Want to learn to play tennis and unlock a sport you can enjoy for life? You’ll discover more than just a game because tennis offers a fun, full-body workout, sharpens your mind, and can be enjoyed at any age or skill level.
Malaysia made history when Imran Daniel Abdul Hazli, who developed his skills from a young age, stunned the tennis world by winning two singles titles at the World Junior Tennis Masters in Turkey in 2015.
Yeap, Malaysia has its own tennis stars who made headlines globally, and Imran is one of them. But Imran’s story tells us two things:
1. Tennis can be learnt and mastered from a young age.
2. Age is just a number when it comes to setting a world record.
That’s the beauty of sports. Many local and global athletes started their journey at a young age, but tennis isn’t just for future champions. Whether you’re picking up a racquet for the first time as a child, teenager, adult or senior adult, the game offers endless opportunities to challenge yourself, stay active, and connect with others.
Having said that, even if you are not learning or playing tennis competitively, you can still enjoy it as a hobby and recreational sport.
Source: Kosmo
Where To Learn And Play Tennis In Ipoh?
If you are looking for a tennis class near you in Ipoh, here are a few places that you can consider.
i. Temasek Tennis Ipoh
If you are a parent with young kids who are interested to learn tennis, you will not want to miss this!
Temasek Tennis Ipoh specialises in group tennis programmes for children (from the age of 5 to 16). Usual training will be held at the MBI Tennis Court near Taman Canning.
Their coached programme runs on weekends (Saturday and Sunday, 8 AM to 10 AM).
Apart from that, the programme sessions include collaborations with different schools through roadshows, competitions and interesting tennis development programmes to educate students about the art of playing tennis.
Some of the schools that have participated include:
- Tenby International Schools
- SK Seri Kinta
- SK Marian Convent
- SMK MGS
- SK Seri Ampang
- SK La Salle
- SK St Michael
- SK Sungai Raya
- SK Convent
- SK ACS
Find them on Facebook for more details.
ii. Meru Valley Resort
Looking for private tennis classes for adults or junior tennis players, and fancy a practice ground with beautiful greenery surrounding you?
You can head over to Meru Valley Resort (located at Jalan Bukit Meru) for personalised coaching from Coach Jeff.
There is no fixed practice schedule, and it's entirely up to you to decide when you want to take your classes.
Your classes will be planned and conducted according to your level (absolute beginner, amateur or seasoned player) and pace.
Both individual and group classes (ranging from 2 to 4 people) are available.
Check the rates for individual and group classes through their website!
iii. Arena Tenis Perak
This tennis court in Ipoh has good reviews for its well-maintained facilities at affordable prices. Reviewers have praised the venue for its amenities and ample parking for people who want to practice their skills.
There’s no contact information listed online, but if you live nearby, you can visit to find out more.
Address: Kompleks Sukan Ipoh, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
iv. Padel Perak @ Hugh's Racquet Club
Padel Perak was established by enthusiastic tennis players, bringing the sport to Perak. It has since become popular among locals. The club offers world-class facilities and expert coaching.
Pricing:
Non-peak hours (before 5 PM, weekdays): RM 80/hour
Peak hours (after 5 PM, weekdays): RM 100/hour
Weekends: RM 100/hour
Racquet Rental: RM 10/hour (for adults and juniors)
Website: Book here
v. Royal Perak Golf Club (RPGC)
RPGC has approximately 5 tennis courts here. Online sources say that you can access the facilities at RPGC in Ipoh without being a member. Coaching services are also available for players at various skill levels. Just contact them to inquire about bookings and lessons.
Phone: 60-5-5473266
Website: RPGC
vi. YMCA Ipoh
YMCA Ipoh offers six tennis courts: three grass and three hard. It’s a great place to enjoy quality time with friends or family. Call ahead to reserve your spot.
Phone: +6(05) 2540809
vii. Ipoh Swimming Club (ISC)
Don’t get fooled by the name. ISC has more than a swimming pool—ISC offers much more than just a swimming pool. The club has tennis, badminton, and squash courts, along with other facilities for members to enjoy.
If you live in Ipoh and want regular access, consider becoming a member, as their facilities are exclusive to members. Call them directly to learn more about membership options and available amenities.
Phone: +6(05) 254 4176
Website: ISC
viii. Superprof
Last but not least on the list is Superprof—a one-stop platform where you can browse tennis coaches without leaving the house!
Superprof allows you to have the best of both worlds by offering you the option to take physical or online classes!
Through Superprof, you can connect with tennis tutors from different cities in Malaysia, as well as tennis teachers from other countries, too!
