Tennis for Beginners in Prague
Tennis has a reputation as a hard sport to get into: you need a court, gear, basic technique and above all someone to play with. In Prague it is easier than it looks — here is how to start without the usual missteps.
Why tennis
Tennis is one of the few sports you can pick up at thirty or fifty and keep playing for decades. An hour on court burns hundreds of calories and trains your reflexes and footwork, and unlike the gym it is never boring — every ball is different. Because it takes two, it is also a reliable way to stay active: a match you agreed to is much harder to cancel than a promise you made to yourself.
Your first gear: less than you think
For your first sessions you need a racket, clay or indoor shoes and comfortable sportswear. Rent a racket at the venue at first; when you do buy, pick a recreational model with a larger head — it forgives off-centre hits. A sensible first racket starts around 1,500 CZK; leave the pro models for later, you will not feel the difference yet. The one thing not to skimp on is shoes: clay needs a fine herringbone sole, and running shoes damage the court — clubs do not like seeing them.
Start with a coach, not with YouTube
Your first five to ten hours with a coach are the best investment of your whole tennis life. A coach sets your grip, basic strokes and movement — habits that take years to unlearn if you get them wrong. Private lessons in Prague usually cost 500 to 900 CZK per hour; adult beginner group courses are cheaper and run at almost every larger venue year-round. If you want a no-commitment start, try a one-off course or an adult tennis academy.
Where to play in Prague
Prague offers dozens of venues — our database lists more than thirty, the vast majority with clay courts. Clay is ideal for beginners: it is slower, gives you more time on the ball and is gentle on the joints. Choose mainly by travel time; the full overview by district is in Where to play tennis in Prague. An hour on outdoor clay costs 200 to 400 CZK — we break prices down in Tennis prices in Prague.
The hardest part: finding opponents
Most beginners do not quit because of technique — they quit because they have no one to play with. Friends are busy, classified ads lead nowhere, and against a much stronger player you may find it hard to sustain a rally. Your Tennis Club helps you look for people to play with: create a profile, describe your experience and browse the community for partners at a similar level. Arrange a game directly in the app and record your results to build your match history. An honest description of your level helps, but cannot guarantee an even match.
Your first tournament — sooner than you think
Amateur tournaments are not just for advanced players, but each event has its own category, level and rules. Browse the current amateur tournaments in Prague and check the entry conditions. Ask the organiser if you are unsure whether an event suits your experience.
Common beginner mistakes
- Buying an expensive racket before they can hit the ball — rent first, buy later.
- Skipping the coach and fighting a bad grip for years.
- Playing once a month — progress comes with at least one session a week.
- Avoiding matches “until I get better” — matches are what make you better fastest.
Ready to start? Sign up for free, describe your level and look for someone to play with.