Learn to Play Tennis Near Me — have you found yourself typing this into Google, wondering where to begin your tennis journey?
You’ve probably noticed more people picking up tennis lately, your neighbours are playing over the weekend, maybe even your colleagues playing after work. You might be thinking, should I try a sport too… maybe tennis?
If you’re in Shah Alam, you’re in luck. You’re about to find the best places to play and learn tennis near you. Whether you’re aiming to improve your fitness, pick up a new hobby, or simply join your colleagues for fun after work, it's a versatile sport indeed!
Before you step onto the court, it’s important to know where to find good lessons, how to choose the right trainer, and what equipment you’ll need. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to begin your tennis journey with confidence and purpose.
Time to kick things off—let’s go!
Photo by Tavy on Unsplash
Where to Learn Tennis Near Shah Alam?
Here are a few recommendations where you can begin your tennis learning journey in Shah Alam.
i. EA Tennis Academy
You can develop your tennis skills enjoyably and effectively, regardless of your level and age, at this Academy!
The training options are as follows:
- Group [1 hour per class, maximum 6 per group]
- Personal Coaching [1 hour per class]
- Pairing [1 hour per class]
- Sparring [1 hour per class]
The academy offers a variety of classes as listed above, along with advanced tennis classes and junior programmes for kids as well.
ii. Tennis Lessons At USJ And Shah Alam With Mr. Paul Cheng
This is your go-to place if you prefer a personalised tutoring session by a United States Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) & United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) certified tennis professional.
The trainer, Mr. Paul, offers individual and group tennis coaching for these three categories of learners:
Beginners
Students will develop the essential movements and techniques of basic play. These include forehand, backhand, volley, serve, and overhead.
At the end of this level, students will be more confident and consistent with their strokes and movements on the courts.
Intermediate
After completion of the beginner's level, students will be taught the strategies and tactics to compete in both singles and doubles games.
The emphasis will be on strengthening footwork and improving return shots during rallies.
Advanced
This is for advanced-level participants who want to elevate their game to the next level.
They will be taught a more comprehensive slice and spin technique, a detailed analysis of their strengths and weaknesses (strategies to prevent errors) and how to improve their strokes.
iii. PJ Tennis Academy
Learn tennis excitingly and interactively with Coach Vijay!
Weekly tennis classes are usually held at Mutiara Ville in Cyberjaya. However, starting from 2020, classes are also open for other locations nearby, including Mont Kiara and Kelana Jaya.
Private beginner and intermediate lessons are provided for kids and adults. Furthermore, personal coaching sessions for tournaments are also available upon request.
Benefits of Learning Tennis
According to the USTA (United States Tennis Association), playing tennis for just 3 hours per week can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 56%. Additionally, the Copenhagen City Heart Study shows that tennis players add 9.7 years to their lives over sedentary individuals.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of the world’s healthiest sport:
1. Physical Fitness
Tennis is a full-body workout involving running, pivoting, and lunging that improves cardiovascular health, agility, and endurance. Regular practice strengthens bones, enhances flexibility, and lowers the risk of heat disease. Even short sessions can increase your overall fitness and energy levels.
2. Mental Wellness
Tennis is also excellent for your brain and emotional well-being. It enhances memory and helps protect against age-related cognitive decline, and lowers stress, anxiety, and depression when practised regularly.
3. Social Connections
Tennis lessons and clubs provide opportunities to meet fellow learners and like-minded people. It encourages teamwork in doubles matches and builds rapport, creating a supportive and engaging environment.
4. Enjoy for life
Unlike some sports, tennis is gentle on the joints when practised correctly. The great thing about it is that it can be adapted to different skill levels. Whether you’re in your 20s, 60s or younger, anyone can enjoy the sport, making it a lifelong hobby that keeps you active and engaged for life.
5. Personal Growth and Confidence
Learning tennis can be a part of personal growth for some. Mastering the new skills, overcoming challenges, consistent practice, and developing new techniques build self-confidence and a sense of personal achievement.
In short, it's a great choice for anyone looking for a sport to keep them fit and healthy.