It is super cost-effective and convenient to learn and master tennis with a Superprof tutor!
Some tennis tutors offer their first lesson for FREE, so remember to confirm that via their profiles too.
You can find a tutor who matches your current level and preference by just browsing and comparing the tutor profiles on the Superprof website.
All tutors' profiles are verified and updated with the following information:
- Lesson methodology and mode of teaching
- Hourly rate
- Current number of students
- Response time
- Basic biodata of the tennis tutor
- Teaching/coaching experience
- Languages used during lessons
- Taught levels (Beginner to Pro)
- Recommendations and reviews from previous students
- Demonstration video of teaching/playing of the tutor
After deciding on the right tutor for you, you can then proceed to contact the tutor directly to arrange for your classes and payment details.
Thinking about buying a new racquet? Not sure where to start? This article breaks down everything you need to know before making your choice!
Why You Should Pick Up Tennis as a Hobby Regardless of Your Age?
Tennis is one of the world’s most popular lifelong sports, which brings together players of all levels in an encouraging and progressive environment. Whether you’re joining a casual match at the park in your neighbourhood, attending coached sessions, or signing up for a structured programme, tennis makes it easy to stay fit, social, and motivated.
No matter the season, from autumn to December, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to join sessions, connect with others, and keep developing your skills.
Here are a few good reasons why you should consider tennis as a recreational sport.
- It keeps us physically and mentally agile
There is no such thing as staying put when you are playing tennis. You'll be running, stretching, and even jumping when you are keeping the ball rolling throughout the rallies.
When you are in action, your whole body will be moving, which explains why this is a great workout. It serves as a good exercise to enhance your flexibility, muscle strength and reaction time.
At the same time, don't forget that it's also a strategic game. You'll learn to analyse your opponent's strengths and weaknesses and adapt to different playing styles.
It helps you to focus on the action of getting the ball across and also promotes teamwork when playing doubles with a partner.
- It only takes another person for you to play
There is no age limit when it comes to tennis. A young adult can match up with a kid, and a male can team up with a female, as long as they are of similar skill levels. Fortunately, you do not need to worry about needing a group to get started.
- It can be played throughout the year indoors and outdoors on courts
Given that there are various indoor and outdoor tennis courts in Malaysia, all you need to do is just book one. Yes, it's as simple as that!
Rain or shine, it does not deter you from having the best experience with your friends. Whether it’s at a park or a sports complex, rain or shine does not deter you from having the best and fun experience with your friends. You can play whenever you want as long as you have your racquets, portable net and balls ready.
At this point, we’re sure that you may be curious about the health benefits of this activity. Discover them here!
How Can You Learn To Play Tennis Through Online Courses?
You'll be surprised to know that there are many tennis learning resources online that you can watch and refer to these days. Here are some recommendations
1. Masterclass With Serena Williams
Many of you would be familiar with this streaming platform that offers extensive video lessons on various topics.
Under the category of sports and gaming, you can take a private tennis lesson from the legend herself, Serena Williams.
This masterclass consists of 9 video lessons (duration: 2 hours).
You will follow a systematic and detailed lesson plan which includes topics such as :
1. Introduction - Focus and Desire
2. Groundstrokes I
3. Mastering groundstrokes
4. Controlling The Court
5. Mental Toughness
6. Advanced Net Play
7. Training Like A Pro
8. Preparing For A Game Day
9. Making of A Winner
10. Mastering The Serve
Ever wondered what your role models are like up close? We’ve gathered some fun facts about them just for you — and yes, Serena is in the list too! Don’t miss out, read them here!
2. Tennis 101: How to Play Tennis (Udemy)
Created by Coach Adrian Gonzales, this online tennis course is extremely student-friendly and affordable.
The whole course is only RM219.90 (check for sale or discount for a reduced price), and you will be granted full lifetime access and a certificate of completion once you have finished the course.
You can even gift this course to someone who is interested to learn tennis as a beginner.
This course consists of 12 sections and 46 lectures as shown in the table below.
| Lecture Title | Number of lectures |
|---|---|
| The Warm-Up | 5 |
| Tennis Grips | 1 |
| Tennis Forms | 7 |
| Beginner Forehand | 4 |
| Beginner Backhand (Two-Handed) | 2 |
| Beginner Serve | 4 |
| Beginner Volleys | 5 |
| Intermediate Forehand and Backhand | 4 |
| Intermediate Serve | 3 |
| Intermediate Volleys | 4 |
| One-Handed Backhand Slice | 4 |
| Extra Tips And Content | 3 |
3. The Tennis Gate Online Academy
With over 1,500 premium videos about tennis, you will certainly get lots of input and information from The Tennis Gate Online Academy [Education Library].
