Become a confident club player in no time
Every season I watch adults walk in saying “I’m too old to start” and walk out six months later contesting box leagues. There is no secret — just a sensible order of operations. Here is the 90-day pathway we use at the Grove.
Days 1–30: Build the rally
Forget winning points. Month one is contact point, unit turn and twenty-ball rallies from the service line. Two squad sessions a week plus one unsupervised practice where your only job is keeping the ball in play. Players who rush this stage spend year two rebuilding it — don’t be them.
Days 31–60: Learn to serve and survive
A reliable second serve changes everything: suddenly you start points instead of donating them. We add the continental grip, the trophy position, and one simple return target — deep crosscourt, every time. Then Friday social doubles, where losing costs nothing and teaches everything.
Days 61–90: Enter the league
A bottom-box place gives you five arranged matches against true peers. Expect nerves, double faults and at least one glorious comeback. By week twelve most of our starters hold a 3–2 record, own a real second serve, and — the real prize — have five new tennis friends.
Ready when you are: the next beginner squad starts the first Monday of every month, rackets provided, and your first Friday social is on us.