Getting Started With Walking Tennis

Never played tennis before, or it’s been years since you last picked up a racket? Walking Tennis is built to welcome both — here’s exactly what to expect before your first session.

What to wear

Comfortable sports clothing and trainers suitable for the court surface — no specialist kit required. Many clubs can lend a racket for your first session, so there’s usually nothing to buy before trying it out. Check with your specific club if you’re unsure.

What actually happens in a first session

Most Walking Tennis sessions follow a similar shape:

A gentle warm-up
A walkthrough of the walking rule and the double-bounce adaptation, especially for newcomers
Rallying practice and simple drills
Doubles play, putting it all together in a relaxed, social format

Sessions are typically an hour, and most clubs are happy for newcomers to simply watch first if that feels more comfortable.

What happens after your first session?

If you enjoy your first taster session, most clubs make it easy to keep coming back — typically just a small pay-as-you-go drop-in fee with no long-term commitment required. Many new players find their confidence builds quickly over the first few weeks, since the double-bounce rule gives far more time to think through each shot than the full-speed game ever would. It’s also worth asking your session organiser whether the club takes part in any local festivals or friendly matches against other Walking Tennis clubs — many groups do, and given how social doubles tennis tends to be, these are often some of the most enjoyable parts of getting involved.

Do I need any tennis experience?

No. Walking Tennis sessions welcome complete beginners alongside lifelong players, and coaches typically talk newcomers through the basics before play starts.

Cost

Most sessions charge a small drop-in fee, commonly in the £3–£8 range, with no membership required to try it out. Check with your local session for their specific arrangement.

Is it safe if I have a health condition or injury history?

Walking Tennis’s no-running format significantly reduces injury risk compared to full-paced tennis, and many players use it specifically as a way to stay active despite an injury or long-term condition. As with any new physical activity, it’s worth checking with a doctor first if you have specific health concerns.

Ready to try it?

The best way to know if Walking Tennis is for you is simply to turn up to a session — most clubs welcome first-timers to watch or join in without any commitment. Find Walking Tennis Near You · Learn the full rules · Read about the benefits

FAQ

Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?

This depends on the individual club — some sessions are genuinely drop-in with no need to contact anyone beforehand, while others prefer new players to message ahead so the organiser knows to expect you and can introduce you to the group on arrival. Check your chosen club’s listing on our directory for their specific arrangement.

What if I don’t know anyone at the session?

Walking Tennis clubs are generally very welcoming to newcomers, and most organisers make a point of introducing new players to the group as soon as they arrive. Many players specifically mention how friendly and low-pressure their first session felt, which is a big part of why the sport has built such a strong social reputation.

Is there a minimum fitness level required?

No — sessions are deliberately designed to be accessible at whatever pace and fitness level you’re starting from, and coaches are used to working with a wide range of abilities within the same session. You can build up gradually and take breaks whenever you need to.

How long before I feel confident playing?

Most newcomers report feeling genuinely comfortable with the basics — the walking rule, the double bounce, and basic rallying — within their first two or three sessions. Because the pace is slower than full-paced tennis, there’s naturally more time to think through each shot, which tends to help new players settle in faster than jumping straight into the full-speed game.

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Last updated: August 2026 — This guide draws on guidance from national governing bodies where available, established club practices from across our directory, and real feedback from the walking sports community. Walking Sports Hub has been connecting players for over 5 years, with 3,500+ sessions and clubs listed across 8 walking sports. Clubs and players are welcome to submit updates or corrections. Learn more about Walking Sports Hub

Walking Tennis – Getting Started

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