Ever thought about becoming a tennis trainer? Here’s why it might just be the best side gig for you.
Photo by Cristina Anne Costello on Unsplash.
What Should You Consider Before Buying a New Tennis Racquet?
“Which racquet should I choose?” “Should I get the most expensive one?” “Which brand is best for tennis?” These might be the questions that some of you are pondering upon.
With so many options on the market, here are a few tips to help you make a smart and worthwhile purchase.
a) Your budget
You might want to survey the current market price of the racquets before you march into a physical store or click the purchase button online.
There’s a racquet for every budget, so be sure to set a maximum budget before settling on which racquet to buy.
b) Your current level of skill
One of the main criteria you should pay attention to when buying a racquet is the weight of the racquet.
You need to know the maximum weight that you can withstand for your racquet. That's why beginners should invest in a lighter racquet.
You may refer to the table below to look at the 3 main tennis racquets and their differences.
| Power Racquet | Control Racquet | Tweener Racquet |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable for beginners and learners with smaller body frames. | Prioritizes control over power. Suitable for professional tennis/ advanced players. | Possess the quality of power and control racquet. Ideal for intermediate learners. |
| Oversized Racquet Head Size : Allows more space for hitting. | Small Racquet Head Size: Less power and aims to bring out exact strokes of player. | Middle Range Head Size. |
| Extended Length | Standard Length | Standard Length |
| Lightweight construction as the main weight is on the head of the racquet. | Overall weight is heavier to advance stability and reduce shock during hard swinging. | Mid Range Weight |
| Stiffer frames allow ball to rebound swiftly with less effort. | Frames are less stiff and more flexible. | Mid Range Frame Stiffness. |
Once you’ve got the right racquet in hand, you might be curious about the athletes who turned their passion into greatness. We’ve shared some inspiring stories of tennis athletes in another article—don’t miss it!
Why You Should Learn the Fundamentals of Tennis Playing Before Proceeding to Higher Levels?
You should be able to tell by now that beginner classes are crucial when you are learning tennis.
Though it can be picked up and played as a hobby, it is essentially a sport that can be physically demanding. You'll certainly need to take your tennis fundamentals seriously and progress step by step.
Here are some key reasons why you should take your beginner lessons seriously.
a) Have the right understanding of basic rules and the right types of equipment
For your first lesson, you will be taught about the right method of scoring and how to win most effectively.
You will also practice the proper technique to hold your racquet and serve the ball, as well as the basic information about the court lines and the tennis ball.
b) Prepare yourself physically
Don't be taken aback if your trainer asks you to run a few rounds or stretch your body before you start practising.
A tennis match is equivalent to a cardio workout in the gym.
If you are not accustomed to regular exercise, you should probably start by incorporating cardiovascular exercises into your spare time, such as cycling, swimming, and jogging.
Apart from that, knowing the right techniques to stretch your muscles will help you prevent injuries when you are playing. This is especially important as you progress to higher levels, where you’ll need to move around a larger court and perform more complex movements.
c) Familiarise yourself with various movements in courts
Footwork is an important element in many court games.
One of the footwork exercises that your trainer will certainly teach you is the split step.
A split step is a small hop that acts as a "spring" to propel you in different directions to hit the ball accurately and quickly from the opposing side.
It also helps you to keep your body in good balance and coordination throughout the game.
Common Mistakes Made by Beginners and How to Avoid Them
When starting tennis with little to no experience, it’s common to make a lot of mistakes. Unfortunately, this can be quite intimidating and perhaps demotivating to some. However, you must remember that the professional players made these mistakes and probably are still making these mistakes during matches and practices.
