The Best Age to Start Tennis Lessons: What Parents Should Know

"Early steps on the court lead to a lifetime of opportunities."

If you’ve been wondering, “When should my child start tennis?” you’re not alone.

As a parent, you want to give your child the best chance to develop skills, stay active, and enjoy sports for life. At Bagnati Tennis Academy, we’ve coached players from their very first swing to competitive tournament play — and we’ve seen how starting at the right time can make a big difference.

The Short Answer

Most children are ready to start tennis lessons between ages 4 and 6. At this stage, they can:

• Follow simple instructions

• Maintain basic balance and coordination

• Focus for short periods of time (20–30 minutes)

• Start developing love for the game in a playful setting
  

Why Early Isn’t Always Better

While you might see adorable videos of toddlers swinging rackets online, starting too early can lead to frustration. Tennis requires a mix of motor skills, timing, and patience — and these develop differently for each child.

Our approach:

• Ages 3–5: Focus on fun movement games, hand-eye coordination, and playful introduction to tennis equipment.

• Ages 6–8: Begin formal stroke technique, rallying skills, and basic rules of the game.

• Ages 9+: Build competitive skills, match play strategy, and fitness for tennis.
  

Benefits of Starting Tennis Early

1. Physical Development – Builds strength, balance, agility, and coordination.

2. Mental Skills – Teaches focus, patience, and problem-solving.

3. Social Confidence – Kids learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and how to handle both winning and losing gracefully.

4. Lifelong Fitness – Tennis can be played for decades, making it one of the best lifetime sports.
   

What If Your Child is Older?

It’s never too late to start tennis.We’ve worked with beginners in middle school, high school, and even adulthood who have gone on to play competitive tennis. The key is starting with the right group for your skill level and having a supportive coaching environment.

How We Do It at Bagnati Tennis Academy

At our Dupree Park Tennis Courts location in Woodstock, GA, we group players by both age and skill level to ensure every student gets the right balance of challenge and success.

• Youth Programs – Ages 3–18, from beginner to advanced

• Adult Programs – Beginner drills, cardio tennis, and competitive play

• Private Lessons – One-on-one instruction for faster improvement
  

Ready to Get Started?

🎾 New students get a free trial lesson to see if our program is the right fit. 📍 Location: Dupree Park Tennis Courts, Woodstock, GA 🔗 Register today at BagnatiAcademy.com/evaluation