You can use the keywords below to navigate the online site and watch the videos that will help you to be better, regardless of your level.
- Functional Fitness (to improve your movements as an athlete)
- Pros Analysis (compare and review how top players master each action on the ground)
- Mental (enables you to create a strong and stable mental state to perform consistently to your best ability)
- Drills (learn the tools and effective ways to enhance your regular practices and performances)
- Techniques (covers all technical skills, including serving, volley, forehand, backhand, and basic return)
- Tactics (educating you on ways to play smart instead of playing hard during different/difficult situations)
Want to develop new skills at no cost? Explore this guide to discover the memorable & inspiring documentaries and movies.
What to Pay Attention to Improve Your Tennis Skills?
Now that you have begun your practice, you will be encouraged and motivated to become better at it. Use the suggestions below to elevate your game.
a) Enhance your fitness by exercising
You'll certainly want to be the last man/woman standing to achieve victory whenever you are playing on the court.
Let's face it. You need to train your body to listen to you so that you can move faster and hit the ball stronger across the courts accurately.
To achieve that, you can start off by running consistently, doing some weight training and even Zumba to relax and stretch your muscles.
When you develop an exercise routine, you will instantly feel a difference in terms of your stamina and strength in the long run. This will also encourage progressive development in your range of skills.
b) Talk to your tennis tutor/coach about your strengths and weaknesses
In between practice, make sure to pay attention to your tennis tutor's feedback on your progress.
Sometimes you may not notice recurring mistakes during the rallies. Your tutor would be able to pinpoint them and guide you effectively so that you can progress in the next round. For instance, you find that it's difficult to play near the net. Your tutor will then help you by demonstrating or giving you more drill exercises to improve your serves near the net.
c) Play with various groups of tennis players
They say that experience makes the best teacher. Seize every opportunity to practice with new people and various age groups. You'll be surprised to see that many people have different styles and techniques.
From there, you might get some free tips to improve and even form a new friend or two. Some of them might even end up as your tennis buddy in the future.
Did you know nutrition has a big role in this sport? Yes, the way you fuel your body affects your performance, recovery, and even injury prevention. Read our full guide to learn more.
Beginner vs. Intermediate — What’s the Difference?
According to the USTA’s National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP), players are rated on a scale from 1.0 to 7.0. Here’s where beginner and intermediate levels fit in:
- Beginner (2.0–2.5): Still learning the basics, working on consistency, proper grips, and positioning.
- Advanced Beginner (2.5–3.0): Can rally briefly, understands scoring, and serves with basic control.
- Intermediate (3.0–3.5): Rallies consistently, controls shot direction, applies topspin, and recovers position well. At this stage, players also start playing structured singles and doubles matches.
Reaching a 3.0–3.5 rating is widely considered the intermediate milestone for adult tennis players.
How Long Does It Take?
According to Tennis Prime, it depends heavily on your practice habits and commitment. Here’s their rough guide for reaching a 3.0 rating:
| Weekly Tennis Time | Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|
| 1 hour/week | 18–24 months |
| 2–3 hours/week | 8–12 months |
| 4–6 hours/week | 4–6 months |
These are the estimates, assuming that you’re training involves a mixture of lessons, match play, and solo practice targeting technique and improvement.
Does Age Matter?
This is an interesting point to look at because apparently, age CAN affect how quickly you progress, your fitness and your recovery speed. This is also why many professional athletes retire relatively young, you see.
- 20s–30s: Fastest progress; possible to reach intermediate level in 3–6 months.
- 40s–50s: Steady improvement with 6–12 months of regular practice.
- 60+: Extra focus on mobility and recovery; 12–18 months is realistic with consistent practice.
Regardless of your age, learning tennis as an adult is achievable. Age is not a barrier—commitment and consistent practice are what truly matter in this sport.
Building better stamina can make a huge difference at any age. Discover the secret to lasting energy and enjoy every session without worry!
Essential Drills to Speed Up Your Tennis Progress
Improving in tennis isn’t just about hitting more balls; it’s also about training smart. These targeted drills can help sharpen your technique, boost your agility, and prepare you for a real match.
1. Footwork and Agility
- Agility Ladder Drills: Step in and out of the ladder’s spaces to develop quick feet, better coordination, and court speed.
- Lateral Shuffles: Move side-to-side efficiently to cover ground without losing balance.
- Jump Rope: Build stamina and foot speed to mirror the quick bursts of movement.