Knowing what the common mistakes are can help you pay attention and avoid them at all costs to speed up your progress. Here are some of the common mistakes to keep in mind:
- Mistake 1: Holding the racquet incorrectly
How to fix it: Learn the basic grips—Continental, Eastern Forehand, and Western Forehand and ensure you’re using the right grip. It might feel tricky at first, but don’t worry, watch some tutorials, and work with a trainer to practice the technique. - Mistake 2: Hitting the ball too low
How to fix it: Focus on swinging your racquet from the bottom to the top and follow through properly. This will help the ball pass through the net and land on your opponent’s side instead of hitting the net. - Mistake 3: Skipping warm-ups
How to fix it: With any sport, be sure to do a quick warm-up—stretches and light cardio to prepare your muscles and joints. Don’t forget to cool down afterwards to avoid any injury. - Mistake 4: Not Using Your Body Power
How to fix it: Don’t just rely on your arms. Use your legs, hips, and torso when you swing or serve. It makes your shots stronger and protects you from injuries. - Mistake 5: Neglecting footwork
How to fix it: Stay light on your feet! Shuffle side-to-side, move forward and back, and always return to your ready position. Good footwork keeps you balanced and ready. - Mistake 5: Overhitting instead of focusing on control
How to fix it: Hit the ball with proper technique, then start adding power once you feel comfortable. - Mistake 6: Not Keeping Your Eye on the Ball
How to fix it: Watch the ball all the way from your opponent’s racquet to yours. Practising with a ball machine can really help you practice tracking and reacting in time. - Mistake 7: Not Moving Your Feet
How to fix it: Keep moving! Footwork drills, jogging, and practice runs will help you always be in the right position to hit the ball. - Mistake 8: Using Too Much or Too Little Power
How to fix it: Focus on timing and smooth contact rather than swinging too hard. A controlled follow-through gives you the right amount of force naturally. - Mistake 9: Giving up too early
How to fix it: Progress in tennis takes time, and progress doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient, keep practising consistently, even at home. Don’t quit too soon. Building persistence now will help you develop long-term skills and avoid forming a habit of giving up. - Mistake 10: Playing While Injured
How to fix it: Never play with an injury. Take time to rest and recover fully from injuries to prevent them from worsening and ensure long-term enjoyment of tennis.
Looking for a tennis partner or a way to stay connected with the community? There are dedicated apps that can help—and we’ve highlighted them in this guide.
How to Practise Tennis Outside of the Court
While it’s exciting to play tennis on the court, it’s not always possible to get out there every day. Some days you might not be able to go to the court, and in those days, you can consistently keep up with your practice at home and sharpen your skills.
Here’s how you can practice tennis at home:
- Wall rallies: Get a ball and a wall. Start rallying against the wall, focusing on your backhand and forehand strokes. Add a target to work on shot accuracy, and remember to maintain proper technique throughout.
- Shadow swings: Practice on your technique and form by mimicking swings, serves, and movements in front of a mirror without a ball. If you can, record yourself while practising, and watch the recording later to identify the areas that need improvement.
- Footwork drills: Practice your footwork by placing markers on the floor and moving around them using different footwork patterns such as zigzags, shuffling sideways, and sprints. These drills help you improve balance, coordination and foot speed.
- Match Observation: Watch past matches on YouTube. Observe how the players move, hit and strategise. Write down the techniques or strategies that stand out to you.
- Mini Tennis Court
If you have the space inside your house or backyard, set up a mini tennis area with a portable net to simulate a real playing surface for your practice. You can also use a smaller racket (23 or 25 inches) to make the most of limited space. - Core & Strength Training
Work on squats, lunges, planks, and push-ups to strengthen your core. A strong core improves balance, endurance, and overall stability on the court. - YouTube video to the rescue
Keep your tennis brain active through instructional videos on YouTube. Learn techniques, footwork, and strategies from the pros, then apply them in your practice.
You don’t need a fancy setup at home to practice your skills. Even with simple setups, you can sharpen your skills and build strength.
Estimated Costs of Playing Tennis in Shah Alam
Tennis court rates in Shah Alam vary depending on location and whether you’re a member, because some of these places are reserved only for members. Here’s a rough guide. While these are certainly not the actual numbers, this could serve you as a reference before you get started:
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Public court rental | RM15–25/hour |
| Private club court | RM30–60/hour |
| Group lessons | RM60–90 per session |
| Private lessons | RM80–150/hour |
| Basic racquet | RM100–300 |
| Tennis balls (3-pack) | RM15–25 per 3-pack, depending on brand |
Disclaimer: The prices provided are estimates based on publicly available information from selected websites that list their rates. Actual prices in Shah Alam may vary depending on location, facilities, instructors, and season. It’s recommended to confirm directly with the venue or provider for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing details.
