Tennis is a unique, fast-paced sport that blends athletic skill, mental discipline, and personal growth. It’s played by people of all ages and all over the world, and it’s one of the few sports that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Whether your child is five or fifteen, just starting or already competing, understanding the basics of tennis will help you better support their development, communicate with coaches, and stay engaged in their journey.

 What Is Tennis?

Tennis is a racket sport where players hit a ball back and forth over a net, aiming to score points by hitting the ball into the opponent’s side of the court in a way that can’t be returned. It can be played as:

Singles: One player per side

Doubles: Two players per side

The game is often played outdoors or indoors on courts made of hard, clay, or grass surfaces.

 Basic Structure of Play

A tennis match is made up of:

Points → make up a Game
Games → make up a Set
Sets → make up a Match

The first player to win 4 points (with a 2-point lead) wins a game. Win 6 games (with a 2-game lead), and you win a set. Most matches are best of 3 sets.

While this scoring system may seem unusual at first, it becomes second nature over time, and it teaches young players how to handle pressure, momentum swings, and close competition.

 Why Tennis Is Great for Kids

Tennis develops the whole athlete:

Physically, it builds speed, strength, agility, and endurance.
Mentally, it sharpens focus, problem-solving, and emotional control.
Personally, it teaches responsibility, sportsmanship, and goal-setting.

Because tennis is an individual sport, players constantly learn how to make decisions, manage emotions, and take ownership of their performance—all of which help them grow on and off the court.

 How Kids Learn the Game

Most children begin tennis through fun, structured clinics, lessons, or camps. The learning process is made easier with:

Scaled Equipment (lighter racquets, slower balls)
Smaller Courts (age-appropriate sizes)
Game-Based Learning that emphasizes rallying, movement, and fun

See ROGY Tennis

Early on, the goal is not winning but learning how to play, improve, and love the game.

Tennis as a Journey

One of the best things about tennis is that there’s always room to grow. From beginner to competitive player, from recreational fun to serious training, tennis evolves with your child.

At FOFTA, we see tennis as a platform for athletic development and the building of character, confidence, and perseverance.

This brief overview is just the beginning. In the other sections of Tennis 101, we’ll guide you through the key areas of player development and how you, as a parent, can play an informed and encouraging role along the way.

Back To Parents Guide To Understanding Tennis