Michael’s Second Chance
“I’m 45 years old and I’ve never been good at sports. Is it too late to learn tennis?”
That’s what Michael asked me during our phone consultation last spring. His voice carried a mix
of hope and embarrassment.
I told him what I tell every adult who asks this question: “The best time to start was 20 years ago.
The second-best time is today.”
Michael showed up to his first lesson in brand-new tennis shoes, cargo shorts (not ideal, but we’d
work on that), and the nervous energy of someone doing something brave. He’d watched YouTube videos,
read articles, and was convinced he’d be terrible.
Here’s what happened instead: Within three months, Michael was rallying comfortably. Within six months,
he joined our Saturday morning group. Last month, he won his first recreational league match. He called
me afterward, breathless and laughing: “Olga, I can’t believe I almost didn’t try this.”
Teaching adults is different from teaching kids—and honestly, it’s one of my favorite things to do.
Adults come to me with decades of self-doubt, apologizing before they even swing the racket. But they
also come with motivation, discipline, and the life experience to appreciate how special it is to learn
something completely new.
Why Adults Say They Can’t Learn Tennis (And Why They’re Wrong)
“I’m too old.” I’ve taught tennis to people in their 60s and 70s. One of my students
started at 68 and now plays twice a week. Age is just a number—what matters is willingness to learn.
“I’m not athletic.” Tennis isn’t about being naturally gifted. It’s about technique,
strategy, and practice. I can teach you proper form that makes up for strength. I can teach you court
positioning that compensates for speed. You don’t need to be an athlete—you need a patient coach.
“I’ll look stupid.” You won’t. Every single person on a tennis court was once a beginner.
And in my lessons, you’re surrounded by people learning just like you—or it’s just you and me, with zero judgment.
The truth? Adults often learn faster than kids because they understand concepts, ask better questions,
and practice more deliberately. You have advantages you don’t even realize yet.
How I Teach Adults (Hint: Differently)
🎓 Explanation + Demonstration
Adults want to understand the “why.” So I explain the biomechanics, the strategy, the reasoning
behind every technique. You’re not just mimicking movements—you’re learning the game intellectually
and physically.
I demonstrate every stroke, show you common mistakes, and explain exactly what we’re trying to achieve.
No mystery, no “just do it this way because I said so.”

💪 Building From Your Current Fitness
Not everyone comes to me in peak physical condition—and that’s completely fine. We work within your
current abilities and gradually build stamina, mobility, and strength through tennis itself.
Knee issues? Back problems? I modify drills and teach you techniques that protect your body while
still improving your game. Tennis should make you healthier, not hurt you.
🎯 Goal-Oriented Approach
What do you want from tennis? Social connection? Fitness? Competition? Stress relief? We design
your lessons around YOUR goals, not some one-size-fits-all curriculum.
Some students want to play casually with friends. Others want to join leagues. Some just want
cardio that doesn’t feel like a treadmill. All of these are valid—and we’ll structure your lessons
accordingly.
⏰ Flexible, Realistic Scheduling
You have a job, family, responsibilities. I get it. We find a schedule that works for YOUR life—
early mornings, lunch breaks, evenings, weekends. Consistency matters more than frequency.
Can’t commit to the same time every week? That’s okay too. We’ll book lessons when you can make them,
and I’ll send you practice drills you can do on your own between sessions.
What Tennis Does For Adults (Beyond the Obvious)
🧠 Mental Sharpness
Tennis is chess at 60 mph. You’re constantly reading your opponent, adjusting strategy, making
split-second decisions. My students tell me they feel mentally sharper in their work and daily life.
❤️ Full-Body Fitness
Cardio, strength, flexibility, balance—tennis works everything. But unlike the gym, you’re so focused
on the game that you forget you’re exercising. That’s the secret to sustainable fitness.
🤝 Social Connection
Tennis creates instant community. Join my group lessons and you’ll have training partners. Join a local
league and you’ll have a social circle. Adults need friendship just as much as kids do.
😌 Stress Relief
There’s something deeply satisfying about hitting a tennis ball. Bad day at work? Take it out on the court.
My students say tennis is cheaper than therapy—and more fun.
🏆 Achievable Progress
Unlike many adult pursuits, tennis gives you tangible progress. You’ll see improvement week by week:
longer rallies, better serves, winning games. That feeling of accomplishment is addictive in the best way.
👨👩👧👦 Family Activity
Learn tennis as an adult, and suddenly you can play with your kids, your spouse, your friends.
It becomes something you do together, not just something you watch on TV.
Lesson Options & Pricing
Private Lessons
- One-on-one personalized instruction
- Flexible scheduling (early morning, evening, weekends)
- Customized to your goals and fitness level
- Perfect for complete beginners or skill refinement
- Video analysis available upon request
Adult Group Lessons
- Maximum 4 adults per group
- Grouped by skill level (beginner, intermediate)
- Great for social connection + learning
- Meet training partners and future opponents
- Still plenty of individual attention
Partner Package
- Perfect for couples or friends
- Learn together, practice together
- Shared drills + partner play
- More affordable than two privates
- Built-in training partner
What My Adult Students Say
“I’m 52 and never played a racket sport in my life. Olga made me feel comfortable from day one.
Six months in, I’m playing in a local league and having the time of my life. Wish I’d started sooner!”
“I played tennis in high school 30 years ago and wanted to pick it back up. Olga helped me unlearn
bad habits and rebuild my game. I’m playing better now than I did as a teenager.”
“As someone who’s never been athletic, I was terrified to start. Olga is patient, encouraging,
and never makes you feel stupid for asking questions. Tennis has become my favorite part of the week.”