- Shadow Drills: Simulate match footwork for specific shots, reinforcing muscle memory.
- Crossover & Cross-Behind Steps: Master lateral transitions to chase down wide shots.
- React and Return Drill: Train your reaction speed by responding to cues, then recovering to the centre court.
2. Speed and Stamina
- Quick Sprints: Dash between court lines to improve acceleration and endurance.
- High Knees: Boost explosiveness for those first crucial steps.
- Fast Feet: Rapid foot taps to increase agility and reaction time.
- Chasing Steps (Pas Chassé): Controlled sideways movement for better lateral coverage.
3. Advanced Drills & Game-Like Situations
- Progressive Ball Feeds: Begin with slower feeds, then increase speed and complexity to replicate a match’s intensity.
- Rallies: Move from gentle exchanges to directional or cross-court rallies to improve adaptability.
- Game-Based Drills: Practice intercepting balls, hitting targets, or reacting to specific shot types under pressure.
- Balance & Recovery: Stay stable after each shot, ready for the next play.
4. Mental Aspects
- Anticipation: Learn to read your opponent’s shot and position yourself early.
- Stay on Your Toes: Maintain a ready position so you can react instantly.
By combining these drills into your weekly practice, you’ll build not just skill, but the speed, balance, and mental sharpness needed for confident, competitive play. This isn’t the only “best” set of drills to get you up to speed, but it’s a solid reference to start from. We always recommend consulting with your coach to tailor the drills to your specific needs and goals.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make in Tennis
Mistakes are common for beginners in any sport, but learning from them is crucial to avoid falling into a downward spiral. Understanding some of the most common mistakes can help you steer clear of them and accelerate your progress in the sport.
- Not competing with the right player: Find a player who is not way above or below your level. Compete with players close to your skill level for steady improvement.
- Gripping Too Tightly: Leads to tension, discomfort, and reduced control.
- Neglecting Footwork: Good strokes don’t matter if your footwork is out of position.
- Skipping Warm-Ups/Cool-Downs: Raises your risk of injury and slows recovery.
- Rushing Your Shots: Perfect your form first. Speed and power will follow naturally.
- Using Only Your Arms: Power comes from your whole body, legs, hips, and torso. Not just your arms.
Tackling the Mental Side of Tennis
If it’s not obvious yet, tennis is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. That’s why this is an all-rounder sport where it puts both your mind and body to work. To see progress in your training, you need to focus on the mental side. Here’s how to keep your head in the game:
- Celebrate small wins – Progress isn’t always linear. So, celebrate your wins even though they are small, like longer rallies or fewer double faults.
- Fear of Competition – Start with friendly rallies before moving into formal matches.
- Focus on progress, not perfection – Focus on improvement over perfection. Even professionals miss shots and lose games. You will learn from your mistakes, so your goal is steady growth.
- Comparing Yourself to Others – Your journey is unique. Measure your progress against your past self, not anybody else.
- Letting go of mistakes quickly – Everyone makes mistakes during their learning period. Take a deep breath, reset, and keep going.
- Enjoying the game – Have fun! Laugh at the funny rallies, enjoy the challenge, and build meaningful connections with other tennis players. Remember that every player started where you are now.
Quick mental reset trick:
When you feel nervous or frustrated, pause and try the 4-4-4 breathing method: inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 seconds. It helps calm your mind so you can focus on your training.
Apps That Can Be Useful For You
These are some of the apps available in Malaysia:
- TennisCall – A local platform designed to help players find their partners across the country.
- Global Tennis Network (GTN) – This is a community that brings together every tennis enthusiast from all over Malaysia. Right now, they have 184,744 players!
- RacketPal – A matchmaking app, but for racquet sports, active in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia. This app helps you connect with nearby tennis, badminton, squash and padel players; book courts, and even find coaches.
Pro Tip: Keep a simple tennis journal where you jot down what went well and what to work on after each session—it can be surprisingly effective.
Do you use any other apps? Don’t keep it to yourself, share with us in the comments!
That’s all for this guide. Thanks for sticking with us!
Regardless of your level, you’ll find a tutor on Superprof who can support learners at every level. Our classes start from as low as RM 50 (prices may vary depending on the tutor), making it accessible for every budget.
There’s no pressure to commit right away—you can chat with tutors, share your learning goals, and ask questions before booking. Our tutors respond quickly (usually under 6 hours), and most of them even offer the first class for FREE!
Your learning journey starts here—why wait? Let’s close with an inspiring thought from a world champion.
What makes something special is not just what you have to gain, but what you feel there is to lose.” - Andre Agassi
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