Did you know that Malaysia hosts several notable tennis events? While tennis may not be as popular as badminton, it’s certainly gaining momentum. Don’t miss out on these events!
How to Choose the Right Tennis Trainer for Your Needs
Finding the right trainer can make learning tennis more enjoyable and effective. You might be wondering what you should be looking for when choosing a trainer who will help you achieve your goals. We’ve rounded up some important things that you need to keep in mind when selecting your trainer. Here they are:
- Qualifications: Look for trainers with PTR, ITF, or LTAM certification. They indicate proper training in coaching methods.
- Experience & Track Record – Beyond formal certification, an experienced Malaysian trainer should have experience coaching students of your age or skill level, and ideally a record of helping students progress effectively. Ideally, they should also have a proven record of assisting students in developing new skills, improving their strategies, and staying motivated throughout the training programme.
- Teaching style: Everyone progresses differently. Some students prefer energetic, motivating trainers, while others thrive with calm, step-by-step guidance. A trial lesson helps you see if the trainer is a good fit.
- Lesson type: Private lessons offer one-to-one classes, while group lessons are generally social, enjoyable and affordable.
Wondering about what to expect in your very first class? We’ve got it covered here.
How To Maximise Your Tennis Learning Experience With A Superprof Tutor?
Given that there are many places to learn tennis as a beginner in Malaysia, you might want to explore a different learning alternative that is more flexible and personalised for you.
After all, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all method when it comes to effective skill development, especially if it is something new to you.
Likewise, the same principle applies to those who are searching for a personal tennis tutor.
It is important to not only identify what interests you but also what works for you in the long run.
For instance, you may prefer to practice tennis with a student tutor because you just want a sparring partner, or you prefer an affordable rate and a slightly casual learning environment.
You might also want to explore online lessons when your schedule gets too hectic or when it's inconvenient to have physical lessons.
This is where Superprof comes into the picture.
1. Superprof provides a selection of tennis tutors according to location, hourly rate, teaching qualification and methodology.
Superprof acts as an effective bridge that connects passionate tutors and motivated learners from various parts of the world.
You can easily browse and filter your tutor selection based on your personal preferences by reviewing the verified information on the tutor's profile.
The choice is entirely in your hands!
2. Superprof allows you to take private physical lessons, online lessons or even both.
Superprof is an advocate for flexible and blended learning. This platform aims to bring the best learning experience to you, whenever and wherever you want.
Do look out for tennis tutors who offer both physical lessons and online lessons.
Having said that, you can even take multiple lessons from different tutors at the same time, if you can afford them.
In general, online lessons are cheaper than physical lessons. You can also easily schedule your lessons with your tutor to a different time if something happens at the last minute.
3. It is safe and FREE to sign up and connect with a tennis tutor.
Unlike most tennis academies or other tutoring sites that require you to commit a certain fee to engage with your tutors, you can create a student profile for free on Superprof and contact your desired tutor via his/her profile easily.
You can register via your Facebook, Google or email account.
Payment details will only be finalised between you and your tutor after the confirmation of your first and subsequent lessons.
Now that you know how to pick the right racquet, the importance of having a solid beginner's lesson, and the places and platforms offering tennis classes in Shah Alam, it's time to take the next step!
Whether it is a physical or online lesson, remember that you can get the best out of your learning experience. Head to Superprof for the perfect head start to master tennis!
Tennis is a moving experience. It’s more than just hitting a ball. -Martina Navratilova
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Hi I’m looking for a tennis coach to teach privately in Seksyen 13 KGSAAS. Any recommendations ？thanks
Hi Brian! Thank you for your comment :) You can send us an email at hellomalaysia@superprof.com and detail your requirements for a tennis coach and we will see what we can do to help you :)
Hello, my name is Tacha. Im interested in playing tennis but i have no information about it. Could you please send me the information via my email. Thanks!