Any advice for DS, 9.7 who wants to start playing tennis? what racket , trainers etc..

[Lulumama]

He has started playing at school and the coach told him to come to the local tennis club open day today as he can play quite well.

If i join with him, it is not too staggeringly exepensive, no point joining as a family as DH would never go and DD is 3 so a bit young yet. I used to love tennis so would go with him and play.

what sort of racket should i be looking at, can't break the bank at the mo. and for me too, if i am going to play with him.

he plays football too, but season has finished so if he is keen to play tennis, then i am going to encourage it. the club is only 5 minutes away, and i think it would be a great activity.

Most clubs will want him to be wearing proper tennis shoes not trainers. KSwiss tennis shoes are good.

Yes your dd is to young - 5 is a good age to start.

The coach might sell rackets.You could probably get one a bit cheaper online though.
Head, Prince, Wilson are all great brands - hard to go wrong with them. Also Babolat.

Not sure what size he'd need at that age - would need to ask the coach and also it depends on his hand size (influences which grip size he'll need).

Ditto for you - you need to get the right grip size.

thank you very much. i think i will go to the club with him next week and have more of a chat about it. that;s great.

oops meant too not to.

Good luck. It's a fab sport and can be played well into your sixties and beyond so not a problem that you started as an adult!

thanks, just been chatting about it with DH, and he is keen for DS to start going.

I would ask the coach about rackets and racket size unless you have a very good sports shop in town. Tennis shoes are a must and K Swiss are popular, but there are lots of other makes.
3 is too young to start "proper" tennis, but DS2 started short or mini tennis when he was three though at our local club you have to be five. Why not try playing with her using a soft tennis ball and cheap mini racket at home (in the garden, of course).

I wouldn't spend too much money until you're sure your DS will enjoy it and stick with it. I'm not sure I'd even buy tennis shoes - at my DCs club there are lots of children, in fact most unless they are very good, playing in trainers.
Once you know what size racket you need, it will probably be a 25" or 27", I'd go to Sportsworld if you have a local one and you'll be able to get a branded one for around £10-£15.
If your DD is keen and there is a sponge ball/mini tennis class I don't think she's too young at 3 as long as she can follow instructions and has a good attention span she'll be fine.
If possible I'd suggest joining a club that has a good junior programme of lessons and isn't too snooty and your DCs will have a good time without needing to spend loads of money.

thanks, club very welcoming and has good programme of coaching and free play. will look into it more in the week

thank you all very much.