Tennis for Beginners: What You Actually Need to Get Started at FLAC
Think tennis is only for people who have been playing for years? Think again.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn tennis but weren’t sure what racquet to buy, what shoes to wear, where to practice, or whether you’d even fit in, Four Lakes Athletic Club in Elkhorn, WI is a great place to start. You don’t need years of experience, a perfect serve, or a closet full of tennis gear. You simply need a willingness to learn and a place where you can get started.
And with FLAC’s Indoor Tennis Season Session 1 underway, there’s no better time to make tennis part of your fall routine.
What Do You Actually Need to Start Playing Tennis?
The good news? Not much.
For beginners, the most important things are a racquet, comfortable athletic clothing, appropriate court shoes, and a positive attitude. You don’t need the most expensive racquet on the market or professional-level equipment. In fact, choosing the right beginner-friendly racquet is often much easier when you have a tennis professional who can point you in the right direction.
At FLAC, our tennis team can help you understand what equipment makes sense for your experience level and goals. If you’re brand new to tennis, we’ll help take the guesswork out of getting started.
1. A Tennis Racquet
Your racquet is your most important piece of tennis equipment, but beginners don’t need to overthink it.
A properly sized and appropriately weighted racquet can make learning strokes, developing control, and enjoying your first few lessons much easier. If you’re shopping for your first racquet, ask a tennis professional for guidance rather than simply choosing the most expensive option.
2. Comfortable Tennis Shoes
Running shoes and tennis shoes aren’t exactly the same.
Tennis involves frequent starts, stops, lateral movement, and changes of direction. A good pair of court shoes can provide the stability and support you need while learning proper tennis footwork.
You’ll also want comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to move freely. Keep it simple. The goal is to get on the court and play.
3. Tennis Balls
Fortunately, this is one piece of equipment you don’t have to worry much about when you’re getting started with tennis at FLAC. Your lessons and programs will also provide opportunities to work with the appropriate equipment as you learn.
4. A Willingness to Learn
This might be the most important piece of the puzzle.
Your first tennis lesson probably won’t look like a professional match - and that’s exactly how it should be. Beginners need time to learn how to hold the racquet, make consistent contact, move around the court, understand scoring, and develop confidence.
You don’t have to be good at tennis before you start playing tennis.
You get better by starting.
Tennis for Beginners at Four Lakes Athletic Club
If you’re searching for tennis lessons in Elkhorn, WI, tennis near Lake Geneva, or a welcoming place to learn the game in Southeastern Wisconsin, FLAC offers a convenient indoor tennis environment designed for players at a variety of experience levels.
With six indoor, air-conditioned tennis courts, FLAC gives members the opportunity to play and practice throughout the year - regardless of Wisconsin weather.
That makes tennis a great addition to your fall fitness routine, whether you’re picking up a racquet for the first time or returning to a sport you haven’t played in years.
Start With FLAC’s Indoor Tennis Season Session 1
Session 1 runs August 24 through November 1, 2026, making fall the perfect season to establish a tennis routine.
Session 1 includes programming designed to help players develop their skills, gain confidence, and enjoy more time on the court. And if you’re a beginner, don’t let the word “tennis” intimidate you. Tennis is a sport you can learn progressively, one skill at a time.
The goal isn’t to walk onto the court and immediately play like a tournament champion.
The goal is to learn.
Learn how to serve. Learn how to rally. Learn how to move. Learn the rules. Learn how to keep score. Most importantly, learn to enjoy the game.
Tennis Is for Adults, Kids, and Everyone in Between
One of the best things about tennis is that it can become a lifelong sport.
For adults looking for adult tennis lessons in Elkhorn WI, tennis can be a fun way to stay active, improve coordination, challenge yourself, and meet other players.
For families searching for junior tennis in Elkhorn WI or kids tennis near Lake Geneva, learning tennis at a young age can help children develop athletic skills, confidence, coordination, movement, and sportsmanship.
You Don't Have to Figure It Out Alone
One of the biggest barriers to starting a new sport is simply not knowing where to begin.
What level am I?
What racquet should I buy?
How do I hold the racquet?
What does 15-love mean?
Where do I even start?
That’s where instruction matters.
Working with a tennis professional gives you a place to ask questions, learn the fundamentals, and build your skills in a structured environment. Instead of trying to teach yourself everything from YouTube videos, you can get real instruction and immediate feedback.
At FLAC, our tennis professionals can help you find the right starting point and connect you with programming that fits your experience level.
Ready to Give Tennis a Try?
You don’t need to wait until you’re “better” to start.
You don’t need the perfect serve, a professional racquet, or to know all the rules.
You just need to take the first step.
Session 1 is your opportunity to get on the court, learn the fundamentals, meet other players, and start building a tennis routine this fall.
Grab a racquet. Step onto the court. Your tennis journey starts here.
Visit 4FLAC.com/tennis or talk with our tennis team to learn more about FLAC Tennis programs and Session 1.
