frames — they punish off-centre hits heavily and teach nothing.
2
Learn the forehand groundstroke
Semi-western or eastern grip, early racket preparation, hitting through the ball to a finish position at shoulder height. The forehand is the most-used shot in tennis.
3
Rally 20 consecutive groundstrokes
20 shots cross-court without losing the ball. Consistent contact requires footwork and timing, not power. Count your longest rally; it tells you more than hitting power.
Where this leads
Advanced Play
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See more
Frequently asked questions
What is Tennis?
Ideal for those who exceptional cardiovascular and agility workout through match play. Trade groundstrokes, serves, and volleys on a court in a sport played at every level.
How much does Tennis cost to start?
Starter spend varies a lot by brand and region. When Tier 1 picks exist, you will see a ballpark total in the Tools & gear tab; until then, start small and upgrade once you know you will stick with it.
Is Tennis good for beginners?
It depends on your taste for the tradeoffs on this page. One editor “pro” signal: Exceptional cardiovascular and agility workout through match play Pair that with the “Not for you if…” list before you buy serious gear.
How do I get started with Tennis on HobbyStack?
Skim the fit check on this Overview, then open the Guides tab on this profile for articles when available. Use the Path tab to track milestones and the Tools & gear tab for starter picks (create a free account to save progress).
What gear do I need for Tennis?
When a tools page is enabled for Tennis, you will see tiered picks on the Tools & gear tab. Until then, use the Path milestones and any linked resources for purchase hints.
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Your path
Checkpoints & milestones
4 stages · 14 milestones
Track your progress with Tennis
Tick off milestones as you go — from first session to confident practitioner. Progress saves to your account so you can pick up where you left off.
Buy the right racket
Mid-plus or oversize head (100–110 sq in), light weight (270–285g), pre-strung. Avoid small-head advanced frames — they punish off-centre hits heavily and teach nothing.
Shop beginner racketsLearn the forehand groundstroke
Semi-western or eastern grip, early racket preparation, hitting through the ball to a finish position at shoulder height. The forehand is the most-used shot in tennis.
Rally 20 consecutive groundstrokes
20 shots cross-court without losing the ball. Consistent contact requires footwork and timing, not power. Count your longest rally; it tells you more than hitting power.
Tier 1 · Start
~$0
Core gear to get going. Estimates from curated picks; actual spend varies.
Tier 2 · Level up
+~$0
Nice-to-have upgrades once you know you are sticking with it.
Tier 3 · Pro
—
No pro tier listed yet.
Links open Amazon with your affiliate tag. Prices are ballpark catalog values.
Shop starter kits on AmazonStarter picks
2 itemsTennis Racket
The lighter version of Babolat's flagship racket — power and spin capability with manageable weight.
~$NaNtypical starting price
Find on Amazon
Tennis Shoes
Lightweight, excellent court feel, strong lateral stability. Used by ATP and WTA professionals.
~$NaNtypical starting price
Find on Amazon