Tennis has been called the sport of a lifetime, but did they really mean anyone could play with a label like that? Aren’t some kids simply too young for this sport? Absolutely not. In fact, the best age to help kids get interested in tennis is the minute they’re interested. Thanks to new technology, kid appropriate equipment like balls and racquets are widely available, and your two year old can start playing tennis right now!

What Tennis Looks Like at Two

Many coaches will tell you that starting earlier than four has no real benefit. Unfortunately, myths like that keep a lot of parents from bringing their little ones to the court. The reality is that while tennis looks very different at two years old than it will at four or five, it’s still absolutely essential to get them interested while they’re young. 

At two, tennis looks very much like playing on the court. Pack a bag with lots of balls and a much smaller racquet, and try to hit the court a few times a week. Teach them the ready position. Let them bounce the ball on the racquet (or at least try) and have them try to run to where they think the ball might hit. At this age, they’re not going to have the motor skills to work on fine techniques yet. The goal at this point is just to get them interested in the sport itself and excited about heading for the court. 

Moving Forward

By the time your child reaches the age of three, you’re going to be able to enroll him or her in some brief private lessons. They won’t be as long as lessons might as your child gets older, but they’re going to help with that initial skill development that is so important. 

It’s never too early to become familiar with the sport, even if your child isn’t yet working on the skills needed to succeed on the court.