Adult Beginner: Starting Tennis at 35 - Is It Too Late?

Hello tennis community! 👋

I'm 35 years old and have decided to take up tennis. I've always loved watching the sport but never played seriously. Now I have some free time and want to give it a shot, but I'm wondering if I'm starting too late.

## My Background

1. Never played tennis competitively


2. Decent athletic background (played soccer in college)


3. Good general fitness level


4. Quick learner but realistic about limitations


## My Concerns

### Physical Limitations

5. Will my body handle the demands?


6. Recovery time longer than younger players?


7. Risk of injury higher?


8. Flexibility and mobility issues?


### Learning Curve

9. How long to develop basic consistency?


10. Can you teach an old dog new tricks?


11. Muscle memory development at my age?


12. Competing with people who've played for decades?


### Social Aspects

13. Will I fit in at tennis clubs?


14. Finding appropriate playing partners?


15. Dealing with much better players?


16. Adult beginner programs available?


## What I've Done So Far

17. Watched YouTube instructional videos


18. Hit against a wall a few times


19. Bought basic equipment


20. Found a local coach for lessons


## My Goals (Realistic?)

### Short-term (6 months)

21. Consistent groundstrokes


22. Basic serve technique


23. Rally for 10+ shots


24. Understand scoring and rules


### Medium-term (1-2 years)

25. Play recreational matches


26. Join a tennis club


27. Develop all-court game


28. Maybe try a beginner tournament?


### Long-term (3+ years)

29. Solid 3.5 NTRP level


30. Regular playing partners


31. Enjoy competitive matches


32. Stay injury-free


## Questions for Adult Beginners:


33. What age did you start?


34. Biggest challenges you faced?


35. How long to feel comfortable?


36. Best learning resources?


37. Injury prevention tips?


38. Finding playing partners?


## Questions for Coaches:


39. Different approach for adult beginners?


40. Realistic timeline for development?


41. Common mistakes to avoid?


42. Group vs private lessons?


43. Physical conditioning importance?


## Specific Technical Questions:

### Lessons and Learning

44. How often should I take lessons?


45. Group classes vs private instruction?


46. What to practice between lessons?


47. Online resources that actually help?


### Physical Preparation

48. Tennis-specific fitness routine?


49. Flexibility and mobility work?


50. Strength training recommendations?


51. Recovery and injury prevention?


### Equipment

52. Beginner-friendly racket specs?


53. String tension for learning?


54. Court shoes importance?


55. Other essential gear?


### Playing Opportunities

56. Where to find beginner-friendly games?


57. Tennis clubs vs public courts?


58. Adult beginner leagues?


59. Social tennis groups?


## My Motivation

60. Love the strategy and mental aspect


61. Great workout and social activity


62. Challenge myself with something new


63. Sport I can play for many years

I know I'll never be a great player starting this late, but I'm hoping to reach a level where I can enjoy competitive recreational tennis.

Is 35 too late to start tennis seriously?

I'd love to hear success stories from other adult beginners, or honest assessments of what I should expect.

Thanks for the encouragement (or reality check)! 😅🎾