Most children are ready to pick up a racket somewhere between four and six years old, but the right starting point depends far more on coordination and attention span than on a birthday. If your child can run, throw a ball and follow simple instructions for a few minutes at a time, they are probably ready to give it a go.
Good beginner coaching for this age group barely looks like tennis at first. Coaches use foam balls, shorter rackets and smaller courts, and most of the session is games designed to build balance, hand-eye coordination and confidence. The technical side comes later, once a child is comfortable moving around the court and making contact with the ball.
The clearest sign that the timing is right is simple: your child wants to go back. At this age, enjoyment matters more than progress. A child who leaves a session smiling and asking when the next one is will keep playing for years. One who feels pushed too hard, too early, often walks away from the sport altogether.
There is no need to worry if your child is seven, eight or older and has never played. Older beginners often progress quickly because they have the coordination and focus to pick things up faster. The same principle applies - find a coach who keeps it enjoyable and builds confidence first.
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